Be a Part of the Expo

Ride in a Clinic

Ride with Your Favorite Trainer or Clinician!

Important Dates


Application Deadline	May 1, 2026

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.

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 1, 2026. We will notify selected applicants by May 8th.

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

Applications available soon

Online Forms

Downloadable Clinic Forms

Clinic Horse/Rider Opportunities

Horsemanship

Sean Coleman

Friday

Engage Your Horses Mind in the saddle
Teach your horse to mentally engage in the task and say “The answer is YES, what was the question?”

How to Choose the Right Bit for your Horse
Learn the four things to consider when choosing a bit for your horse, understand snaffles, hackamores, and other bits.

Saturday

Develop the Canter
A simple process to develop the canter that applies to all disciplines.

A Practical Approach to Horse Psychology Under Saddle
Learn the key concepts to practically applying horse psychology to any training program

Sunday

Gymnastic Training Scale
Learn a simple and effective pathway to developing your horse’s body

Become a Refined and Effective Rider
Learn about the horses biomechanics and how we as riders can influence the horse correctly.

Gaited Horses

Gaye DeRusso

Friday

Gaited Horses: More than extra gears – they’re wired different
Gaited horses aren’t just “normal” horses with extra gears. In this clinic Gaye DeRusso explains how they are built and wired differently – and what that means for riding, training, and keeping them sound and happy.

Saturday

The Gaited Spectrum: Why No Two Gaited Horses Are Alike
No two gaited horses more – or feel – the same. In this clinic, Gaye DeRusso breaks down the “gaited spectrum”, explaining why horses fall on different parts of the trotty-to-pacey scale and how to adjust your riding and training to bring out each horses best, most comfortable, gait.

Sunday

Cantering Gaited Horses: The Biomechanics Behind “Different”
Not all gaited horses canter like “regular” horses. In this clinic, Gaye explains what’s really happening in their bodies and how to ride their unique canter so it feels clearer, easier, and more comfortable.

Horsemanship

Julie Goodnight

Friday

Cue With Clarity: Install the Easy Buttons
The fastest way to improve any horse is to improve the rider’s timing and clarity. Julie demonstrates the cueing “language” horses understand—pressure/release, reinforcement and reward—then shows you how to install the core buttons: go, stop, turn, back, yield, and bend.

Horses/Riders: 3 pairs (English & Western, green/pushy, anxious, steady example horse), plus horse for Julie to ride

Canter Basics: From Cues to Collection
Description: Julie shows the canter checklist: cueing, leads, departures, smooth riding, control, bending and collection, with special attention to the most common mistakes riders make.

Horses/Riders: 3-4 pairs (learning canter, too fast, lead confusion, steady); plus horse for Julie to ride.

Saturday

Canter Troubleshooting: Fix Rushing, Breaking & Wrong Leads
Description: Julie demonstrates the “why” behind common canter issues and applies simple, repeatable fixes—without over-riding or drilling. Focus: straightness, rate, and transitions that rebalance.

Horses/Riders: 3-4 pairs (rusher, swapper/wrong lead tendency, breaks gait, steady); plus horse for Julie to ride.

De-Escalating Behavior Under Saddle: Calm the Brain, Train the Body
Description: When horses escalate (spook, brace, rush, freeze), riders often escalate too. Julie teaches riders how to “bring the horse back” by riding proactively, using patterns, redirection, and softer focus—then return to the task.

Horses/Riders: 3–4 pairs (looky, tense/bracey, forward when worried, etc.)

Sunday

Converting Fear to Curiosity: De-Spooking that Actually Works
Description: Spooking is a confidence gap. Julie demonstrates progressive exposure (approach/retreat), confidence patterns, and how to reward bravery and encourage curiosity without “babying” or trapping the horse.

Horses/Riders: 3–4 pairs (spooky/looky, tense, rushes when worried, optional steady); plus horse for Julie to ride.

The Forever Rider: How to Stay Safe in the Saddle for Decades
Description: In this mounted clinic, Julie shares the real secrets to riding for a lifetime: balance over strength, strategy over speed, and training habits that keep horses quieter and riders safer. Learn the small, high-impact adjustments that reduce wear-and-tear on your body, improve communication, and prevent the “little problems” that turn into big wrecks. Riders of every age will leave with practical exercises, safety systems, and a confidence-first plan to keep riding for decades. Ride for life… without scaring your family!

Horses/Riders: 2–3 pairs (minimum age 50, older is better, inspiring to audience); plus horse for Julie to ride.

Horsemanship

Jason Irwin

Friday

Colt Starting – Part 1
Trailer Loading
Teaching horses to load and unload from a trailer with confidence and calmness, even in a small space.

