Owners loaded their horses into the trailer and traveled down to Tarkio Equestrian Center on February 19 for a four hour clinic presented by horse trainer Marc Haskins. Haskins is also the owner of the equestrian center and has been hosting the Winter Horsemanship Clinic Series for horse owners around the county.

“I just want to spark interest in people to get their horses out more often,” Haskins says. “We’re starting all the way at the bottom and learning the basics at the groundwork level and under saddle and going all the way up to more advanced work including leg yielding and speed control.”

Haskins says that by the time the series wraps up, April 16 is the last scheduled date, the warm weather will be upon the area and horses will be tuned up and ready to head outside.

“They’ll be ready for summer riding,” Haskins said. “And practice makes perfect so this is about giving riders more information to help themselves and to help their horses.”

The clinic in February talked a lot about gaining respect on the ground. With horses weighing in anywhere from 1,000 to 1,500 pounds, it’s important that they are respectful to their owner’s space. Tammy Maul brought her horse out.

“It’s me trying to learn something so I can help my horse,” she said. “And it’s a lot fun.”

Haskins said that the clinic turnouts have been small for the most part, noting that the “most active horse people are the ones who have come out to utilize” the clinics.

Riders didn’t have to worry too much about being cold. Most of them commented that they expected to be cold, but Haskins had them busy working on techniques and exercises that kept them engaged. They also didn’t have to worry about working outside in the snow as they made use of the center’s indoor arena that was built last year.

Haskins said that he grew up with horses and didn’t have a facility by any means. He said that he grew up riding in different arenas in the area. But by the time he got back to the area after going to school neither of the arenas he had used were still being used.

“I have a job with the forest service, but I still had a desire to train horses and I want my kids to get involved with horses,” he said. “I figured that building the arena was the best route to be able to do it year round.”

Haskins said that he knew he would need to be able to support the arena and decided to open up Tarkio Equestrian Center. From riding lessons, horse boarding, clinics, arena use packages and more, the center has lots of services for those who are into horses. Haskins said that they also have a few cows that people can come and practice on for roping.

The remaining clinic dates are March 19, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and April 16, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. The March clinic will talk about more advanced groundwork and work under the saddle including leg yields and lead changes. The April clinic will review everything covered as well as getting out on the trails.

Haskins said that riders who aren’t actually participating in the clinic are welcome to come out and watch.