AVDA Sponsored Clinics
PLEASE BE ADVISED:
If, after submitting your registration and payment, you have to cancel, FOR ANY REASON, you may either pay for the lesson or have another rider fill your lesson time.
Release form: This must be filled out FORM HERE
COVID Policy: We must follow policy as set forth by USEF/USDF.
Auditors are welcome, subject to a fee when applicable.
2024 Planned Clinics:
January 20: Sue Martin @ Juan Gonzales’ Indoor
February 25: Holly Bergay @ Five Star Ranch
March 16: Laura Gillmer @ Marcy Wadlington’s Outdoor (rain date set for March 23)
Details to come!
** Laura Gillmer Clinic CANCELLED**
Due to the immense amount of snow received, the facility will not be dried out enough to host our clinic. We do hope to be able to reschedule, but this date is cancelled. Please check back here and our Facebook page for any updates!
LAURA GILLMER CLINIC SATURDAY MARCH 23RD!! AT MARCY’S: 3180 GRANDVIEW, CANON CITY! (RAIN DATE IS IN EFFECT!)
Hi I’m Laura! I grew up in a small town in Vermont and started riding at age six. I learned that I had a real passion working with horses and teaching when I worked at a local Dressage barn in highschool. I decided to further my knowledge by attending the UMass Amherst Equine Industries program. At UMass I was a rider on both the Dressage and Equestrian Teams. During which time I trained with Advanced level eventer and FEI dressage rider, Jerry Schurink.
After graduation I worked as an assistant trainer to FEI trainer Harry Diel at Reindance Dressage. I gained significant experience starting young horses and trained many of them to the upper levels. I then furthered my training abilities with multiple FEI-level horses working as the assistant trainer and barn manager to nationally recognized Grand Prix trainer and competitor, Sharon McCusker of Souhegan Farm. During this time I competed successfully through Prix St. George, and earned my USDF Bronze and Silver Medals.
I started my freelance training business in 2014 and I encountered one of my most challenging horses — a feral rescue pony — which proved to be an unexpected gift as a trainer and educator. My dressage skills seemed to have no value in that particular situation and I started down the path of learning natural horsemanship. This work facilitated a deeper understanding of horse psychology and the value of groundwork as a tool for communication. I have gratefully incorporated this body of work, and I’m on a constant quest to learn more! USDF Silver Medalist, USDF Bronze Medalist, UMass Dressage & Equestrian Team Rider, MA Licensed Instructor
For more information about Laura’s training experience and philosophy, please visit: www.downtoearthdressage.com
Laura is one of Sue Martin’s students and was recommended to us by Sue.
Checks payable to AVDA. Mail with registration form, mail to AVDA, c/o Debi Stevens, 1143 L Street, Penrose, CO 81240. TEN Lessons per day are being scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis. Checks and signed release must be to Debi by March 9, 2024. Checks will be deposited into AVDA account on March 11, 2024 with ride times published on March 12, 2024. Questions? Call or email Debi Stevens jimndebi1990@gmail.com phone (719) 429-7178. Please bring your own food and drinks. *HELMETS MUST BE WORN* Bad weather date March 23, 2024.
Please Click The Button On The Right For The Registration Form For This Clinic
Completed Clinics 2024:
* *AVDA Holly Bergay Clinic* *
HOLLY BERGAY CLINIC, SUNDAY FEBRUARY 25!! At Five Star Ranch AVDA will be offering a clinic with clinician Holly Bergay at Five Star Ranch (18550 Midway Ranch Road, Fountain, CO 80817). Five Star Ranch is a new training venue for AVDA and features a large, heated, indoor arena, with 20 connected indoor stalls ($35 per day which includes shavings and cleaning after departure), refreshed footing, RV electrical hook ups, and plenty of parking for all. Five Star is very easily accessible off of I-25 (exit 119) just south of Colorado Springs. Cost for this clinic is $105 per lesson, auditors are $10 for the day. Please bring your own food and drinks. Helmets are required.
**Sue Martin Clinic!!**
SUE MARTIN CLINIC, SATURDAY JANUARY 20th!!
January 20, 2024 will be the next AVDA Sue Martin Clinic. *Snow date will be the following Saturday, January 27th.* The lessons are being scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis. Checks should be made payable to AVDA. Mail with registration form to AVDA, c/o Debi Stevens, 1143 L Street, Penrose. Checks and signed release must be to Debi by January 2, 2024. Checks will be deposited into AVDA account on January 3, 2024 with ride times published on January 15, 2024. Limited number of stalls available. Helmets required. Morning snacks and lunch are being furnished by Debi Stevens with a donation jar on the table.
Questions? Call or text Debi at 719 429 7178, email jimndebi1990@gmail.com
Please click the Sue Martin Button on the right for the registration form.
Completed Clinics 2023
JUAN GONZALES CLINICS
Sunday, February 12th. (Cancelled)
Sunday, March 12th.
KATHERINE SIMARD RIDE-A-TEST CLINIC
Sunday, April 16th
HOLLY BERGAY CLINIC:
Saturday July, 1st
AVDA SPONSORED WORKING EQUITATION GAME DAY with Diana Carver
CLINIC WITH SUE MARTIN TO BE HELD AT JUAN GONZALES INDOOR ARENA, NOVEMBER 10 AND 11, 2023!!
Juan Gonzales Clinic!!
JUAN GONZALES CLINIC, SUNDAY DECEMBER 3rd!!
Clinic Information