A “Tie One On” Buckaroo Boot Camp Weekend

Dates - June 18 - 20, 2010

A “One of a Kind” Western Pennsylvania Adventure/Experience with Patrick King of Patrick King’s Colt Starting and Horsemanship and Bob Sagely of Sage Horsemanship

Ever had a dream of being a cowboy? Want to learn about and do the work that real cowboys and buckaroos do? Well, it doesn’t just happen by putting on the hat. Come join us for a weekend of good, clean fun (OK, you might just get a little down and dirty with the cows) while improving your horsemanship and maybe realizing that long held dream.

Patrick King and Bob Sagely will take you through a Buckaroo Boot Camp weekend and teach you about good horsemanship and humane stockmanship. Using the techniques, equipment and traditions of the New World’s first cowboys, the Californio vaqueros (predecessors of today's buckaroos), you will learn and practice the effective handling of cattle and horses. This can include the use of the long lariat to catch and safely handle cattle for those who rise to the challenge.

Patrick and Bob will assist you in becoming a better horseperson by giving you, and your horse, real jobs to do handling cattle. For folks interested in how things were done in the old days, and still done today on ranches throughout the West, the Buckaroo Boot Camp will sure get you off to a great start with lots of interesting history and lore of early California and the Old West.

If you have ever wanted to see what a cowboy really does and how they do it, well, here is your chance. This experience is not for the beginning rider or too young a horse but if you are confident in your riding you can sure take part in the fun. If you are looking for a new challenge with your horse this is a fantastic opportunity. If you are a team penner, sorter, reiner, or team roper this clinic will have lots of insight to help you improve your sporting perfomrance. You will have a chance to renew or develop a deeper respect for your horse and his abilities as you expand on your own skills and knowledge.

You can move along through the camp with us at your own pace - doing only what you feel comfortable taking on. No actual cattle herding/handling experience is necessary for you to participate. Be a part of the fun and challenge of learning to be a good stockman and horseman. You don’t have to rope live cattle during the camp. But chances are good that after one time through a “Buckaroo Boot Camp” weekend you will be anxious for the next opportunity to attend one and “tie one on” for real!

• Learn how to develop better communication with your horse by giving him a real job to do.
• Learn how to herd, sort and pen livestock (horses and cattle) without undue stress to the animals.
• Learn how to rope and humanely handle cattle for branding and doctoring* like it was done in the old days.
• Learn what the real purpose is for the western style horse gear you may own and how to use it properly.
• Learn how to have one heck of a good time with your horse.

* We will not actually be branding or doctoring animals and will only be simulating those procedures. We will rope and humanely handle and restrain the animals while they are roped and/or laid down to simulate range working conditions.

Contact either Patrick King (email or 724-859-8858) or Bob Sagely (email or 724-459-3873) for more information. We are hoping there will be plenty of interest in making this happen so let us know today and we will put you on a mailing list for this clinic.

Participation Requirements –

• All participants and all spectators will be asked to sign a waiver of liability and all Pennsylvania equine liability laws will be in effect.
• A horse that you are comfortable riding now and feel safe on when riding. (This is not a riding clinic for beginning riders nor a horsemanship clinic for young or problem horses. You will learn horsemanship skills relevant to cow work that will help your overall horsemanship abilities but you should be a competent and confident rider and your horse should be sound in the basics and well under your control.)
• A western saddle made for roping is required if you are intending to rope live cattle with us. Not all saddles can stand up to the rigors of roping and holding live cattle so if you wish to do this you will need the right kind of saddle. Breakaway (live cattle) and dummy roping requirements are not as strict so if you are just learning to rope this weekend nearly any safe western saddle will do.
• All your gear and saddle must pass a safety inspection prior to participation in any of the activities of the camp. We strive for safety and you should too by only using quality gear that is in sound repair and good working order. Bob makes western saddles for working cowboys and pleasure riders so he can help you out here.
• Western riding boots (not shoes) are required (English riding boots will suffice ;-). Other appropriate clothing for outdoor work/activities should be worn. We will most likely be getting a little dirty each day.
• Helmets are optional but certainly encouraged if you are of a mind to wear them.
• An open and willing mind and a desire to try something new.
• A nylon or poly catch rope or lariat (for those who take part in the roping of live cattle or even to learn the basics by roping a dummy cow). Proper ropes of the correct length for this style of work are available for a fee. Breakaway hondas for beginners will be available for purchase too. If you are not going to rope then you will not have to have one.
• If you are going to learn about and attempt hobbling you will be expected to supply your own pair of hobbles. Patrick and Bob reserve the right to refuse you to hobble your horse during the clinic if they determine your horse is not ready or your hobbles are improper for training purposes. Check with Bob about proper hobbles for training.

For an outline of activities and schedule of sessions please click here.