Falling Star Ranch - Training, Lessons, Clinics, Camps. Falling Star Ranch offers horse training, riding lessons, coaching, horsemanship clinics, kids camps, camps for adults, vaulting clinics, demos and short courses, equine behaviour workshops, horse whispering demonstrations, and horse sales.

Falling Star Ranch

Contact Info

"Ask not what your horse can do for you.
Ask what you can do for your horse."

- Chris Irwin

Click here to listen to background music

Back to the top

Welcome to the Falling Star Ranch

Training, Lessons, Clinics, Camps

Clinics, Camps, Workshops,
Short Courses, and Demos

Based on Chris Irwin's Non-Resistance Training Principles

With Chris Irwin Gold Certified Trainer
and Coach Birgit Stutz

Click here for Schedule of Events.

Develop a better understanding and
way of communicating with your horse.

Think Horse
Speak Horse
Play Horse Games by Horse Rules
To be the Better Horse

Whether your horse needs to build...
... fear into confidence,
... rudeness into respect,
... distraction into focus, or
... defiance into willingness,

Birgit can help you and your horse.

Birgit focuses on training both horse and rider as a unit and puts a big emphasis on the horse-human relationship, not only under saddle, but also on the ground, through means of horse psychology and body language.

Birgit continuously strives to have her clinics, camps, workshops, short courses and demos ever more responsive to the needs of her clients and now offers several new formats as listed below. Click on each clinic/workshop type to find out which one is just right for you, then click here for schedule of events .

The number of participants in Birgit's clinics, workshops, camps and short courses is limited in order to facilitate the most conducive learning environment possible and to ensure plenty of individual attention and instruction.

If you have a group of people who are interested in participating in any of Falling Star Ranch's clinics, workshops, camps, demos and/or short courses, Birgit can put something together to fit the needs of your group, either at Falling Star Ranch or at your facility. Email Birgit for more info.

Click here to read testimonials from clinic participants

Click here for pictures of various clinics

Types of Clinics, Workshops, Camps and Short Courses

Horsemanship 101 Workshops
Round Penning Workshops
Ground Manners Clinics
Horsemanship Clinics
Horsemanship Camps for Adults
Kids Camps
Horsemanship Clinics for Kids
Vaulting Camps
Women, Horses and Fear Workshops
Equine Behaviour Workshops
Short Courses and Demos
Horse/Owner Training Day
Horse/Owner Training Half-Day
Riding Lessons
Horse Whispering Demonstrations

Horsemanship 101 Workshops (no riding)

This two-day workshop is great for the novice horseperson or anybody getting back into horses after some time off. It is also great for parents of horse-crazy kids who want to learn how to be safe around horses and would like to understand how horses think and why they react the way they do. In this workshop, you will learn (and/or improve your skills) how to properly and safely catch, lead, tie, groom a horse, and how to pick out their feet. Feeding, stable management, hoof care, tack care, illnesses, diseases and injuries in horses, types of breeds and riding styles are also topics that will be covered. We will also talk about proper tack and different types of bits, saddles, bridles, etc. A big focus during the two-day workshop will be on horse psychology and equine body language. Round penning and lungeing are also on the program for those who would like to learn more about these two groundwork exercises, but you are also welcome to just sit back and watch.

This workshop doesn't include any riding.
Falling Star Ranch horses will be provided at no extra cost.
Maximum six participants.
$150* per person per 2-day workshop.
No auditors at this workshop.
Please call or email for more information or to register.
Click here for dates

Back to Types of Clinics

Round Penning Workshops (no riding)

In this intensive, one-day workshop, Birgit will demonstrate how to round pen a horse effectively and safely.
Round pen training leads to incredible breakthroughs with horses and lays the foundation for better communication, trust, respect, confidence and focus. Round penning is also a great tool to overcome various problems and to prepare the horse for work under saddle.
Participants will learn the differences between predator and prey behaviour, learn to understand how horses think and why they react the way they do, get insight into horse psychology and equine body language, and learn how to speak the language of the horse themselves.
Participants will also learn about the different types of horses (passive, passive-aggressive, aggressive) and how to communicate with each type.
Other complimentary groundwork techniques such as in-hand leading and lungeing may be taught as well.
Become a benevolent leader to your horse, learn to assess the unique qualities of your horse's personality and to address a variety of challenges through proper round penning techniques.
This is an exciting opportunity for those of you who want to have a better relationship with their equine partners.

