More Than Just A Clinic – A Turning Point

At a recent Ranch clinic in Montana, learning was off the charts, and a vision of an initiative was developed that may alter the industry.

By Delores Kuhlwein

Do you remember the moment your life was changed forever by horses? Was it when you first felt an unparalleled freedom in the saddle?  Or was it when you first touched a horse’s soft mane, and lost yourself in his kind eye, realizing you’d always want to be part of their world? Or did someone mentor you or give you an opportunity of a lifetime, and it changed you forever?

In the Big Sky country of Montana, an incredible gathering of horsemen discussed this pivotal moment in life, one that is crucial to the continued existence of the industry.

The setting: a sold-out Ranch Riding clinic held on September 21st and 22^nd at Meadow Creek Equestrian Center in McAllister, Montana, taught by AQHA Professional Horseman and the 2018 AQHA Professional Horseman’s Most Valuable Professional Steve Meadows and his wife, professional horse trainer Becky Meadows.

The incredible two-day clinic was full of learning, but it also allowed for socializing and a meeting of the minds, especially with the accredited judges present: Steve Meadows, Kim Gately, Jan Larsen, Marilyn Randall, and APHA President Kelly Chapman.

The Inspiration

The conversation was started by Michele Tucker Yoder, host for the event and owner of the facility, with her husband, Nate. “I reached out to Kelly Chapman because I wanted to donate a large amount of the proceeds to an APHA initiative to start something for the ranch youth division,” Michele says.  She had started with the idea of a commemorative trophy, but the group spearheaded a completely new concept.

“It was a fabulous clinic, and we had the opportunity to sit around and talk about these kinds of topics,” explains Kelly, who says the group began sharing about the moment they knew they were hooked on horses, an emotional experience among the group members.

So they spearheaded the still-developing idea of a youth initiative fund, an endowed fund, which Kelly reveals is not just money in and money out – an endowment means it’s a long game. Though the APH Foundation, who would manage such a fund, has a separate board and is not governed by APHA, collaboration is customary between the two.

“We want the fund to provide opportunities for youth to have that impact on their lives of the moment they know they love horses. We have to look at more creative ways to support youth and give them an introspective, immersive equestrian experience,” Kelly explains.

The endowment fund will be proactive in supporting youth, their equine experiences, such as offering them the opportunity to attend a clinic like this one.  “We’re pretty excited about it, building as we go along, and we’ve already had some donors step up for long-term support.  We want to extend this kind of opportunity to other youth and expose youth to this lifestyle we all love.”

The Learning Opportunity

That lifestyle was definitely celebrated at the clinic that weekend, with the expertise of Steve Meadows, an experienced clinician who knows to target his teaching to the group on their skill level and their horses’ skill level.

He evaluates the group to determine the instruction he needs to provide, just as he does with his horses. “Instead of having a set program and trying to make the horse fit the program, I adjust myself to every horse,” which he explains is the difference between a horse trainer and a horseman – a horseman, he says, “adjusts himself to get the best out of every individual.”

Michele, he explains, assessed the group to keep it balanced, which allowed everyone to cover more ground. “They were all positive and they all understood the dynamics of the ranch horse, which allowed me to work on the details. I worked with every individual rider on each ranch discipline – trail the first day on a very elaborate and beautiful trail course, then working western rail, which carries into the ranch riding because how that horse carries himself and moves is important in both.”

Throughout the clinic, Steve says they were able to talk about the look an integrity of a real working ranch horse through each individual discipline. In addition, with the other carded judges present, each rider was able to learn more about what judges are looking for, how the event is scored, and how the penalties work.

What Steve, Becky, and the group provided each rider was truly an opportunity to soak up knowledge, he explains, since not only does that area of the country have long driving distances between shows, but also a scarcity of professionals who specialize in ranch. “Becky and I both thought it was the best clinic we’ve had from start to finish, and Michele went out of her way to make it pleasant and positive.”

To top off the clinic, Michele explains, they worked cattle the neighbor donated on Sunday, and the group herded the cattle down the street, “and rounded them up like cowboys.”

“To be able to be part of this clinic was a blessing to us, too,” Steve says.  He and Becky were also able to sneak in some R & R before Congress, trail riding, staying at a resort, visiting Yellowstone, and eating some good food!

At the End of the Day

Michele explains that she and her husband, Nate, built the facility for events just like this, with a sold out Mark Stevens Trail clinic in May 2023, another sold out pattern clinic with Sally Jo Freund in April 2024.

“There’s a lot of talent and potential in Montana, and great horsemen and women, but not a lot of access to internationally known professionals of this caliber,” she says. She was inspired to obtain the Meadows’ fresh perspective, and that combined with the other judges in attendance, made the event amazing and she encourages everyone to participate in future clinics. “I could not have picked a more educated, professional teacher, and Becky was just the cherry on top. They work like a well-oiled machine together.”

Her goal to continue to recreate these indelible opportunities, especially if it results in pivotal moments like the prospective youth Ranch initiative.  “I’m going to continue to bring the best in our industry to Montana for experiences like this. Even my goose, Gucci, had a good time.”