2022 JAMES CREEK RANCH CAMPS 

Camps are the ultimate opportunity to immerse in the practical application of the Jonathan Field Horsemanship program in a fun, challenging and supportive environment.

Long days are filled with groundwork, riding, and purpose-driven exercises designed to help you get connected with your tools, sharpen your focus, and develop your feel for a balanced, relaxed and soft horse.

The ranch environment, connection with fellow students, and Jonathan's direct coaching create a unique opportunity to grow your skills towards becoming a true equestrian.

NOTE FROM JONATHAN

"I am highly committed to teaching people and raising their horsemanship through the understanding and application of my program. Camps are an intensive horsemanship education experience. Rider spots are limited and in high demand. I am looking for students who are fully committed, ready to learn and have their horses prepared. Be as ready as you can be, come to learn and be pushed to be better. Thank you and I look forward to seeing both new and familiar faces at Camp in 2022!”

RIDER & HORSE REQUIREMENTS

  • Riders must have completed at least 1 previous clinic with Jonathan, must meet the specific prerequisites for the camp they are attending, and be comfortable cantering on the horse they bring to camp.  
  • Riders must be at least 16 yrs of age to participate in a camp. Youth riders under 18yrs of age must submit a Young Rider Authorization form along with their camp application and they must be accompanied by a parent/guardian at camp.
  • Horses must be at least 3 years old, physically fit enough to handle mountainous terrain at the ranch, and must be safe to ride in a group of other horses at a walk, trot and canter in open country. There are NO arenas at the Ranch!
  • Sorry - stallions are not permitted.
  • Horses must provide proof of a negative Coggins Test (current within 6 months of Camp date). We also recommend vaccinations be up-to-date.
  • We recommend that safety helmets be worn during your participation in any Jonathan Field Horsemanship event. Riders under 18 MUST wear a helmet.
  • The following additional study must also be completed: read The Art of Liberty Training for Horses, watch & practice the content in the Natural Foundation Program, especially Ground 1, 2 & 3, and Riding 1, 2 & 3.
  • As individual situations vary, please pass on any special requests to us at [email protected] 

PICK THE RIGHT CAMP

Jonathan's program is 50% about the horse and 50% about the human. It is important to choose an appropriate camp for both you AND your horse.

There is no pressure to advance to take the next level up from your last camp or clinic. Course numbers are not as important as the horsemanship experience you and your horse will gain!

2022 CAMP DATES

 

May 18-22, 2022 ~ Camp 2: Foundation Fundamentals

A solid foundation is the best base to build from! With a focus on Course 2 elements, this camp will develop your understanding of how to use different environments and new challenges to further your partnership and connection with your horse. If this is your, or your horse's first experience at a JCR Camp, OR you are looking to strengthen your existing foundation, then this camp is for you. (Prerequisite: previous participation in at least one Course 2 clinic.)

  • Get a solid understanding of the basic foundation ingredients applied in the unique environment at the ranch.
  • Focus on bend and balance exercises both online and riding.
  • Develop leg yields, canter departures and relaxation in movement.
  • Build confidence in new and challenging environments by learning how to "stretch the elastic band" both mentally and physically.

May 25-29, 2022 ~ Camp 2/3 With Purpose

This camp explores the themes of bend, balance, flexion and fun! Learn to refine them to an appropriate level for your horse using fun challenges, purpose exercises and opportunities the natural environment around you can offer. (Prerequisite: participation in at least one previous JCR Camp.)

  • Learn to move past pressure and release to encourage your horse to move towards comfort in the sweet spot.
  • Understand the intricacies of how bend and flexion impact your horse's self carriage.
  • Learn the "Press To Connect" concept to have your horse find relaxation in movement
  • Explore long lining to utilize both inside and outside aids in your groundwork
  • Find natural riding techniques to become a more advanced rider
  • Learn to play freely to engage your horse's mind and natural play drive to keep your sessions fun!

June 1-5, 2022 ~ Camp 3: Flexion & Finesse

This camp focuses on developing your "feel" and timing so you can ask more of your horse on a physical, technical, and mental level. When your horse feels back to you, his whole body turns loose, allowing more advanced maneuvers to come easily and beautifully. You'll learn basic patterns that give you focus, improve your timing and highlight how fundamental exercises connect to more challenging and fun tasks! (Prerequisite: previous participation in at least 2 JCR Camps.)