This workshop doesn't include any riding.
Falling Star Ranch horses will be available for this workshop at no extra cost, but you are welcome and encouraged to bring your own horse as well.
Please call or email Birgit for health requirements if you would like to bring your own horse.
Maximum six participants.
$80* per person per 1-day workshop.
Auditors are welcome at this workshop ($25 per person per day).
Please call or email for more information or to register.
Click here for dates

Back to Types of Clinics

Ground Manners Clinics (no riding)

This two-day clinic is geared towards horse owners with young horses and those horse owners who would like to learn how to improve their horses' ground manners and build a positive relationship based on mutual trust and respect.
Participants will learn the differences between predator and prey behaviour, learn to understand how horses think and why they react the way they do, get insight into horse psychology and equine body language, and learn how to speak the language of the horse themselves.
Participants will also learn about the different types of horses (passive, passive-aggressive, aggressive) and how to communicate with each type.
You will learn about various groundwork exercises such as in-hand leading, round penning, lungeing, and long-lining.
Depending on the horses and participants, we will also be working with trail obstacles, handling behaviour problems such as biting, spookiness, aggression at feeding times, difficult to catch, difficult to trailer load, difficult to handle feet, not standing for mounting, not standing for fly spraying, head shyness, difficult to bridle, etc.
Develop a positive relationship with your horse based on mutual trust and respect by understanding how your horse perceives the world.
Learn how to set boundaries and how to be assertive without being aggressive.
Learn how to help timid horses become more confident and how to get pushy horses to respect your space.

This clinic doesn't involve any riding.
Participants are encouraged to bring their own horses, however, Falling Star Ranch horses will also be available.
Please call or email Birgit for health requirements if you would like to bring your own horse.
Maximum six participants.
$150* per person per 2-day clinic.
Auditors are welcome at this clinic ($25 per person per day).
Please call or email for more information or to register.
Click here for dates

Back to Types of Clinics

Horsemanship Clinics

If there is anything about the way you and your horse relate to each other that you would like to improve, be it on the ground or under saddle, you will be amazed by the results of attending a clinic with Birgit. You will get to know and truly understand your horse in a new and exciting way.
You will learn key aspects of equitation and how to become a pro-active rider who rides from his seat and steers with his core.
Birgit will help you improve your body position, timing, and awareness of your horse's rhythm, enhancing communication with your horse and thus helping your horse become more willing, more responsive, softer and more focused.

Sessions are private or semi-private, while the other participants audit. You will not be lumped into an arena as a group with everybody doing the same exercise and have instructions hollered at you. Instead, each session is tailored according to the needs of the participant(s) and their horse(s). You can book one session or multiple sessions over the course of the clinic.

Focus on what you and your horse need to be your best - whether it be groundwork only, riding only or both. Whether your goal is to enhance performance, work on a specific training issue, or solve a behavioural problem, whether you would like to improve your confidence, your body position, or your timing and awareness of your horse's rhythm, or whether you would just like your horse to become lighter, softer, more responsive, more focused and more willing, Birgit offers individualized attention so that everyone gets real answers and real results.

