Gentle Beginnings: Foundations for Handling Feral Horses

March 29-30, 2025

What You'll Learn:

  • Building Trust with First Touches

  • Haltering and Leading

  • Foot Handling and Brushing

  • Vet Prep and More!

DETAILS

~Live demonstrations with two feral horses

~Real-time walkthroughs of essential training techniques

~Hands-on opportunities for preselected individuals

One Day: $50

Full Weekend: $80

FREE for for individuals affiliated with any equine rescue, hands on participation optional

Lunch included

Location

Sycamore Seed Farm

303 Willingham Rd

Charles Town, WV 25414

SCHEDULE

Saturday, March 29

9:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Demo

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Lunch

1:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Demo

Sunday, March 30

9:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Demo/Hands-On Practice

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Lunch

1:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Demo/Hands-On Practice

"I had the pleasure of being in a fresh start clinic with Justin and Paul. I honestly didn’t think it was for me - as I didn’t feel fear. I was unsure how I would benefit from what they might have to offer, but I was feeling frustrated and stuck with my horse. When a spot opened up - I took it.

It was a small group, which I really appreciate. You get lots of hands on time working with your horse. I worked through some things with that particular horse and am able to apply to many other horses I work with. 

There is such value in what Paul and Justin do as a team, both adding equal parts thinking for the rider and the horse. And, they do it with great humor and compassion.

So, if you are wondering if this clinic is for you and your horse, take a pause, and ask yourself what kind of communication/relationship do you want with your horse. Paul and Justin can help you create important tools that you can use in and out of the horse world. 

I valued my time spent at this clinic and would recommend it to anyone with an open and curious mind."

~Haley Walsh

“What an amazing sports psych and groundwork clinic we had with Riding Far, LLC. I can’t say enough about the fresh perspective these exercises provide, and I’ve already seen and felt the difference translate to the saddle for myself and students. So much to keep working on in becoming more connected with our horses. If you ever have the chance to train with Paul and Justin Haefner, DO IT!! We can’t wait to have them back.”

~Abby Gibbon

"Paul and Justin have the most unique and impactful program by combining Paul's deep knowledge of human psychology and Justin's unmatched ability to tune into, understand and connect with horses.

They are able to provide an experience at their clinics unlike any other I've attended. I had not attended Fresh Start l or ll, so had no idea what to expect. As soon as I arrived, I was welcomed warmly and felt at ease. An agenda was presented that was full of insightful research-based information concerning human psychology as it applies to equestrians as well as insight regarding the horse's perspective and how to truly connect and create a deep, meaningful relationship. Time was well spent between lectures, individual, small and large group work with our horse and demonstrations.

I left with so much new and exciting information that has completely changed my thinking about myself as a rider and definitely how I relate to my horses (and I've been riding for 45 years!). I will be attending Fresh Start l and ll this fall and any other clinic Riding Far offers. I have so much more to learn!"

~Heidi