How to Progress Through the Downunder Horsemanship Method

040726_02

If you’ve just joined the No Worries Club and are eager to dive into your horsemanship journey, but aren’t quite sure where to start, you’re not alone. With so much training information available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The good news? We’ve got you covered.

Clinton has put together a helpful video that walks you through exactly where you and your horse should begin the Method—and how to confidently progress through each stage until you’ve mastered it.

YouTube player

Method Progression:

1) Fundamentals Series
Build a solid foundation for success with groundwork and riding exercises that teach you how to become an effective leader while training your horse to be a safe, willing partner.

If you’re working with an unstarted horse or one with fewer than 10 rides, begin with the Colt Starting Series. This step-by-step program is designed to safely start a horse under saddle. It’s intended to complement the Fundamentals Series, so you’ll need both to fully understand and complete the exercises.

2) Fundamentals in Action on the Trail
Once you’ve developed your skills in the Fundamentals, it’s time to leave the arena. This series helps you transition from a controlled environment to confidently handling real-world trail situations.

3) Intermediate Series
When you’re confident in the Fundamentals, take your horsemanship to the next level. The Intermediate Series challenges you with 33 groundwork and riding exercises designed to elevate your performance.

4) Advanced Series
Refine and finesse your skills both on the ground and under saddle. By the end of the 32 exercises in this series, you’ll be able to precisely cue and guide your horse with confidence and control. After mastering the core building blocks of the Method, you’re ready to challenge yourself even further with the Professional Series. This includes the Foal Training Series, Colt Starting Series and Trick Training Series. While these skills aren’t required to be a good horseman, they’ll expand your knowledge and add a whole lot of fun to your training.

More News

Back to all news

See All
1115_tip

9 years ago

Training Tip: Understanding Cold-Blooded Horses

While the Method works on all types of horses, every horse will require you to vary your approach slightly. I…

Read More
FILES2f20142f062f0602_Tip.jpg.jpg

12 years ago

Training Tip: Break Every Exercise Into Steps

It wasn’t until I started attending clinics and apprenticing under Australian horseman, Gordon McKinlay, that I realized that horses are…

Read More
0128_Tip

1 year ago

Training Tip: What to Do When Horses Whinny Out on the Trail

We routinely ride all our horses away from home. Oftentimes, during the first few training sessions in new environments, young,…

Read More
FILES2f20162f072f0726_02.jpg.jpg

10 years ago

Intermediate Clinic Not to be Held in 2017

This year’s Intermediate Clinic will be the last clinic of its level for a couple of years. The clinic, held…

Read More