"Meet the Herd" Clinics with Dan McCarthy

Join us for this special afternoon offering, and spend a few hours with trainer Dan McCarthy, and RF Founder Dawn Robyn, and some of the horses of Rosemary Farm Sanctuary. These are primarily a 'watch and learn' scenario, with plenty of time for free exchange and discussion, to better understand what the horses are communicating.

Participants are limited so the group will be mobile, and able walk to different spots around the Sanctuary campus, with Dan. He will be haltering and handling various horses and discussing aspects of their ongoing development. Participants will be encouraged to share their observations in an interactive, casual format, as the group discusses various aspects of ‘horse training’ and what that means at Rosemary Farm. These clinic will run from 2- 5 pm, with the last 30 minutes dedicated to questions and answers.

Each session will be different, depending upon which group of horses are chosen for that Saturday interaction.

These sessions may serve as a springboard for participants joining the longer format clinic in September, “Mustangs & Music”, or they may lead to someone signing up for recurring private lessons, or may be an end to itself for someone curious to learn more.

Participants are not expected to be directly handling any of the equines, although some direct engagement is possible, if desired.

- Fresh Perspective on the horse/human exchange, as we discuss how the horse perceives requests

- Increased Awareness, by watching and discussing the horses’ reactions, to begin to better understand what they may be feeling

- Increased Confidence, around equines, with a better overview of their priorities, and how they may react to stimulus, and more confidence on one’s own perception of what is happening

- Improved Communication, with equines, as non-verbal communication becomes more clear and both horse and human learn to express their needs

Rosemary Farm Sanctuary Founder/Executive Director Dawn Robyn will also be in attendance, if possible.

Catskill Natural Horse trainer Daniel McCarthy has decades of experience working with a wide variety of equines, developing his own particular sensitivity to their needs. Music plays a large part of his interaction, as does a synthesis of training methods developed from a wide range of instructors. Dan has been a key aspect of the growth of Rosemary Farm Sanctuary, training since before the start of the non-profit 17 years ago. It’s a rare treat to watch Dan work, and these ‘starter’ clinics are a unique offering.

- Participants sign up for the three hour session in advance, at a cost of $65. The clinic will be rain or shine. Each afternoon clinic is scheduled from 2-5 pm. The group size will be kept small and mobile! Please bring a folding chair, a notepad for notes, and water or something to keep yourself hydrated. Bug spray or a hat may be desired, but we hope to keep participants out of the sun. An added layer may be desired! Cameras welcome for limited use, no video please. We would like everyone focus and be present.

Due to the small nature of this group, refunds will not be available 14 days from the event.

- Participants may choose to sign up for the public Saturday Walking Tour that precedes the clinic, from 11- 12:30 pm. It is not required to attend the tour in order to participate in the clinic, but it greatly informs the guest as to the scope of the campus and the variety of herds and care provided, and it’s really special. To join us for the morning tour in advance of this lunch and clinics, click HERE

- Participants may choose to sign up for a picnic lunch being served at the Sanctuary, for an additional $15. This will include choice of two different quiches, with side salads. There are picnic tables and a bathroom onsite. Participants choose to bring their own lunch to enjoy between the tour and the clinic!

These clinics will meet at the Welcome Center at Rosemary Farm Sanctuary, 1646 Roses Brook Rd. S. Kortright NY 13842. Please arrive in time to read and sign a standard waiver, use the facilities, etc.

No pets please.