Be a Part of the Expo

Ride in a Clinic

Ride with Your Favorite Trainer or Clinician!

Important Dates
Application Deadline
May 9, 2025

If you have ever wanted the chance to ride with the world’s best trainers & clinicians, look no further than the Western States Horse Expo!

Many of our clinicians will be accepting horses and riders for their sessions, and you could be one of them. Enclosed you will find a list of all the clinic sessions where riders and/or horses are requested. Please send your completed application, and we will forward it to the respective clinician for final review and evaluation. Once selections have been made, applicants will be notified via email before the event. Applicants who are not selected will be notified via email by May 21st, 2025.

Please ensure that your application is filled out completely and sent in with a written description and a recent photo & video of you riding your horse. The downloadable application should be submitted to the following address no later than May 9, 2025.

IMPORTANT: If you wish to ride in the Hawley Bennett clinic, there is a different downloadable application.

Submit downloadable applications to:
Western States Horse Expo
7200 Lone Pine Drive
Rancho Murieta, CA 95683
Email: | Fax: (916) 404-0395

Applications available soon

Online Forms
Clinic Participant Online Form
Stall Order Form
Order Hay & Shavings
Downloadable Clinic Forms
Hawley Bennett Clinic Participant Application
Clinic Participant Application
Participant Haul In & Stall Order Form
Assumption of Risk and Waiver
Clinic Rider Opportunities

Clinic Rider Opportunities

Topics to be announced. Please complete the application for review and selection

Friday

Topic: Cavalletti Exercises: Teaching Eventing, Jumping, and Dressage Riders New Cavalletti and Pole Exercises
Topic: Building a relationship with a distracted, anxious, or scared horse.

Saturday

Topic: Introducing a horse to a grid
Topic: Incorporating “Play” into the work

Sunday

Topic: Jumping in Straight Lines & Bending Lines
Topic: OCMP, the four building blocks of training.

Friday

Topic: The #1 problem people encounter with their horses and how to solve it
Topic: Relationship before horsemanship- next level training

Saturday

Topic: The Principles Of Training In Action
Topic: How your posture and energy affect your horse

Sunday

Topic: How allowing a NO is the key to getting a YES
Topic: Nervous system regulation – the key to trouble-free training

Friday

Topic: Secrets of the Bridlehorse.
Description: Perfect for those in the Hackamore, two-rein, or bridle looking to improve signal-based riding, feel, and balance

Topic: Ranch Horse Competitive Advantage
Description: Performance maneuvers for amateur and open riders. Mastering Ranch Horse Maneuvers like stops, turnarounds, back-ups, and side passe

Saturday

Topic: Ranch Trail
Description: Learn pattern strategies and insights for laying down a credit-earning pattern, PLUS understanding your scores

Sunday

Topic: Ranch Trail
Topic: Ranch Riding & Rail
Description: Learn pattern strategies and insights for laying down a credit-earning pattern, PLUS understanding your scores. Riders will also learn how to navigate the rail

Friday

Topic: Caitie – LIBERTY FOUNDATION FROM THE START ( round pen needed )
Topic: Caitie & Elliot – WARMING UP – GETTING READY TO RIDE & show
Topic: Elliot & Caitie – Willfully Guided and Bridleless Riding; work towards riding 1 handed, to bridleless, and quit nagging your horse. This is a two-part clinic session

Horse/Rider Needs: Two riders who have the goal to ride bridleless
The same two riders for Friday and Sundays session!

Saturday

Topic: Caitie & Elliot – Liberty for all Disciplines
Topic: Caitie – LIBERTY FOUNDATION FROM THE START

Sunday

Topic: Elliot & Caitie – Willfully Guided and Bridleless Riding; work towards riding one handed, maybe bridleless, and quit nagging your horse. This is a two-part clinic session

Horse/Rider Needs: Two riders who have the goal to ride bridleless
The same two riders for Friday and Sundays session!

Topic: Elliot -Be Mentally Ready in New Environments, for you and your horse. Setting up for success with a green horse.

