Description

Ken McNabb Certification Programs:

There are three levels in the Ken McNabb horse training certification program. They are Apprentice, Journeyman and Master Trainer. In order to complete the full program, one must participate in all three levels of training, but this not required. I am VERY excited to offer this program in my hometown of Lovell, Wyoming at the base of the Bighorn Mountains and look forward to welcoming you! The clinic will be hosted outdoors at the Lovell Rodeo Club Arena, a wonderful facility that we enjoy riding at often.

You may bring your own horses or use ours without any additional charge at the Apprentice and Journeyman levels. ALL MASTER Trainers must bring and utilize their own horses to pass this level. Pens, hay & shavings are included in the program located at the Lovell Rodeo Club Arena in Lovell, Wyoming. We recommend that you bring your own saddle that you are experienced and comfortable riding in. If you need a saddle or horses please email or call the office, mcnabbdeedee@gmail.com.

Accommodations/ Meals are your responsibility. The Horseshoe Bend Motel is located right in Lovell and has beautiful/clean recently renovated rooms. If booked for and paid by the end of February winter rate discounts will be applied to your stay. (307) 548-2221 | horseshoebendmotel.com

The Travelodge by Wyndham Lovell/Bighorns is less than 10 minutes from the arena and features both available rooms and an RV park. RV sites have full hookups/ wifi and an available bathhouse for $35 per night + tax. It is noted that their summer season does get busier with tourist traffic and you will want to book early to secure your spot. Room rates are subject to change- manager said that if you mention you are coming for 3 weeks they would try their very best to accommodate a fair price. The Travelodge does partner with the local Mustang Cafe to offer a breakfast discount to any guests. (307) 548-2725

The Cattleman Inn located right in Lovell does have 2 apartment style rooms that have a kitchen included and also a bigger house available for booking. (307) 548-2140 | https://www.cattlemeninn.com/

You are also more than welcome to research other lodging options. Lovell does have a handful of hotel options and you can look at surrounding areas if you are willing to drive a little bit.

There are plenty of local places to choose to eat as well as a grocery store in town. We will break each day for an hour lunch and you are welcome to cookout at your RV sites, pack a lunch and eat at the rodeo grounds or visit a local cafe.

Nearest airports to fly into are Billings, MT or Cody, WY for those of you who are not driving.

Apprentice

Participants in the apprenticeship program will complete fifteen days of training. You will work with three different horses ranging in training levels from well-started to well-broke. You will master the Ken McNabb method of training in areas such as round pen basics, advanced ground work and leading and lunging at liberty. You will work on basics to the bridle, understanding softness and flexion in your horse’s head, neck, shoulders, ribcage and hindquarters. You will master teaching your horse confidence on the trail in both a versatility trail course and the extreme trail course. We will cover riding with balance and feel, the art of using your hands, seat and legs to communicate with you horse. You will learn and develop incredible stops and lateral movement and begin the process of creating a finished horse. You will have classroom time in equine psychology and equine conformation, hoof care and basic at-home vet care. This program also includes hours and hours of beautiful riding on the ranch in both the trail and ranch settings. You will walk away from the apprenticeship program with the tools to understand your own horse like never before or to begin developing your own training business. This session is not tested, but is the foundation and introduction to Ken McNabb methods of horse training. Participants at this level will receive a participation certificate or plaque.
*This is the oldest, in-house 3 week apprenticeship program in the country.

Journeyman

This is a life changing experience that 100’s of trainers have used to launch their own business.
Participants in the Journeyman Trainer Program will complete a second segment of fifteen days of training. This session is tested with both a written and a practical or physical test. This 3 Week Program is designed to bring you closer to a finished trainer than you have ever been. You are going to step up your game with the philosophy (if you want to ride finished horses then you have to ride your horses finished).
We will be covering advanced level maneuvers that will include everything from soft transitions, to collected stops and simple lead changes. From colt starting to a confident trail horse. You will gain a firm understanding of bits and how to decide when and where to use them. Saddle fit and padding will be covered at length.
When this program is over you will understand how to attain complete body control. You will be tested on the following: Your un-broke must be rideable outside of the round-pen at a walk, trot, and lope. Turn, stop, back and cross obstacles. Your 2 broke horses must stop fluidly on their hindquarters, turn a fluid 360 pivot, a fluid one handed side pass, simple lead changes and lope the haunches in. There is also a written test on theory and psychology. All aspects of the journeyman requirements must be met and pass the test in order to receive a plaque of completion. In the unlikely event that a student should fail the test they are allowed to study, practice and retest two more additional times at no extra cost.

Master Trainer

The Master Certification Trainer Program may be completed within a maximum time of two years from the date of their Journeyman test. Participants in the Master Certification Trainer Program must have successfully completed the Journeyman level to be eligible. The Master Certification Trainer Program is designed to take the professional trainer to the next level. This program teaches a level of horsemanship that would normally take a life time to learn and open the door to new adventure in horsemanship. You will master finish, understand balance and timing. Use collection to achieve balance and timing, and understand stride and how to control it. Once you have mastered these concepts there is no stopping you in your horsemanship pursuits.
Some of the requirements for completion of the Master Trainer Program are: speed transitions, canter departures, correct, simple and flying lead changes, rollbacks and spins, stops, one handed riding and loping a true side-pass/ half pass. After passing the written exam and physical test you must also help teach two – 3 day clinics with Ken as an assistant trainer.
Trainers successfully completing this level can be added to the Ken McNabb reference list and will be allowed to use Ken’s endorsement with prior approval.
In order to maintain the Master Certification Trainer level you are required to ride in a 3 day clinic* with Ken at your convenience once every two years. ALL STUDENTS testing at the Master level must bring their own horses.

Each program level is $4,500. To hold your class a deposit of ½ or $2,250.00 is required and can be paid with credit card online or you may call the office. You may choose the option to mail a check to Ken McNabb Horsemanship PO Box 454, Lovell WY 82431. Please email mcnabbdeedee@gmail.com and let us know you have mailed a check so we are holding your spot. Thank you!

*Please note all deposits as of 10/10/2022 are NON-REFUNDABLE with the exception of a medical emergency (for people not animals)- in this case, a signed document must be sent to our office from your doctor.

Since this clinic is located in my hometown- I also send out a special invitation for you to join us at my Dad’s church, Lovell Bible Church for Sunday service! The church always has a coffee/ donut fellowship time before service, so be sure to set your alarms and come on over.

Thank you!