Safe Floating

Welcome to our Safe Floating and Groundwork Clinic, where safety is our first priority!

Floating is potentially the most unnatural and dangerous activity we expect of our horses, asking them to travel in a confined box takes away their inherent flight instinct. So many things can go wrong and invariably do if you are not properly equipped.

Whether you're a seasoned equestrian or a novice rider, you'll soon discover the process of safely loading and unloading a horse is a skill that requires patience and sound horsemanship skills.

In this clinic, we will focus on ground work that will give both you and your horse the confidence to load and unload safely and cope with potentially stressful situations. Along with the ground work sessions, you will explore different loading techniques and have the opportunity to practice loading on different style floats.

So, whether you’re wanting to enhance your existing horsemanship skills, seeking to learn the basics or fence sit (observe), this clinic is a must for you.

Your Hosts

Will Shaw - 'Equine on the Move'

Will started his horsemanship journey at an early age encouraged by his mother, an accomplished horsewoman in her day. He went on to study horsemanship at Longreach Pastoral College under the mentorship of the late Ken May, a renowned Australian horseman, trainer and educator. Will has assisted countless families with all forms of horsemanship (in particular float training) and horse transport. He is known for his calm, kind and ‘keep it real’ approach to training.

Trish Richardson - 'The Grounded Equine'

Trish brings a lifetime of horse experience and continuous learning from some of the worlds best. She has been safely transporting horses in trucks, floats and goosenecks for over four decades. Trish works on the belief that our horses provide an amazing insight into how our own thoughts, behaviours and often limiting self-beliefs can affect not only our relationship with our horses but the performance of the partnership that is you & your horse.

Clinic outline

Groundwork

Floating Loading/Unloading

Self Regulation and Co-Regulation
Rope Handling Skills
Timing - Pressure and Release
Reading your Horse
Desensitising or Re-sensitising
Leading, Halting & Backing
Moving your horse's Feet and Body
Leading past / Sending
Lunging for Purpose
Float loading Simulation

Floating Loading/Unloading

Leading on
Sending on
Self Loading
Backing out
Leading out
Tying up in the float
Feeding while travelling
The use of treats
Which bays to use
Loading on Angle Load and Straight Load floats

Float Safety

Floating Loading/Unloading

Float Safety

DTMR Regulations
Understanding trailer weights
Safety Checklist
Basic Servicing
Vehicle Braking
Changing a float tyre while loaded with horses
What to do when a horse goes down in the float
Float ventilation
Storage of equipment
Tying up to float

Clinic Objectives

Safety Awareness

Groundwork Proficiency

To instil a strong sense of safety consciousness when handling horses, ensuring the well-being of both horses and handlers throughout the loading process.

Groundwork Proficiency

To equip participants with essential groundwork skills that enable them to better manage and control their horses during loading, as well as in many other situations.

Problem Solving

Groundwork Proficiency

Positive Horse Experience

To prepare participants to identify and address common issues and challenges that may arise during the loading process, ensuring a smoother experience for both horses and handlers.

Positive Horse Experience

To promote a positive and comfortable experience for the horses, reducing stress and fear associated with trailer loading, and ensuring their physical and emotional well-being.

Communication Skills

Positive Horse Experience

Communication Skills

To educate participants on effective communication techniques that promote understanding and trust between the horse and handler, making the loading process more cooperative and less stressful

Confidence Building

Positive Horse Experience

Communication Skills

To boost participants' confidence and competence in handling horses, fostering a positive and stress-free loading experience for both the horse and the handler.

Loading Proficiency

Float Familiarisation

To teach participants a systematic, stress-free loading process that encourages horses to enter the trailer willingly and calmly, thereby reducing resistance and anxiety.

Float Familiarisation

Provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the horse float and its components, enabling them to assess its suitability for their horses and maintain it properly.

Tow Vehicle Assessment

To educate participants on the factors that determine the suitability of a tow vehicle for their trailer, allowing them to make informed choices and ensure safe towing practices.

DTMR Compliance

Tow Vehicle Assessment

To inform participants about Qld regulations pertaining to horse trailer towing, ensuring they operate within legal boundaries and avoid potential fines or penalties.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Participants

All Participants must be 12 years or older. Numbers will be limited to 8 participants (with horses) - no limit on fence sitters.

Payment

Payment in full must be received 14 days prior to the clinic to secure your spot. Bank details and cancellation policy can be found on the booking form.

Cost

Pricing can be found below in the clinic dates section

What to Bring

A horse (except for fence sitters)
Halter & lead rope (preferably a rope halter)
Riding helmet (participants only)
Long rope (25ft) or lunge line
Training flag or dressage whip with a plastic bag or similar tied on the end
Morning tea and water bottle
Sun protection
Appropriate clothing and footwear
A smile

COMING SOON

Safe Floating & Groundwork Clinic with Will & Trish

Partnering With

Present a Safe Floating & Groundwork clinic

Welcome to our Safe Floating and Groundwork Clinic, where safety is our first priority!

Your Hosts

Will Shaw - 'Equine on the Move'

Trish Richardson - 'The Grounded Equine'

Clinic outline

Groundwork

Floating Loading/Unloading

Floating Loading/Unloading

Floating Loading/Unloading

Floating Loading/Unloading

Floating Loading/Unloading

Float Safety

Floating Loading/Unloading

Float Safety

Clinic Objectives

Safety Awareness

Groundwork Proficiency

Groundwork Proficiency

Groundwork Proficiency

Groundwork Proficiency

Groundwork Proficiency

Problem Solving

Groundwork Proficiency

Positive Horse Experience

Positive Horse Experience

Positive Horse Experience

Positive Horse Experience

Communication Skills

Positive Horse Experience

Communication Skills

Confidence Building

Positive Horse Experience

Communication Skills

Loading Proficiency

Float Familiarisation

Float Familiarisation

Float Familiarisation

Float Familiarisation

Float Familiarisation

Tow Vehicle Assessment

Tow Vehicle Assessment

Tow Vehicle Assessment

DTMR Compliance

Tow Vehicle Assessment

Tow Vehicle Assessment

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Participants

Payment

Cost

What to Bring

Clinic Dates

Booking Form

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