Horse/Rider Needs: Ideal for horses that need experience in new environments

Topic: Caitie & Elliot –  Liberty for all Disciplines

Friday

Topic: Fitness Training for Dressage Horses
Topic: Horse Fitness: Improve Posture for Performance

Saturday

Topic: Fitness-Based Groundwork
Topic: Strength Building Exercises for Horses

Friday AM

Topic: Helping horses to deal with anxiety through offering a pathway that leads to horses managing themselves

Description: Psychological + Practical insights into helping horses to not only reduce anxiety but also improve Emotional Resilience. This session will also include understanding and recognizing anxiety, how training can influence anxiety, and how we can improve to make a real difference to horses.

Horse / Rider Needs – A Horse that gets anxious, worried, nervous, stressed, or hard to manage.

Friday PM

Topic: Helping a Rushy Horse have a Greater Connection: improving the lunge

Description: Psychology & Mindset insights to help rushy horses not rush! Practical training tips to implement to master connection in training prep, setting your horse up to have greater rein accuracy. Rushing in hand is such a common issue – even if your horse doesn’t rush on a line, come and watch to learn new techniques that will improve your horse’s responsiveness to you.

Horse / Rider Needs – A horse that rushes. The lesson will be groundwork.

Saturday AM

Topic: Shutting Out: Why this happens & how to bring this back into an Open Learning Mindset

Description: Learn about the different mindsets that horses have that can influence how well they take on information. Many horses operate without engaging mentally. Watch to learn how Mark trains a horse’s mind and its body simultaneously. How to recognize these mindsets, and how to influence them.

Horse / Rider – A shutting out/ shut down/ mechanical horse

Saturday PM

Topic: Practical techniques to Reduce Anxiety

Description: Description Insights that explain how Education can Reduce Anxiety and create a soft, centred mindset. Practical Techniques to improve softness through alternative training techniques. Understanding how to create a healthy, learning mindset.

Horse / Rider Needs –Ground work with a horse that shows anxiety; a worried horse; one that doesn’t centre; one that has had driving in its education

Sunday AM

Topic: Understanding the Concepts of Directing a Horse to Feel: Creating a Positive Mindset

Description: Insights into the complex area of feel, its advantages that offer clarity and improved training. Practical and psychological tips that any horse owner can apply! Creating a positive mindset in training encompasses all aspects of what we do with our horses; yet feel is linked to many of them. Understanding its larger implications is a critical component of significantly improving your horse’s mental capacity to learn and move without tension.

Horse / Rider Needs – Any horse

Sunday PM

Topic: Reducing the Rush: Helping a horse that Rushes under saddle

Description: Ridden lesson improving a horse’s ability to connect and respond thoughtfully under saddle at faster speeds. Training tips to help your horse reduce the rush; become more responsive; be more connected to you; and feel more positive about the training.

Horse / Rider Needs (ideal number(s), skill set, abilities, etc.) – Ridden horse that rushes under saddle

Friday

Topic: Simple Saddle Solutions for a Secure and Stable Seat

Description: Riders of all disciplines attempt to shape their posture into the image of a secure and stable rider. But are they truly secure? In this demonstration, Wendy will not only show the rider how safe and effective their current position is (or isn’t!) but also how to achieve a functionally secure and stable position in just minutes.

Horse / Rider Needs – Riders that are at a minimum capable of walk/trot/canter and/or jump that are the equivalent of a 1st level rider (Western or English) open-minded, willing to do unorthodox but effective techniques to improve their performance.

Saturday

Topic: Improve Your Horse’s Performance with SURE FOOT!

Description: The horse’s overall balance and security, posture, and stability — as well as muscular development — for carrying the weight of a rider is critical for good performance. Perhaps more importantly is the horse’s ability to relax, especially in trying circumstances. SURE FOOT Equine Balance Pads help horses become calm and confident. and therefore, more resilient and able to perform with greater ease.  These benefits can have lasting effects on overall health and performance, while also extending the useful life of the horse.

Horse / Rider Needs – Horses can be either mounted or ridden, open to horses of all levels, including advanced-level horses that want to improve performance. Western and English disciplines welcome.

Sunday

Topic: Mastering The Biomechanics Of The Half-Halt

Description: The half-halt is the key to rebalancing the horse for performance. While we all know he “should” work from behind, getting the horse to respond is another matter. And, while there are many different descriptions of how to rebalance your horse, few people explain it in clear, simple terms like Wendy Murdoch. She’ll break this down into simple, clear elements everyone will understand.

Horse / Rider Needs – Riders who are at a minimum capable of walking/trotting/canter and/or jumping, and who are the equivalent of a 1st level dressage rider or above. Hunter-seat horse/riders are also welcome.