  • Understand lateral and longitudinal flexion and how they impact your horse's self carriage and long-term soundness.
  • Move past pressure and release to encourage your horse to move towards comfort in the sweet spot.
  • Develop maneuvers like shoulder-in, lead departures, correct circles, leg yield, half pass, etc.
  • Do transitions with greater collection, right down to the stop and back-up.
  • Really get into the flying lead change program 

June 8-12, 2022 ~ Purpose Camp: Liberty Riding & Fun

There is power in the art of play and this camp is full of fun challenges to build stronger leadership and a  close bond between horse and rider, both on the ground and under saddle. Develop better posture and balance, in both you and your horse. Advance your feel and timing, whether playing online in preparation for liberty, or under saddle . . .it all leads to creating the ultimate riding horse!  (Prerequisite: previous participation in at least 2 JCR Ranch Camps.)

  • Learn the fundamental concepts of liberty training. . .and if you're ready, playing at liberty!
  • Focus on the next steps in the Jonathan Field Training Scale, with bend/balance and shortening/lengthening.
  • Become a more precise and balanced rider to help your horse find healthy, relaxed movement.
  • Show your horse how to lift his back and use his whole body correctly both on the ground and riding.
  • Achieve soft transitions and easy canter departures.
  • Learn to use the "Samari Circle" and "Tye-Dye" exercises to teach the horse elasticity in both body and mind.

September 7-11, 2022 ~ Camp 2: Foundation Fundamentals

A solid foundation is the best base to build from! With a focus on Course 2 elements, this camp will develop your understanding of how to use different environments and new challenges to further your partnership and connection with your horse. If this is your, or your horse's first experience at a JCR Camp, OR you are looking to strengthen your existing foundation, then this camp is for you. (Prerequisite: previous participation in at least one Course 2 clinic.)

  • Get a solid understanding of the basic foundation ingredients applied in the unique environment at the ranch.
  • Focus on bend and balance exercises both online and riding.
  • Develop leg yields, canter departures and relaxation in movement.
  • Build confidence in new and challenging environments by learning how to "stretch the elastic band" both mentally and physically.

September 14-18, 2022 ~ Camp 3: Refine, Flexion & Obstacles

Flexion is where the fancy fun begins! This camp will focus on using obstacles and exercises to refine your communication and develop various degrees of flexion in your horse.  All while encouraging the horse's natural curiosity and use of their thinking brain!  (Prerequisite: previous participation in at least 2 JCR Camps, or a Course 3 clinic.)

  • Learn to move past pressure and release to encourage your horse to move towards comfort in the sweet spot.
  • Understand the intricacies of how bend, balance, and flexion impact your horse's self carriage through compressed turns.
  • Fun tasks that further develop and test self-carriage, lateral flexibility and a true active neutral.
  • Challenge riders to use their imaginations to come up with creative ways to play with their horse.
  • Collected canter, suppling exercises, seat & rein positions, trot poles compressed turns to increase self carriage and lateral flexibility.

September 21-25, 2022 ~ Camp 3/4: Invitational Advanced

Jonathan is hosting another invitational camp for students who are committed to studying the higher levels of the Jonathan Field Horsemanship program. In this camp, you'll learn how to utilize principle exercises and purpose exercises to establish a working communication with a horse. With a focus on studying feel, timing, balance and flexion, prepare to skyrocket your horsemanship and have tons of fun along the way!  (Prerequisite: Invitation only.)

PRICING

 
RIDER FEE ~ $1,600 CAD per camp
  • A $525 deposit is required to register. Remaining balance + stabling/accommodations will be due 30 days before the start of camp.
  • Includes an outdoor pen for 1 horse.

EXTRA STABLING

  • Outdoor pen for a 2nd horse ~ $15/night   

ACCOMODATIONS

  • Dry Camping ~ $15/night
  • Camping Hook-Ups (power/water) ~ $25/night
  • Shared Bunkhouse Room ~ $25/night
  • Private Bunkhouse Room ~ $50/night

(All prices in CAD and + applicable tax)

APPLYING FOR CAMP

Contact our Camp Host:

Tamara Chmilar
1-888-533-4353 [toll free]
[email protected]

*All camp participants are subject to approval by Jonathan Field.

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