Clinics can be as short as one day or up to five days.
There is the option of a round pen demo the evening before the start of the clinic at no extra cost for clinic participants ($25 for auditors). This is a great opportunity to watch a clinic participant's horse's learning process unfold as Birgit demonstrates proper, effective, and safe use of round pen techniques and starts establishing a relationship based on mutual trust and respect with a horse. Watch as the horse becomes more focused, more confident, more respectful and more willing.
This is an exciting, interactive demo where questions are not only welcomed, but encouraged. The demo is also a great opportunity to learn about equine body language and horse psychology before the start of the clinic, therefore maximizing your learning time during your session(s).
Horsemanship clinics with Birgit are suitable for any level of rider, any age or breed of horse, and any riding discipline.

Clinic size is limited to 8 horse and rider pairs (minimum 6 participants)
$100* per person per day.
Auditors are welcome at horsemanship clinics ($25 per person per day).
Please call or email for more information or if you would like to host a clinic.
Click here for dates

Back to Types of Clinics

Horsemanship Clinics for Kids

Falling Star Ranch's horsemanship clinics for kids are designed for children ages 12 to 18 (age exceptions will be handled on a case-by-case basis) who either own or lease a horse and would like to improve their riding and horsemanship skills and relationship with their equine friend.
These clinics are different from our popular kids camps in that they focus a lot more on riding and general horsemanship.
Both group lessons and theory sessions are part of the horsemanship clinics for kids.
Horsemanship clinics for kids are geared towards intermediate to advanced riders (no beginners!), meaning the child can comfortably and safely ride in a group lesson at a walk and trot/jog (sitting and posting), knows how to turn and stop and has control over his/her mount.
If Birgit hasn't seen the child ride, please submit a video with the child demonstrating the above mentioned skills along with the registration form. If you are not sure if your child's riding level is suitable for this type of clinic, you are welcome to sign up for an assessment lesson.

Falling Star Ranch horses are available for lease at $25 per day if the child doesn't own or lease a horse. If Birgit hasn't seen the child ride, an assessment lesson with Birgit is required before a lease of a Falling Star Ranch horse is approved.
Any breed and age of horse is welcome. No stallions in these clinics.
Please call or email Birgit for health requirements if you are bringing your own horse.
Western and English riders welcome.
HCBC or AEF membership mandatory for participants if clinic held at Falling Star Ranch.
Clinic size is limited to 6 horse and rider pairs (minimum 4 participants)
$200* per child per clinic.
Please call or email for more information or to register.

Click here for dates

Back to Types of Clinics

Women, Horses and Fear Workshops

More information coming soon.

Back to Types of Clinics

Equine Behaviour Workshop

Observe horses in a herd environment
Discover the wisdom inherent in herd dynamics
Learn about the differences between predator and prey behaviour
Learn about herd behaviour and how horses interact
Learn about equine behaviour and why horses do what they do
Learn how to speak the language of the horse

This half-day workshop focuses on horse psychology and equine body language.
We will start out by observing horses in a herd environment in the field. Participants will learn about herd dynamics and herd behaviour, the differences between predator and prey behaviour, and horse psychology and equine body language.
We will then spend time in the round pen with a variety of horses and apply and reinforce what we learned in the field.
You willl learn how to set boundaries and how to be assertive without being aggressive. You will learn how to help timid horses become more confident and how to get pushy horses to respect your space.
Even if you're already a rider, this workshop will provide you with life-changing horsemanship skills.

This workshop doesn't include any riding.
Falling Star Ranch horses will be provided.
$50* per person per half-day workshop (3 hours).
No auditors at this workshop.
Please call or email for more information or to register.
Click here for dates

Back to Types of Clinics

Short Courses and Demos

Birgit offers various short courses and demos on topics such as Trailer Loading, In-hand Leading, Round Penning, Lungeing, Long-lining, Equine Body Language, and various other topics.
Short courses and demos are between 1.5 and 2 hours long.
Please call or email for more information and fees or if you would like to host a demo and/or short course with Birgit.

Back to Types of Clinics

Horse/Owner Training Day

Private horse/owner training: $250* per day (6 hours)
Semi-private horse/owner training: $200* per person per day (6 hours)

Horse/Owner Training Half-Day

Private horse/owner training: $150* per half-day (3 hours)
Semi-private horse/owner training: $110* per half-day (3 hours)

Back to Types of Clinics

*Prices are based on events taking place at Falling Star Ranch.
Please inquire for mileage to other locations.

