HORSEMANSHIP clinic:

Colt Starting

with Addison Griffith

April 18th & 19th | 10 am to 4 pm with a lunch break each day

Learn to start horses from the ground up, so you don't end up on it.

This two-day clinic walks you through how the Spanish California/Nevada tradition approaches starting young horses, step by step and from the very beginning. You'll watch and participate as Addison works through each stage with one of the ranch's own colts in real time, so you see exactly how the process unfolds rather than just hearing about it in theory.

Over four sessions and eight hours of instruction, you'll cover ground driving, lunging, desensitizing, the introduction to the saddle, and early flexion and softness work. Everything is taught in sequence, the way it would actually happen with a real horse, so you understand not just what to do but why the order matters.

All experience levels are welcome. Ranch horses are provided.

Participant spots are limited to 25.
Participant price: $250 for 2 days

Participants will get hands-on work with horses during certain activities

Auditors: $100 for 2 days

Auditors are observation only, no contact with horses.

What You'll Get Out of This Clinic

Starting a horse the right way is one of the most valuable things you can do for its entire future. When each step is introduced clearly and at the horse's pace, the horse learns to think rather than react, and that foundation carries through everything that comes after.

Here's what you'll come away with:

A clear picture of the full starting sequence, from first handling through saddling

Hands-on experience with each stage of the process on a live ranch colt

An understanding of why the order matters and what to do when a horse gets stuck

A feel for the Spanish California/Nevada approach: bitless, patient, and built on trust

Practical knowledge you can carry into your own horsemanship going forward

How the Day Works

The clinic runs the same schedule on both Saturday and Sunday:

10 am to 12 pm: Morning session

12 pm to 2 pm: Lunch break

2 pm to 4 pm: Afternoon session

Each session builds on the last. Day one covers early handling, desensitizing, ground driving, and lunging. Day two moves into saddling and the beginnings of flexion and softness. Addison teaches each step before demonstrating it on the horse, so you understand the reasoning before you see it applied. Participants are hands-on throughout both days.

All levels are welcome. No prior colt-starting experience is required.

Pricing and Registration

Participant spots are capped at 25 to keep the clinic small and personal.

Participant (both days, ranch horse included): $250

Auditor (both days): $100

Registration closes the day before the clinic. Spots are first-come, first-served.

Using a ranch horse: All participants ride or work with a ranch horse.

If the clinic fills, you'll have the option to join the waitlist.

Make a Weekend of It

If you're coming from out of town, consider staying the night. The 1890 Ranch has three beautifully renovated yurts that sleep up to four guests each, located near the clubhouse and bathrooms. They book separately through Airbnb, so grab your yurt before the clinic date gets close.

It's a great way to slow down, enjoy the ranch, and not feel rushed heading home after two full days.

Latigo & Loam Yurton AirBnB

Cinch & Clover Yurton AirBnB

Snaffle & Sorrel Yurton AirBnB

Meet Addison Griffith

Addison Griffith is the head trainer at The 1890 Ranch and brings a gentle, structured approach rooted in the Spanish California/Nevada tradition practiced by early buckaroos. She trained under Damian Ficca, Lead Instructor at Arapahoe Community College's Equine Studies Program, and now teaches in that same program herself.

Her philosophy is simple: Everything is for the horse.

Find her at agequineservices.com and follow along at @addison.equine on all social platforms.

What to Bring

Bring water, boots, and layers for the weather. Because you'll be working with ranch horses, no personal horse equipment or tack is needed.

All participants are required to have a signed waiver on file with The 1890 Ranch before the clinic begins.

At The Ranch

The clinic takes place in The 1890 Ranch indoor arena, so you'll be comfortable no matter what the weather does.

The 1890 Ranch is a private equestrian retreat nestled in the Black Forest of Elizabeth, Colorado, where horses, humans, and heritage meet. Founded by Amity, the Ranch is built on a love of horses, hospitality, and genuine community. We offer boarding, horse training, riding lessons, clinics, and event hosting, including weddings and private gatherings, all set among the pines of Colorado's high country.

Refund Policy & Cancellation Disclaimer:

All bookings are non-refundable. The 1890 Ranch operates on a limited-capacity basis, and your reservation secures dedicated time, space, staffing, and resources.

If you need to cancel, refunds are not guaranteed and will only be issued if your spot is filled by a participant from the waitlist.

Cancellations made within 7 days of the scheduled activity are not eligible for refund, including illness, travel delays, or personal conflicts. In these cases, a credit will be issued and must be used toward a future program within 6 months of the original booking date.

The 1890 Ranch reserves the right to cancel, modify, or reschedule activities due to weather, safety concerns, or operational needs. If the Ranch cancels an activity, participants will receive the option of a full refund or credit.

Questions?

Contact us at [email protected] or (720) 621-9998.

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