Friday

Topic: In-hand Intro to the Correct Gait
Horse / Rider Needs – A horse for Carl to work with

Topic: Five Steps to the Correct Gait
Horse / Rider Needs – Intermediate riders

Saturday

Topic: What is false collection, and why is it detrimental to your gaited horse
Horse / Rider Needs – Intermediate riders

Topic: Why does my horse trip?
Horse / Rider Needs – Intermediate riders

Sunday

Topic: How to find balance and regulate your speed with gaited horses
Horse / Rider Needs – Intermediate riders and a horse for Carl to ride

Friday

Topic: Releasing tension in key junctions that most affect performance
Description: Jim demonstrates techniques for these junctions.

Topic: Reading the Horse’s Body Language
Description: Reading subtle signs where the horse might be holding tension and how to release it.

Saturday

Topic: Equine Bodywork and Behavioral/Training issues 
Description: How to differentiate between behavioral or training issues and techniques to release restrictions.

Topic: Equine bodywork and Mystery Lameness
Description: What is mystery lameness and how to help your horse.

Sunday

Topic: Connecting with your horse
Description: Use various levels of touch to bypass fight/flight and access nervous system. Create trust with your horse.

Topic: Equine Bodywork for Horse Owners
Description:  How to adjust levels of touch based on horse communication. How to help them relieve tension with easy bodywork techniques.

Topic: Hoof Building – taking the mystery out of trimming

Horse Needs: Bare shod horse

Clinic Information

  1. Clinics are designed to cater to a broad spectrum of equestrians attending our event. Selections are made based on each clinician’s unique needs to successfully demonstrate their specific topic to the audience. Some are looking for horses/riders with specific skills while others will work with any rider interested in improving their skills and relationships with their horses. Please do not hesitate to apply because you think you might not be selected- you might be exactly what our clinician is looking for!
  2. Stalls are available through the Murieta Equestrian The cost is $135 for the entire event (Thursday through Sunday) and includes 3 bags of shavings, two exhibitor badges, and one parking pass for the weekend.
  3. On-site RV & trailer hookups are available to anyone participating in a
  4. Our clinics are a unique opportunity to ride with the best in the industry and, in most cases, will be in front of a large crowd in a large arena. Warm-ups in the clinic areas are available 10 minutes before your ride time and there may be “spooky” distractions that you may not normally experience. Please be aware of this when applying in case you or your horse cannot function safely in this environment.
  5. All horses brought to the Western States Horse Expo must be in good health, and free of any illness or infectious disease. Upon arriving each horse owner/trainer is required to present current shot records for all horses participating (within 1 year). For horses being transported from out of state, a negative Coggins must be provided within 30 days of the event (California State Law).
  6. To be eligible for any riding clinics, you MUST submit a recent video with your completed application. This video must show you & your horse either at a competition or schooling at home in an arena. This video will be used by Expo staff & the clinicians/trainers to evaluate you & your horse. All videos must be submitted as a link to a YouTube video or as a DVD. Videos should be no more than 5 minutes in length and should be marked with the rider’s name and/or horse’s name. Provided DVDs will not be returned.
  7. Only horses that are participating in the Expo may be brought to the event. Participating horses are expected to be safe & manageable in large crowds or around many horses. Any horse that is deemed by event staff to be unsafe will be asked to leave.

 

What are the Requirements to Participate? Do I Qualify?

Our Clinics cater to a broad range of equestrians from all over the horse industry. While some clinicians are seeking horses & riders with specific skills or problems, others enjoy the chance to work anyone who is interested in improving their relationships with their horses or honing their skills. Don’t be afraid to apply- we have many opportunities available for even the greenest of horses or riders. There are also many non-riding demonstrations, from body work and saddle fitting to nutritional seminars too!

Our only requirement? That you have a clean, well behaved horse and a professional turnout & attitude!

How Much Does It Cost?

Horse Expo clinic fees vary depending on the session length, who is teaching & what is being taught. Some clinicians book their own riders and charge a small fee others use our pool of riders and offer the opportunity to ride and learn at no additional cost outside of lodging and stalls.  You will also be asked to pay for a stall and keep your horse onsite at the Murieta Equestrian Center. Please refer to the Stall Order Form below for more details or don’t hesitate to call or email us with questions!

