Clinics | Michelle Jerry Horse

Clinics & Programs

Michelle Jerry Heart & Hooves Horsemanship

At Michelle Jerry Heart & Hooves Horsemanship, our clinics and programs are designed to help horses and riders build confidence, clarity, and true partnership. We focus on clear communication, Ground Control, liberty, and practical horsemanship that carries over into real-world riding—whether in the arena, on the trail, or in the show pen.

Clinics & Programs We Offer

🐴 10-Month Liberty, Advanced Horsemanship & Ranch Riding Program

A progressive, long-term program for horse and rider teams committed to building a solid foundation and advancing their skills over time. This program focuses on liberty, Ground Control, advanced horsemanship, and ranch riding, developing softness, responsiveness, confidence, and total body control. Ideal for those seeking long-term growth rather than quick fixes.

🐴 3-Day Horsemanship Clinic

Our 3-Day Clinic provides the time needed to create real progress. Each clinic is customized to the horses and riders in attendance and focuses on Ground Control, communication, softness, confidence, and problem-solving. Suitable for colts, green horses, seasoned horses needing a tune-up, and riders of all experience levels.

🐴 2-Day Ground Control Clinic

The foundation of everything we do. This two-day clinic focuses on total body control, responsiveness, emotional balance, and clear communication from the ground. Ground Control directly supports success in liberty, ranch riding, and riding under saddle.

🐴 Ranch Riding Clinics

Designed to develop confident, capable ranch horses and riders. These clinics focus on correctness, softness, transitions, control, and practical maneuvers—whether preparing for competition or improving everyday riding.

🐴 One-Day Combo Clinics

Perfect for riders looking for quality instruction in a shorter timeframe. These clinics combine horsemanship, Ground Control, and riding exercises into one productive and educational day.

Clinics on the Road

While Heart & Hooves Arena in Deer River, Minnesota is our home base, we proudly take our clinics on the road. We currently travel throughout:

Minnesota
South Dakota
Wisconsin
Additional locations upon request

👉 Interested in attending a clinic?
Visit our Events Page to view upcoming dates and locations.

👉 Interested in hosting a clinic at your facility?
Contact the Heart & Hooves Office for hosting details, pricing, and availability.

Youth Programs & Camps

At Michelle Jerry Heart & Hooves Horsemanship, our youth programs are designed to build confidence, responsibility, and strong horsemanship skills in a safe, supportive, and encouraging environment. Through hands-on learning, kids develop communication skills, leadership, and a deeper understanding of horses—skills that carry far beyond the barn.

🐴 10-Month Youth Classes

Little Spurs & Trailblazers

Our 10-Month Youth Classes provide a structured, progressive learning experience for kids at different stages of their horsemanship journey.

🌟 Little Spurs

Designed for younger children just beginning with horses, Little Spurs focuses on safety, basic horse handling, Ground Control, grooming, and confidence-building activities. Lessons are fun, age-appropriate, and structured to help kids feel comfortable and successful around horses.

🌟 Trailblazers

Trailblazers is designed for youth ready to advance their horsemanship skills. This class builds on foundational knowledge and focuses on Ground Control, riding skills, problem-solving, responsibility, and leadership. Riders learn to communicate clearly with their horse and grow in confidence both in and out of the arena.

Both programs emphasize:

Safety-first horsemanship
Clear communication and Ground Control
Confidence, leadership, and responsibility
Growth at each child’s individual pace
Building a positive partnership with the horse

🐴 Youth Camps

Our Youth Camps offer fun, hands-on learning experiences where kids can learn, explore, and grow around horses. Camps include a mix of horsemanship education, Ground Control, riding activities, teamwork, and confidence-building exercises. Campers are supported at their own pace, regardless of experience level.

🐴 Summer Camps

Heart & Hooves Summer Camps are designed to be educational, engaging, and fun. Campers learn horse safety, communication, and care while building friendships, confidence, and a deeper connection with horses in a positive and encouraging environment.

🐴 Day Kids Camps

Our Day Kids Camps are perfect for kids looking for a shorter, fun-filled introduction to horses.

No prior horse experience is required.

Day Kids Camps include:

Horse safety and basic horsemanship
Ground Control and handling skills
Grooming, tacking, and horse care
Riding and interactive horse activities
Games, teamwork, and confidence-building exercises

👉 Interested in Youth Programs or Camps?
Visit our Events Page for upcoming dates, age groups, and registration details.

👉 Have questions or want to host a youth camp?
Contact the Heart & Hooves Office for more information.

Accreditation

The Heart & Hooves Accreditation Program is a 3-week intensive program designed for individuals who want to deepen their understanding of the Heart & Hooves philosophy. The program focuses on Ground Control, liberty, advanced horsemanship, and clear communication, along with professional standards when working with horses and people. Accreditation is intended for riders, trainers, and instructors seeking continued education and mentorship. Participation in clinics is not required for accreditation, and accreditation is not required to attend clinics.

Our Commitment to Your Journey

No matter where you are in your horsemanship journey—just getting started, building a foundation, or advancing your skills—Heart & Hooves Horsemanship has a program designed to meet you where you are. Our clinics and programs support growth at every level with clear guidance, encouragement, and purpose. Wherever you are today, we’re here to help you and your horse take the next step forward—together.