
5 Day Horsemanship Intensives
After receiving lots of requests from students, we are now offering week long intensives at AMT.
There will obviously be a little bit of experimentation and learning involved on our part to create the best experience for participants. However we know that we can hold the space and create the environment for you to make significant progress in your horsemanship journey in a safe and supportive environment. You’ll be able to enjoy some special time with your horse, gain new awareness and skills, along with a like-minded community.
Upcoming dates in 2022
There are 6 places available for each date.



Here is what we have planned:
Foundation Groundwork
On day one we will check in with each horse and handler to see where everyone is at in building their foundation. This will involve some 1 on 1 sessions and working together as a group.
Conformation, Posture and Biomechanics assessment of each horse
When we work on the ground, we automatically check for any weaknesses and compensation patterns in the horses and we’ll explain exactly what we’re looking for and how to start addressing this in each horse.
In-hand cavesson work
We will introduce participants to working with the cavesson and you’ll get to practise exercises that will specifically help your horse to strengthen and improve its posture.
Ridden work
For those ready to ride, we will work through the foundation training principles under saddle and identify the key areas for each horse and rider combination to focus on. We’ll introduce you to lateral movements form a classical perspective and how to use your body (rather than your reins!) to communicate with your horse.
Riding with the Garrocha
This is a great way to test and improve your seat and leg aids and heaps of fun. We might also get the rubber swords out for some friendly sword fighting on horseback!
Trail rides
For those who are keen and suitably expereinced, we will offer some guided trail rides through our local bridle trails. We’ll show you how you can apply all the training principles on the trail.
Riding with cattle OR the mechanical cow
On day 5 we’ll load up the horses and drive a short distance to meet our cows if the weather is suitable and riders are suitably experienced. We’ll follow the cattle around the beautiful hills in their pasture and show you how to apply everything from the previous days with a purpose on the cattle! (Our cows are very quiet and perfect for horses and riders new to cattle work). If we don't make it to the 'real' cows, we'll set up Betsy, our remote controlled mechanical cow in our arena. It's a great way to have fun with your horse and apply all the training principles!



Things you will have the opportunity for during the 5 Days:
Here are just some of the things that are included in our intensives.
Theory Discussions
Each day we’ll have a 1-2 hour informative ‘theory’ session covering different topics of choice, including holistic health, tack, biomechanics and welfare, etc.
Observe
Watch Andrew and Char do training sessions with their own horses including advanced training with our Lusitanos
Holistic Health
Holistic health advice for your horse with Maike (Holistic Veterinarian) on topics such as nutrition, first aid, natural remedies and more.
Try new equipment
Try riding in a hackamore, try out riding in a DP Baroque saddle
Rider Mindset
Rider mindset and confidence coaching session where we dive into the subconscious mind.
1 on 1 Sessions
1 on 1 training sessions with Andrew and 1 on 1 rider posture sessions with Char
What recent participants have to say

Horse owner & clinic participant

Horse owner & clinic participant

How the days will run
The order of events will be a little weather dependent (ie. if it’s hot or raining) but the plan is to start with a chat each morning over your favourite hot beverage and check-in with where everyone is at, takeaways from the previous day, etc.
Then we’ll have either 1 on 1 sessions or work together as a group for a few hours with the horses.
Over lunch we will have our ‘theory sessions’ with a new topic each day.
In the afternoons is an opportunity for you to practise on your own with your horse, come for a trail ride, watch some training sessions with other horses or just relax with your horse. There may also be some catch-ups in the afternoons for 1 on 1 sessions. We want to keep the afternoons a little more relaxed and casual and will adapt depending on what the group needs and wants. On the last afternoon we will head over to the cows with whomever wants to come.


The Logistics - FAQs
Your horse will be provided with a yard for the duration of the 5 days (there’s no extra cost). You can bring your own hay or purchase from us. There’s plenty of float parking available.
For those participants who don’t live nearby, you’re welcome to camp for the 5 days on our property (power, toilet, shower, fridge and microwave are available) or we can put you in touch with some local BnBs. If there are a few participants looking for accommodation, a shared Aid BnB nearby may be a good option. Let us know when you sign up what your accommodation preference is.
We’ll start around 9 am each day and wrap up the day by around 4-5 pm (afternoons will be casual)
We will provide tea and coffee and some healthy (and some not so healthy but yummy!) morning tea. You will need to bring your own lunch each day or we can arrange some shared catering lunch/runs each day. We plan to have a shared evening meal on one or two of the nights. More details will be provided.
Yes, you can bring 2 horses if you like. Please contact us first to make sure that we will have sufficient yards available.
Your Investment
One Payment
$
997
Pay in full and save $50
(only 6 places available for each date)
three Payments
$
349
Pay in 3 monthly instalments.
(only 6 places available for each date)