For more information or if you would like to host a clinic, workshop, short course or demo with Birgit at your own facility, please call Birgit at 250-968-6801 or send an email. Incentives for organizers!

Help your horses to succeed; don't test them to failure.

Pictures

Pictures of Women's Workshops: Horsemanship for Women by Women - Whitecourt, Alberta (2010)
Pictures of Horsemanship Clinic in Jasper, Alberta (2010)
Pictures of Groundwork Clinic - June 23, 2007

Testimonials from clinic participants

"Dear Birgit,
Thanks so much for a great day yesterday! Your clinic was very informative and lots of fun. It really helped me to understand the techniques by watching others while you were teaching. I also appreciated the feedback I received from you and the other participants. Every time I work with you and the horses, my confidence and my skills improve. Thanks again for hosting the clinic and providing such a warm and relaxed atmosphere in which to learn. I'm looking forward to the next one."
Riette Kenkel, Valemount, British Columbia

"The experience that Kathryn and Birgit create for the participants and spectators of their clinics is one of mutual respect for horse and human. In a relaxed and tranquil setting natural horsemanship is taught. The utmost care and consideration are given to both horse and participant allowing neither to ever feel training is a battle of wills, it is just understanding. This understanding of the equine language is an amazing and uplifting tool that has permanently changed my horse's world as well as mine. With my sincere appreciation to Kathryn and Birgit, I will continue to learn and grow in a new communication with my horse "Otto". Thank you both for sharing the gifts you possess. I highly recommend a visit to Riversong Ranch or Falling Star Ranch for anyone looking to truly bond and find the magic with their horse."
Otto and Mabel Young, Peers, Alberta

"I have tried many different methods of horse training. The method taught at this clinic is the definition of Natural Horsemanship. There are no gimmicks or quick fixes as it is all about the communication and true bonding between human and equine. This connection is so natural that there is no need for special equipment like some of the other methods I've tried. Body Language is the only thing necessary to achieve a calm, level-headed horse both in hand and under saddle. The experience of watching the clinic has inspired me to learn this language. I know that learning from both Kathryn and Birgit will help me to achieve a mutual, respectful relationship with my horses. I thank them both for sharing their knowledge."
Corinne Grant, Carrot Creek, Alberta

"Birgit, I wanted to let you know that I finally got a chance to work Bria in the round pen today using Chris's techniques and it was the best we've ever done together. My husband was amazed as I was able to get her following me at liberty. Before her injury and lay up, I was working her regularly, but, she would be very resentful and angry and no bonding was taking place at all. After watching the videos that you suggested and being very careful not to push her head, we had a huge break through today!!! Thank you so much! I have a long way to go, but, at least now I'm on the right track!!"
Sherry Mastrogiacomo, Orlando, Florida

Back to the top of the page

Please email or call us for more information on our services.
We look forward to hearing from you!

We invite you to stop by and meet our horses (please phone ahead to make sure we are around). We will be happy to show them to you, and we hope that you will enjoy them as much as we do.

Page last updated December 7, 2011

Back to the top of the page

Home || Events || Horse Training || Riding Lessons

Clinics || Camps for Adults || Kids Camps || Vaulting

Horse Whispering Demos || Horses for Sale

Trainer Bio || Facilities || News & Info || Newsletters

Lesson Horses || Saddle Horses || Foals

Testimonials || Mentorship Programs || Volunteer Positions || Gift store

Photo Gallery || Renshaw Horse Rescue || Trip in Cargo Plane

Directions || Articles || Links || Sitemap

Read the Falling Star Ranch Blog on Wordpress

Click here to listen to background music

(You need RealPlayer to listen to the background music. If you don't have RealPlayer, you can download a free copy of RealOne Free Player at www.real.com.)