Horsemanship Clinic

All times are approximate, here is a general schedule.

Day 1

7:45 a.m. – Meet under the fly for breakfast and meet fellow clinic participants.

8:30-9:00 a.m.  – Warm up horses in the arena.

9 a.m. – The first day will be kicked off by a welcome from Joe Leathers and introductions by the participants as he evaluates and assesses each horse and rider’s experience and needs. From there participants will dive into developing new skills while mastering drills that will be valuable tools to take home and continue to apply. Joe will offer instruction and feedback to ensure participants get the most out of the clinic and participants are encouraged to ask questions.

11:30 a.m. – Break for lunch

1:00 p.m.  – Q & A Session, followed by continued learning and drills. End the day with a review.

Day 2

7:45 a.m. – Meet under the fly for breakfast and meet fellow clinic participants.

8:30-9:00 a.m. – Warm up horses in the arena.

9 a.m. – Start the day off with Joe by learning new skills and drills.

11:30 a.m. – Break for lunch

1:00 a.m. Q & A session, followed by continued learning and drills. End the day with a review.

Day 3

7:45 a.m. – Meet under the fly for breakfast and meet fellow clinic participants.

8:30-9:00 a.m. – Warm up horses in the arena.

9 a.m. – Start the day off with Joe learning new skills and drills.

11:30 a.m. – Break for lunch

1:00 a.m. – Q & A session, followed by fine tuning skills. End the day with Joe out on the ranch prowling the pasture.

Participants’ horses must have a minimum of 90 days of riding experience to be eligible for the clinic.

The way that the clinic is structured, all participants will benefit whether they are beginner, intermediate or advanced riders. Joe’s style of instruction is similar to layering a cake. He starts with the foundation that all horses should have, improving and fine tuning what is already in place and developing new skills. He will then move on to more complex skills that are appropriate for each rider. This allows everyone to progress at their own pace, while still having the support of the group.

Joe takes the time to understand each rider and horse’s needs and tailors his instruction accordingly. Even though this clinic is in a group setting, every participant gets one-on-one instruction with each drill and takes the time to ensure that each individual rider and horse gets the attention and instruction they need to progress.

Yes, auditors are included in all class discussions, and it is encouraged for both riders and auditors to ask questions throughout the clinic.

Plastic folding chairs are available for auditors, but we recommend attendees bring their own outdoor chairs from home if they prefer something more comfortable.

Auditors and riders are permitted to take photos and videos throughout the clinic. If you post them on social media, please tag the ranch and use the hashtags #6666Ranch and #6666HorsemanshipClinic #6666Horsemanship

If your companion is planning on sitting in the stands or eating meals at the chuckwagon, they will need to pay for a three-day audit.

If a participant has already paid a deposit but cannot attend, they are able to move their clinic reservation to another available date. In the case where the participant will not be able to attend at all, everything except the deposit will be refunded. It’s important to note that once the clinic has started, there are no refunds available. If the participant needs to make any changes or discuss their situation further, they should reach out to the clinic organizers as soon as possible to explore available options.

No, the deposit is non-refundable. However, if you are unable to attend the clinic you signed up for because of illness, family emergency, horse injury, etc. you are allowed to move your deposit to a future date.

Only clinic riders and auditors are allowed to attend. If the participant is under 18, a parent is allowed to attend as an auditor free of charge.

Unfortunately, we are not staffed to offer tours of the ranch. However, we will provide some time during the clinic for you to visit the Horse Division Clinic and view the stallions if you would like.

A current Coggins and health certificate is required on your horse.

We cannot guarantee that a farrier will be on-site during each clinic.

We recommend bringing water, snacks, and a lawn chair to relax after the clinic. For your horse, you are responsible for all their needs including but not limited to tack, buckets, feed, etc.

Jeans and boots are required. We recommend you check your favorite app on the website for local weather and come prepared for the season.

No, there are not accommodations available at the ranch. Participants can rent an RV Spot for $50 per night or at one of the <hotels/motels> nearby.

The Four Sixes Ranch is very remote. Please visit this <link> for a list of nearby accommodations.

Yes, RV hookups are available for $50 per night. There is not water or sewer at the hookup, but there is a nice portable restroom close by.

Visitors are not allowed to run generators while on ranch property.

We do have a public restroom available for ranch guests.

Sorry, there are no public showers available.

Each day participants will experience a Chuckwagon breakfast and lunch prepared by veteran cowboy and renowned Chuckwagon Cook Charlie Ferguson under the fly and with the Sixes Wagon on all three days of instruction. Participants can gather in the 6666 Ranch Fly at 7:30 a.m., located beside the covered arena. We will start with a prayer and breakfast will be served by 7:45 a.m. Participants are responsible for their own evening meal.

Charlie keeps the Sixes’ Cowboys well-fed as they work their way through branding season and will do the same for you! He serves up hearty meals and there will be plenty for everyone including mouthwatering dishes like cornbread, coffee break cake, biscuits and everyone’s favorite, buttermilk pie.

Please make us aware of any allergies you may have in advance of your arrival at the ranch, and we will do our best to accommodate you.

Alcohol is prohibited on the premises.

There are veterinarians on the premises for emergencies. If you need a non-emergency appointment, please call several weeks in advance to schedule.

Yes, accommodations for one horse is included with each clinic registration. Depending on the season and availability, it may be an indoor stall or outdoor pen.

We understand that some participants may be traveling long distances and would like to allow for their horses to settle in and rest before the clinic, so we do allow arrivals on the Tuesday before the clinic and departures on the Sunday following the clinic. Arrangements must be made one week prior to your arrival by calling (806) 596-4424.

Participants are responsible for feeding their horse.

Yes, participants are allowed to ride in the arena before and after the clinic each day.

No, participants are not allowed to ride on the ranch, in the pastures or around the pens. The only place available for riding is the arena unless participants are accompanied by Joe.

This clinic is focused on horsemanship and does not include competition training.

The objective of the clinic is to improve your horsemanship skills and develop the feel necessary to take your riding to a new level. Joe does not make a practice of riding participants’ horses because through his instruction he gives the rider the ability to break down and control the different body parts which is imperative to creating a handy horse and in turn will result in the horse responding and riding properly.

Unfortunately, we do not have any horses available for lease or rent for participants. For those unable to bring their own horse we encourage them to sign up as an auditor.

To benefit from the three-day clinic your horse should be in good physical condition. He or she should be fit enough to be ridden for three consecutive days without experiencing soreness or exhaustion. Also, we recommend that your horse’s teeth have been checked within the past 10 months.