Do I Have to Commit to All Four Days? Can I Ride with Multiple Clinicians?

You can participate as much or as little as you like. If selected, Horse Expo staff will contact you with available sessions best suited to you & your horse based off the information and videos provided to us. There are also many non-riding demonstrations, from body work and saddle fitting to nutritional seminars to build your knowledge too!

How Do I Apply?

Just fill out the above forms completely and return them to the Horse Expo office via email, fax or mail. Please make sure that your application is completely filled out and sent in with a written description & video.

 

Western States Horse Expo Venue Map

Facility Grounds
Download Printable

Location

Address

Murieta Equestrian Center
7200 Lone Pine Drive,
Rancho Murieta, CA, 95683

CONTACT INFORMATION

Phone: (916) 985-7334
Fax: (916) 354-2638
Email:

Directions

From Stockton:

Head north on CA-99 towards Sacramento for 27 miles. Take Exit 281 for Dillard Rd and turn right on Dillard Rd. In 14 miles, turn right onto Jackson Rd/Hwy 16. At the stoplight, turn right onto Murieta Drive. Follow marked directions to access the public parking lot, located near the old race track behind Arenas 9 & 10. Access to this lot will be on the Murieta Drive side of Lone Pine Drive and will be clearly marked and manned.

From Sacramento:

From I-5 S/CA-99 S/CA-16 E, take Exit 518 to merge onto US-50 E. In 6.25 miles take Exit 9 onto Power Inn Rd towards CA-16 E/Howe Ave and keep left. Turn right onto Howe Ave/CA-16. Turn left onto Folsom Blvd/CA-16 then make a slight right onto Jackson Rd/CA-16. In 17 miles, turn right onto Murieta Drive at the stoplight. Follow marked directions to access the public parking lot, located near the old race track behind Arenas 9 & 10. Access to this lot will be on the Murieta Drive side of Lone Pine Drive and will be clearly marked and manned.

From Folsom:

From Hwy 50, take Exit 27 for Scott Rd/ E Bidwell St and head south on Scott Rd. At the 3 way stop, turn right onto White Rock Rd. At the 2nd stoplight for Prairie City Rd turn left, when you get to the roundabout take the 2nd right for Scotts Rd. Stay on Scott Rd for 7.9 miles then make a sharp left onto Latrobe Rd. Take the first right onto Stone House Rd until you reach Jackson Rd/Hwy 16. Turn left onto Jackson Rd and take the 1st right at the stoplight on Murieta Drive. Follow marked directions to access the public parking lot, located near the old race track behind Arenas 9 & 10. Access to this lot will be on the Murieta Drive side of Lone Pine Drive and will be clearly marked and manned.

From Plymouth:

Go southwest on CA- 49 towards Empire St and continue on CA- 49. In 2 miles, stay straight onto CA-16 for 13.65 miles. At the stoplight, turn left onto Murieta Dr. Follow marked directions to access the public parking lot, located near the old race track behind Arenas 9 & 10. Access to this lot will be on the Murieta Drive side of Lone Pine Drive and will be clearly marked and manned.

From Ione:

Go west on Main St/CA-124/CA-104 towards Buena Vista St. Take the first right onto Preston Ave/CA-124/CA-104 and continue on CA-104 (just past Buena Vista St). In 3.4 miles, make a slight right onto Michigan Bar Rd. In 9 miles, turn left onto Jackson Hwy/CA-16. At the stoplight, turn left onto Murieta Dr. Follow marked directions to access the public parking lot, located near the old race track behind Arenas 9 & 10. Access to this lot will be on the Murieta Drive side of Lone Pine Drive and will be clearly marked and manned.

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Western States Horse Expo Hours

June 6-8, 2025

Friday June 6th   9:00 AM – 6: 00 PM
Saturday June 7th  9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday June 8th  9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Questions? Contact Us!

(916) 354-2119

Murieta Equestrian Center
7200 Lone Pine Drive,
Rancho Murieta, CA, 95683

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We love dogs, but we ask that you please leave your pups home while attending the Horse Expo. Thanks!

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Photos courtesy of Carolynne Smith, Elizabeth Ruiz, Kathy Higgens, Fuentes, Hill Shepard, Charles Hilton, Kala Johnson, Jessi Hogan, Tyson Rininger, Traci Nelson, Lisa Reese, and Constance Birdsong Photos.

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