Working Equitation Clinic at BISC May 17th

Future Clinics June 20th &  July 25th 

We’re excited to have Jenni Turla joining us for this clinic—and she has generously reduced her rate to make this opportunity more accessible.

• Clinician fee: $45 per rider 
• Facility fee: $20 per rider 
• Ride times will depend on registration.  The group lessons will be 1.5 hours and there will be 4-5 people in each group.  We will send an email with ride times on Saturday.  If you have any questions about the clinic, please contact Kylee Stanton-Hicks 206-412-7763 text or call.
• In an effort to grow our membership and continue to offer more clinics we ask that you join Bainbridge Island Saddle Club to participate in this event.  Click HERE to Join

What is Working Equitation?

A working equitation clinic is a hands-on training event where riders and horses learn the skills used in Working Equitation—a discipline inspired by traditional ranch, farm, and cattle work, especially from Southern Europe.

What it looks like

You’ll usually see a small group of riders in an arena with a clinician guiding them one-by-one or in a group. The focus is on precision, communication, and calmness as horses navigate obstacles that simulate real ranch tasks.

Common clinic elements

• Obstacle work – opening/closing gates, crossing bridges, sidepassing over poles, backing through L-shapes
• Flatwork (dressage basics) – improving balance, transitions, softness, and responsiveness
• Course riding – linking obstacles together smoothly like a pattern
• Horsemanship skills – learning how to use subtle cues instead of force

Atmosphere

Working equitation clinics tend to be:

• Supportive and low-pressure (great for beginners through advanced riders)
• Practical and problem-solving focused
• Rooted in real-world usefulness rather than just arena performance

Who it’s for

• Riders who want a purpose-driven alternative to traditional arena riding
• Trail riders looking to build confidence with obstacles
• Competitive riders preparing for working equitation shows
• Horses that benefit from variety and mental engagement

What you’ll gain

By the end of a clinic, most riders notice:

• Better control of their horse’s body (steering, stopping, bending)
• Increased confidence navigating obstacles
• Improved partnership and trust

How to read a full course

A full course is essentially a pattern you memorize and ride in order, usually with 10–15 obstacles spread around the arena. 

You’ll start at a designated point and follow numbered obstacles like a flow course.

Typical flow (example patterns)

Here’s a realistic clinic-style layout you might ride:

More about Jenni Turla:

Jenni Turla is a lifelong equestrian,  beginning her riding career at the age of 6, becoming an active member of United States Pony Club on Vashon Island. She competed throughout the NW Region winning many championships along the way and achieving her USPC “B”  certification at 16.  Jenni graduated from Western Washington University degree in BioChemistry and while raising her family in Kingston she and became an active member of BISC.  She continued her  passion with horses, achieving her USDF bronze medal and training many horses and riders to successful careers in dressage and eventing.  In 2020 a Craigslist find of an unbroke Appaloosa/ Tennessee Walker started the partnership and in 2024 LNR Andy Stargazer and Jenni begin their USAWE journey.  They solidified their career in Working Equitation with 2025 National Reserve Champions Level 3, 

2025 Region 1 High Point Open Champions, 2025 Region 1 Level 3 Champions

Jenni is currently a USAWE Professional Instructor Candidate continuing her education riding with the USAWE team coach, Miguel Undebarrena and spending countless hours shadowing judges at the highest levels of competition.  In 2026 Jenni will be competing her self trained horse LNR Andy Stargazer at level 4. “Working Equitation is one of the fastest growing sports in the USA, welcoming riders of all skills and horses of all breeds.  Riders of all disciplines compete together, western and english attire, it truly is about the horse and the partnership that you have created is rewarded.” 

This clinic is for riders of all skills levels, it will be an introduction to the obstacles of Working Equitation and develop course riding skills,  we will group riders according to skill levels and experience with Working Equitation.  Designed to be a fun community building event with the opportunity to strengthen your partnership with your horse.  

More information about Working Equitation can be found on the website: 

https://usawe.org/

*no refunds will be issued.  All registrations fees are final.