Clinics & Lessons

Daryle is a strong and clear communicator. In a relaxed and fun atmosphere Daryle teaches methods which are gentle on horses but get positive results. His program is a Progressive Step By Step Method which has been designed and refined over years of training and teaching. From Colt Starting to Reining you will learn how each step builds on the next, making it easy for your horse to progress in a quiet and responsive manner. He treats everyone with respect regardless of their level of knowledge. Horses and participants come away with confidence which has been built through positive experiences.

Invest in yourself and attend a "Trail of Knowledge Clinic" with Daryle Schmidt.

For inquires on hosting a clinic, demonstration, training or private lessons email Daryle at ddschmid@telus.net.

Colt Starting Manuals are now available.

Types of Clinics and Lessons

Colt Starting

My colt starting program is designed to keep you safe while preparing your horse for saddling and then riding. Colts between the ages of 2-4 are typically enrolled, however horses of all ages are welcome. I also encourage participants to bring colts as young as yearlings. Some of the Basic Ground Training Exercises that you will learn at the clinics can be taught to your weanlings at home.

A colt starting clinic is ideal for the problem horse even if the horse has been ridden. Problem horses can be fixed up by taking them back to square one. These horses have problems because parts of their foundation training have been missed or taught improperly. During the clinic we will be able to identify which lessons were left out to cause the problems you're encountering.

In my 24-Step Colt Starting Program you will be learning a progressive step by step method which I have designed and refined over 30 years of training and teaching. Each step prepares the horse for the next, making it easy for him to progress in a quiet and relaxed manner.

Once you have learned the basic ground training exercises you will then progress to developing the skill it takes to master the art of starting colts.

Only a limited number of people are accepted into each clinic to ensure quality one on one instruction.

Training manuals will be available.

Advanced Colt Starting

First Ride to Thirty rides

Step by step Daryle leads you through your first ride. Each rider and horse will advance at their own speed with Daryle keeping an ever watchful eye. Moving you on to your next step once he is sure you are ready. You can be sure that you will be riding your horse safely by the end of the clinic, Daryle will provide hands on instructions when you are experiencing difficult challenges.

Novice Horsemanship

Novice Rider and or novice horse.

Daryle is a proven instructor "with over thirty years experience in teaching clinics". His clinics are designed for all ages and levels of riders. He has been involved with 4-H and gymkhana clubs and teaches many adult clinics. Step by step Daryle will lead you through your training clinic, providing group and individual instruction. Novice clinics can be customized in many ways to suit the levels and ages of the enrolled riders. Inexperienced riders should not be afraid to attend.

Basic Horsemanship

You will learn a series of exercises that builds the foundation to prepare the horse for the advanced reining maneuvers.

Daryle has a genuine interest in helping people get along better with their horses and in getting their horses performing better. You will achieve amazing results, solve old problems in a positive manner and have the opportunity to put new ideas into practice. In this clinic you will learn exercises in each of the following areas of horsemanship:

  1. Warm-up
  2. Lateral Flexion
  3. Vertical Flexion
  4. Stops and Rollbacks
  5. Basic Collection
  6. Circles
  7. Backing
  8. Variable Speed [Rating] & Transitions
    • Long Trot
    • Posting on the correct Diagonal
    • Body positioning & Body Awareness
  9. Pick up the Lope on the correct lead
  10. Disengage the Hindquarters
  11. Pivot on the Forehand
  12. Pivot on the Hindquarters

Basic Reining

Introduction to the six major elements in training the reining horse or any western horse.

Topics include circles, stops, backups, rollbacks, turn arounds and getting your horse flexible through suppling exercises. Other advanced exercises are:

  1. Two Track
  2. Side pass
  3. Leg Yield
  4. Half Pass
  5. Collection at a Lope
  6. Haunches in at a Lope
  7. Counter canter
  8. Turnarounds & Spins
  9. Lead Changes

The Key to Success has less to do with patience and more to do with knowledge. Attend one of Daryle's clinics and learn how to build a solid foundation. If you want to start and train horses, you need a training program that has been designed over years and proven to work. Daryle is always looking for new training methods which produce better results. You will learn the latest and most up to date methods available. His training program is a unique combination of ideas and methods designed to encourage your horse to willing accept your ideas. Learn training techniques that build trust and respect while building confidence in the rider.