Saturday

Colt Starting – Part 2
Trailer Loading
Teaching horses to load and unload from a trailer with confidence and calmness, even in a small space.

Sunday

Colt Starting – Part 3
Trailer Loading
Teaching horses to load and unload from a trailer with confidence and calmness, even in a small space.

Gymkhana

Bronwyn Hart- Irwin

Friday

Future Trainers
Empowering the next generation to develop their horsemanship skills, train their own horses and learn how to solve problems effectively.

Saturday

How Do You Move That?
Making a supple horse – How to cue and move the parts of the horses body. Plus, problem solving to identify the WHY with your horse.

Sunday

Training a Solid Barrel Pacing Pattern on Your Horse
Learn how to establish a consistent barrel pattern on your horse, while solving common issues like hitting barrels, running past turns, or getting too hot in the pattern

Dressage

Steffen Peters

Friday

Understanding Suppleness

The Effectiveness of the Aids

Saturday

Improving the Upper Level Horse

Understanding Suppleness

Sunday

The Effectiveness of the Aids

Improving the Upper Level Horse

Horsemanship

Ryan Rose

Friday

Developing Perfect Ground Manners (Groundwork)
In this demo Ryan shows how to train your horse to have great ground manners through connection and working with the horse.

Developing Connection Through Patterns (*Ground or Riding)
In this demo, Ryan shows how to leverage patterns to help create a deeper connection with your horse.

Saturday

Training Recovery Strategies for the Spooky Horse
Riding a spooky horse is not fun for anyone! In this demo, learn how to teach your horse recovery strategies that will build confidence and safety when your horse sees a ghost.

Cool Hacks for Building Confidence with Obstacles (*Ground or Riding)
Whether you compete in trail events, love riding out on the trail, or simply want to boost your horse’s confidence, this demo will teach you everything you need to know about introducing your horse to obstacles.

Sunday

Fast and Furious: How to Slow a Horse Down
Does your horse speed up at the trot or canter? In this presentation, Ryan will demonstrate some recovery strategies and exercises to slow your horse down with relaxation.

Develop Power Steering with Your Horse
Learn how to develop reliable steering cues with your legs and reins.

Horsemanship

Solange

Friday

Stable Riding : How to stay Stable on the Horse’s Back
Because sometimes our horses’ act..like horses!
Solange uses the 4 factors of riding : Skeletal Alignment, Weight distribution, grip and absorption to show riders how to maximize their stability on their horse in Real world situations. Because sometimes our horses…act like horses!

Stable Riding : Clearer aides and better communication through Stability.
Better aides make happy horses and happier horses are easier and more fun to ride.
When the rider is stable in their body, they feel safer physically and are calmer mentally. This allows them to use their aids in a kinder, clearer and more empathetic fashion. Solange will show riders how to have better transitions and steering. Better aides make happy horses and happier horses are easier and more fun to ride.

Saturday

Stable Riding : Deep Seat Positions.
No one wants to bounce and no horse wants a bouncy rider!
When Solange talks about deep seat she is referring to sitting your walk, trot and canter. With stirrups, without stirrups and bareback. She specializes in helping riders move their pelvis and keep contact with their horses back. No one wants to bounce, and no horse wants a bouncy rider!

Stable Riding : Light Seat
If you like to go fast, or would like to be more comfortable going fast this session is for you!
While keeping your butt down on your horse is important, sometimes you need to pick yourself up! When Solange teaches light seat positions she is focusing on: Standing, Posting, Jumping and Galloping. As riders we rise up as the horse starts going faster. So if you like to go fast, or would like to be more comfortable going fast this session is for you!

Sunday

Stable Riding : Riding Pain Free.
Your riding pain is a solvable problem, let Solange help!
Growing up did you hear : “no pain, no gain” or “suffer for your art”?
Solange believes that what brings you joy should never cause you pain. And riding should not hurt! When riders experience pain, tingling or numbness in the saddle it is always a direct result of a position fault, tack mistake or both. Your riding pain is a solvable problem, let Solange help!’

Stable Riding : You are not scared. You are unprepared.
Learn the skills to be stable and prepared and watch your fear disappear.
So many riders describe themselves as nervous, anxious, worried, low confidence, timid, fearful or scared. Solange has never met a rider who used that language and was also stable! If you are unstable and unprepared you will not feel confident on your horse. Learn the skills to be stable and prepared and watch your fear disappear.

Clinic Information

General Information

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!
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.
On-site RV & trailer hookups are available to anyone participating in a
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.
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).
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.
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.

FAQs

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

Location

Address

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

CONTACT INFORMATION

Phone: (916) 985-7334
Fax: (916) 354-2638
Email: info@MurietaEquestrianCenter.com

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 1^st 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.