VAN HARGIS TRAINING SEMINARS
Most Requested Programs

Our posture in the saddle has a direct impact on our horse’s performance. In this presentation Van teaches us proper posture from where to place our hands, feet and seat. Van will teach you good posture and how it relates to your health and your horse’s performance.

If you’ve experienced horses that are head shy, ear shy, or fearful of water or creek crossings, Van will teach us how to overcome these issues. This presentation teaches us to simplify things from the horse’s perspective. Things that may seem miniscule to us may be real disconcerting to our horses. Van’s step by step approach to solving any problem helps us to overcome adversity and look at problems as opportunities to become better horsemen.

What is collection? Collection seems to be one of the most frequently used "buzz" words in horsemanship. How many of us really understand it and its benefits toward our horse’s performance? Van will not only help you grasp the definition of collection but will explain its purpose and how to achieve it. Most importantly, Van will demonstrate how it enhances and improves your horse’s carriage in every aspect of riding. Whether you trail ride or compete professionally your horse wants you to learn how to achieve collection.

Do you hide you halter and offer feed to entice your horse to let you catch him? Do you have to trap or trick your horse to catch him? In this presentation Van will explain why some horses are difficult to catch. He’ll teach us how to read the horse’s signs as we approach him, and teach us how to catch our horses anywhere anytime. In fact Van will teach us how to train our horses to catch us.

Since Van introduced this presentation to major equine expositions a few years ago, it is quickly becoming a crowd favorite. In this presentation Van re-enforces the importance of foundation training as he introduces the horse to cattle. Further into the presentation Van discusses horse position, strategy, and reading cattle. Whether you aspire to cut, team pen, rope, or perform in working cow horse events or use your horse on the ranch you and your horse will appreciate this demonstration.

This is truly art in motion as Van demonstrates his horse’s skills and reflects on all the criteria that’s demanded of a versatile ranch horse. Van will not only emphasize the importance of a ranch horse's breeding, conformation and disposition but he will demonstrate the remarkable skills and discipline of the ranch’s most valuable asset, The Versatile Ranch Horse. Witness this visual poetry as Van, one of America’s most versatile horsemen, demonstrates the ranch horse in ranch riding, ranch cutting, ranch working and ranch trail.

There is probably no more valuable skill to the ranch cowboy than the ability to handle a rope. Learn with Van as he teaches some very important aspects of handling a rope. Van will discuss and demonstrate everything from building and throwing a loop to positioning your horse. Whether you are a green-hand beginner or a top-hand experienced roper you’ll learn the little things that make big differences.

In this presentation you’ll learn the importance of preparing yourself and your horse for success. Though we can learn from our failures it is more fun and more productive to learn from our successes. Van will teach you how to simplify your thoughts, your actions and your horse training toward fun and successful horsemanship. Volunteer crowd participation in this presentation is encouraged.

As a horseman and a clinician Van has literally traveled the country from coast to coast and has discovered that among horsemen there is at least one common point of confusion; the tack room. In more cases than not many of our so called horse problems stem from not using the proper equipment on our horses and/or not knowing how particular pieces equipment are to be fitted and used. Van will discuss in great detail bits and their indications, how certain bits work, practical fit and application of bits and other headgear. Also discussed in this presentation is proper saddle fit and matching your saddle to your horse, to you and to your horse-related activity. This is by far one of the most important presentations you’ll ever see. Bring your questions.

Regular health maintenance on our equine buddies is the responsibility of every horseman. In this presentation Van teaches how to keep this schedule as stress free as it can be on both our horses and us. Learn ways to keep your horse from getting needle and shot anxiety, learn to safely effectively, easily and cleanly de-worm your horse. The things you will learn in this presentation will be appreciated by you, your horse your vet and your farrier.

Does you horse have "the look". When someone sees your horse are they impressed by his/her appearance? We all love our horses and we all notice pretty horses. This presentation is full of helpful grooming hints and techniques that keeps our horses looking their very best. Whether you’re a cowboy that just wants to spiff up ol’ Sorrely or you’re a competitor wanting your horse to look it’s best for the show this presentation has helpful information for you. Van will also teach how to trim and clip horses without sedation, restraint, twitches, stocks or even crossties.