RICHARD CALDWELL
       VAQUERO HORSEMANSHIP

   PURPOSE FOR THE CLINICS

     I feel that there is a need to preserve and bring back the true Vaquero methods of horsemanship and horse training.  These clinics will focus on helping the rider make transitions from snaffle bit to hackamore, hackamore to 2-rein, 2-rein to straight up in the bridle.  Riders will learn the methods I use in training my horses for rein work, working cattle, and just everyday riding.  Riders will learn traditional equipment use, the reasoning for their use, and proper rider etiquette.  Riders will receive a better appreciation and understanding of their horses, equipment, and themselves.  There will be something to be learned for all levels of riders and horses.

   Richard Caldwell

VAQUERO RICHARD CALDWELL

TESTIMONIALS

I attended Richard's clinic in June 2007 at his place near Alturas, CA.  Though I have ridden ranch horses since I was 16 months old (I'm told) this was my first clinic (I'm 61).  My horse is 4 years old and has been in my good Bill Black hackamores since December.  My goal is to follow the traditional Vaquero  training methods 'til he is a finished Bridle horse in 2-3 years.  I loved the clinic!!!  My horse is dramatically improved.  I am dramatically improved!  I recommend the clinic for anyone wanting to achieve the highest level of harmony and communication with their horse by using traditional Vaquero training techniques.  Richard Caldwell is not only a master horseman, he is a master teacher!!!

Mary Williams Hyde
www.buckaroocountry.com
Alturas, CA.  Clinic

This is a letter of heartfelt thanks, for your knowledge, patience, experience, and understanding.  You folks took a group of people under your wing for a weekend and gave them each the individual help they needed for where they were at, in that point of their horsemanship, yet friendly and without ego.  You gave humbly of yourself with only the thoughts of others and their horse's in mind.  That is truly a rare gift.  Alot of doors have been opened for my horse and myself to improve, but also for me to trust in him and myself.  We're ready for the next clinic!!!

Tina and Todd Hansen
Billings, MT. Clinic

I just got off the phone with California Classics folks, and we talked about riding with you, Richard.  I went on and on about what a fine teacher you are -- organized, kind, and effective with the group and one-on-one.  I rode in the clinic that was at Mindy Bowers/Kevin Hall's place in Colorado.  It was an outstanding experience.  You helped me run through the bit options afterward and I know you were not feeling very good, but helped me anyway.  Thank you for all.  The clinic was important to me -- getting focused on the hackamore is not so easy to come by and getting the help on how to take the next steps into the two-rein is even more rare.  What you're teaching is important so please keep going.  Please know how very much I appreciate what you very kindly and thoughtfully offered.

Marilyn Golden
Kiowa, CO.  Clinic

Just wanted to send a quick THANK YOU to let you know how much Dave and I enjoyed the clinic and meeting you over this past weekend.  We both learned so much during the clinic.  Thank you for your words of wisdom, support, and encouragement.  It is so amazing that we could actually meet you in person and have an opportunity to learn from the real thing.  I think we've watched the Vaquero movies a million times, but there's nothing like seeing it first hand.  We would love to attend another clinic.

Denice Thurston Clarke
Snohomish, WA.  Clinic

The clinic was filled with excellent horsemen, clinicians in their own right...folks who rode horses for a living...as well as a way of life.  I figured I would be the "worst" rider with the MOST room for improvement!  What I found was that we ALL struggle, we all have something that we need to work on.  Richard found a way to help each of us.  The uncanny ability to read a person, as well as assess a horse.  Richard is a quardian of tradition, and a humble leader.

Patti Martin
Tejon Ranch, CA.  Clinic

 

I have been to several clinics from famous clinicians, but I have never learned so much nor had such individual attention like I have received from Richard Caldwell.  He really makes sure you have a great start in the direction YOU want to go  rather than a packaged plan for the general assembly. A person does not need to be in reined cowhorse or have a "cowy" horse to be a part of this.  Everyone from every discipline can ride in these clinics and come away with a better communication and better riding with their horse.  Last year I attended several of his clinics and to my amazement they were not repetitious in the least and would always include new techniques and activities in helping us to step up our game and come closer to our goals.  I am training my first bridle horse and my horse and I now receive compliments everywhere we go about how well we work together, how quietly we communicate and execute difficult maneuvers, and on what a great partnership we obviously have.  My horse and I have only Richard to thank for all the progress we have made and will continue to make with his help.

Kim Kinnear
Janesville, CA. and other clinics

My goal is to build a bridle horse all the way from the hackamore to  Straight up in the bridle, a daunting thought at the best of times,
especially if you come from England as there aren't many vaqueros in  the UK!  so we arranged a private clinic with Richard at his home in Alturas.  I kind of knew before we started that we were going to learn lots but it's pretty hard to put ihn to these few sentences when something way exceeds your expectations.  We had a fantastic time, Richard is a superb teacher who puts you immediately at ease and he teaches you from where you are at and thanks to him my goals are now obtainable.  We came home with a thorough understanding of the gear, 
learn't heaps and had loads of laughs along the way. Apart from being  a fabulous teacher, we've made two great friends in Richard and Nancy,  would I recommend a clinic with Richard? Absolutely!
Lisa&Mark Bruin
England.

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Video Series..
Jaquima de Freno
COMING SOON
WITH
RICHARD CALDWELL

                    NRCHA    2-Rein Competition
           


Tejon Clinic  2006
Photo by Patti Martin
www.ibelieveinyesterday.com


Hyde Ranch  Big Loop Competition 2007
Photo by Mary Williams Hyde
www.buckaroocountry.com


Californio's Competition 2006
Photo by Mary Williams Hyde
www.buckaroocountry.com

              
               Kiowa, Colorado  Clinic  2007
             Billings, Montana    Clinic 2007
           Mindy Bower  Colorado Clinic 2007


Richard and Pat Pucket   Tejon Roping  2007
Photo by Patti martin
www.ibelieveinyesterday.com

Ronnie Chandler    Janesville, CA.  Clinic  2007