Description
Cook Forest 5-Day Trail Clinic & Camping
August 21-25, 2023
Have you ever envisioned you and your horse riding the beautiful Fall-colored trails of the East, watering out of cool spring-fed streams along the way? I’ve got just the clinic for you! Hosted at Cook Forest Scenic Trail Ride, Dude Ranch & Horse Campground in Clarion, Pennsylvania, I am excited to bring you a 5-Day Trail Rider’s Clinic! This clinic will appeal to anyone wanting to create a better relationship with their horse and improve their horsemanship through arena lessons, obstacle course challenges and miles of trails in the Pennsylvania hills.
WHAT WILL THE WEEK CONSIST OF? Each day Ken will cover arena exercises designed to improve communication between horse & rider, achieve softness & body control, and prepare horses and riders for “real world” situations. Riders will also receive instruction on how to improve their seat and balance, how to offer clearer and more consistent cues, how to achieve smoother transitions between gaits, and MORE. Throughout the week, riders will also have access to an outdoor obstacle course, which will allow for opportunities to work on overcoming “spooky obstacles,” and building rider/horse confidence. Each day, our clinic group will hit the trails (guided by Ken) to put lessons into action, and to simply enjoy the beautiful scenery and great company!
ABOUT THE LOCATION: The camp sits in Northwestern PA, on the Southern borders of the Allegheny National Forest. When riding it is common to see some wildlife. Bear, turkey, deer, and many other species roam the hillsides on a regular basis. **Don’t forget your camera for these special occasions of wildlife experiences & picturesque landscapes.
CLINIC COSTS? The week-long clinic is $1,500.00 per rider. This is NOT an all-inclusive trip. Lodging, meals, & stalling are the rider’s responsibility.
LODGING: Cook Forest Campground covers 32 acres of woodlands laid out in nice shady areas for the convenience of horses and people. There are over 80+ RV hookups offered which include electric, water, sewer for $29.00 per night.
At Cook Forest Campground, there are 3 Deluxe Cabins with bathrooms available on a first-come first-serve basis for $99.00 per night (for up to 2 people). Deluxe Cabins include bedding, small refrigerator, electricity, heater, fan and air conditioner. Linens, paper towels, toilet paper are provided – towels, washcloths and toiletries not provided in Deluxe Cabins. Mini Cabins are also available on a first-come first-serve basis for $60.00 per night (for up to 2 people). Mini Cabins include electricity, heater & fan. **You must bring your own linen, towels, soap, blankets, pillows, etc. for mini cabins.
**To reserve an RV Hookup or Cabin at Cook Forest, please book directly through our offices (send us an email at mcnabbdeedee@gmail.com or call 307-645-3149) to reserve. Please state your arrival and departure days. Payment will be made directly to Cooks Forest during the clinic.**
Additional lodging options are available at the Quality Inn (mention Cooks Forest Scenic Trail Ride, Dude Ranch & Horse Campground for a special rate). They are located about 10 minutes away. 814-226-5230.
MEALS All guests will have access to the campground kitchen, outdoor grills & extra refrigerator space. There are restaurants nearby within a 20 minute drive.
STALLS, SHAVINGS, & HAY Stalling is available for $20.00 per night. Each stall comes with shavings for the first night. Additional shavings are offered for purchase on-site. Riders may bring their own feed or purchase hay on-site. Please bear in mind that rates for shavings/hay are subject to change.
**If you would like to reserve stalls, please reserve in advance through our offices (send us an email at mcnabbdeedee@gmail.com or call 307-645-3149). Please be sure to state your arrival/departure dates and number of stalls needed.**
IMPORTANT NOTES: All clinic riders must bring their own horse & tack to participate. There is a full tack store on-site for any last-minute items you might need during the week (fly spray, any emergent tack repairs, or an extra trail bag etc.). The clinic will start each day at 9:00AM and wrap up around 5:00PM (there will be a break for lunch). In the evenings, guests can enjoy cooking over an open fire and kick back and relax for the day.
SAFETY: Due to the nature of horse training and handling in general, accidents can occur. You are advised to wear protective headgear for your own safety and to put protective boots on your horse. You are also advised to wear proper footwear, boots that will slide off.
HORSE REQUIREMENTS: Please make sure your horse is vaccinated for everyone’s safety. You will also have to have a negative coggins at facility check in and proper health paperwork to travel.
DOG POLICY: Dogs are welcome, but must be kept on a leash at all times
ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE: Guests are welcome to arrive and settle in on Sunday afternoon (the day before the clinic). Guests are welcome to stay over until Saturday (the day after the clinic wraps up) to depart.
DIRECTIONS TO COOK FOREST SCENIC TRAIL RIDE, DUDE RANCH & HORSE CAMPGROUND: Address 1661 Scott Drive Clarion, PA 16214 Take Exit 62 off I-80 toward Clarion, Route 68 East. Pass the Clarion Mall, go straight through Clarion. Do not turn at any red light. We are located 9 miles from the Interstate and 7 miles from the red light, at the courthouse, in Clarion. You will pass over Toby Bridge, Clarion River. Keep going until you see the sign stating “Cook Forest Area Scenic Campground.” The road (Scott Drive) is on the left. You will also notice a Fiberglass Paint Horse on top of our sign. This is where you turn left. Go 1/4 mile and you will see the campgrounds. Turn right at the first driveway entrance. Campground is on 1661 Scott Drive, off the Clarion-Miola Road at the Helen Furnace National Landmark.
BOOKING: Limited Riding Spots will be available! A deposit of ½ the clinic cost ($750.00) is due upfront to secure your spot. *Please note all deposits are NON_REFUNDABLE with the exception of a medical emergency (for the rider only) – in this case, a signed document must be sent to our office from your doctor. The remainder of the balance is due 2-weeks prior to your trip. Payments may be made online or by mailing a check made out to Ken McNabb Horsemanship to KMH, Attn: Michaela Miller, PO Box 411, Broadus, MT 59317 with the memo of Cooks Forest. *IMPORTANT: if you send us a check, please be sure to call and let us know so that we have the spot secured for you before it books full.
