Tim McGinnis has ridden over 1,000 horses in his life, and he says, "can
count the number of times he’s been bucked off on two hands!" His
resume would include sheetrocking, construction, heavy equipment operating,
but always, he has returned to working with horses. For him, "it’s
not a job, it’s more of a lifestyle."
Born in Faith, South Dakota, Tim moved on at age 17, and by way of Wyoming landed in Nevada, where he spent the next 27 years. In Nevada, he worked on large-scale ranches – "100,000 acre spreads" – starting colts. He "rode rough string the horses that others wouldn’t ride." Tim is a soft-spoken cowboy, who says he has "no certificates or diplomas" just the good fortune of having worked with many, many great cowboys. In 1983, he became interested in natural horsemanship, which he says, has been around for ages but is now becoming "big." Tim has worked and ridden with Ray Hunt, Martin Black, Tom Dorrance, Pat Parelli, and "many others who are not well known but who knew a lot."
Eventually, Tim moved to Dayton, Nevada, where he rode horses for himself and others. He’s ridden what he calls "problem horses, spoiled horses, troubled horses," and he says, "natural horsemanship has helped." He had "learned about starting colts the hard way, then the easier way through natural horsemanship." When asked about natural horsemanship, Tim explains that, "it’s resistance-free. It’s about doing things without putting the horse under restraint. It’s about letting the horse tell the trainer what it needs. Training becomes a mental game, more than a physical one. The trainer uses the horse’s brain, heart and lungs to conquer problems, without causing pain."
He goes on to say that, "every horse is different. Like people, everyone’s different. Natural horsemanship relies on timing, patience, and knowledge of horses." Having ridden so many horses, Tim has come to know that each horse is unique, that they have individual personalities and will respond in their own way. With that in mind, he says, "you’ve got to work with horses on what they can do, and get into a unity with the horse and rider together." Tim encourages hands-on learning between horse owner/rider and horse. Rather than Tim doing the training, he prefers to get people to work with their own horse, in order to find ways for the rider and horse to work together. He says he "likes to teach people how to get out of trouble before it starts."
When asked what he’d like training participants to go away with at the end of a training session or clinic, Tim says, "more than what they came in with!" For Tim, "horsemanship is a never ending journey. There’s always something new to learn."
About the Clinics
Tim conducts clinics at Flying L Ranch. His clinics are an excellent opportunity
for you to spend a relaxing weekend learning with your horse. The peaceful
ranch setting is ideal for the personal attention you'll receive while honing
your skills with fellow participants.
Lunch is included with clinic fees as well as care for your horse during the clinic (water and clean up). Overnight stalls are available during clinic weekends, and lodging is available in the beautiful turn-of-the century farmhouse or one of the cottages at the Flying L Ranch or in nearby Ashland. Auditors are also welcome. Participants and auditors should RSVP well ahead of time.
Rates:
Beginning Clinics
General Horsemanship
Building Confidence with Your Horse
Rates:
Intermediate Clinics
Weekend Getaway Trail Horse Clinics
Power Steering and Brakes on Your Horse
Creating the Ultimate Trail Horse Clinic
Rates:
Advanced Clinics
Rates:
Solo Clinic
Rates:
Month-long Training
Tim offers customized training at Flying L Ranch, including groundwork, colt
starting, trail riding and problem solving. Beginning through advanced levels
of work under saddle is available as well. Training is based on a minimum 1-month
period. A 2-month period is required for horses being started under saddle.
Before your horse begins training, you will receive a Horse Training Information Form where you will provide your training goals for your horse. Tim will make sure your horse is trained to meet your goals for your horse. He feels strongly that the success of your horse's training is tied to your participation. You will receive one weekly lesson with your horse during their training period. More lessons can be scheduled if you'd like.
Training fees include Tim working with your horse approximately an hour per day, five days per week. This provides consistency while also giving your horse some time off for relaxing - another important part of your horse's training. We provide full-care training, including two daily feedings with high-quality feeds and high-quality grass hay, daily turnout (weather permitting). The stalls and adjoining runs are cleaned at least once daily for your horse's comfort.
We also maintain our arena and round pen to help safeguard your horse during training time. Horses can be fitted with appropriate protective boots during their training sessions. Every horse is handled on a daily basis and basic ground manners reinforced in our daily activities of cleaning stalls and walking back and forth to turnout.
Of course, you are welcome to visit Flying L Ranch and meet Tim before you commit to a training program for your horse. Tim also welcomes you to watch your horse's training sessions. He can provide trailer-loading training at either Flying L Ranch or your location. Trailer loading training is guaranteed for a flat fee plus travel.
Rates:
Colt Starting Clinic
Bring your own horse or we can provide one for you. We will coach you or do it for you so you can participate in as much or as little as you feel comfortable.
In 6 days we will help you accomplish the following with your horse:
- Establish a relationship of trust and respect
- Build confidence
- Help them to willingly accept the saddle, bridle, and rider
- Ride them in all three gaits
- Teach them to respond softly to leg cues and the reins
Class will meet for five 1-day sessions. Requirements: Horses must be at
least 2 years of age by Aug. 1 of the current year.
Rates:
Call us at (800) 930-5578 for more information and a quick
response to your questions.
CLICK HERE TO MAKE A RESERVATION
The Horsemanship Experience
Learn to ride a cow horse and participate in a cattle drive, cattle sorting, or cowboy obstacle course!
Includes lodging at the Flying L Ranch, 2 horseback rides per day that include expert horsemanship instruction to improve your relationship with horses and become a better rider. Some topics covered: Develop feel to become one with your horse; Become a leader and gain your horse's respect; Improve your seat, and learn to really ride well.
Rates:
Call us at (800) 930-5578 for more information and a quick
response to your questions.
CLICK HERE TO MAKE A RESERVATION
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