Join us for an intensive three-day horsemanship clinic led by renowned horse trainer Carson James, hosted at the Prairie Rose Arena in Elkhart, Iowa. This event is designed for riders seeking to deepen their understanding and skill in horse training, offering a unique opportunity to learn from one of the best in the field. The clinic will take place from Friday, June 19th, to Sunday, June 21st, 2026.
About the Clinic and Carson James
Carson James is celebrated for his insightful approach to horse training, emphasizing communication, partnership, and understanding the horse’s perspective. This clinic will provide participants with practical techniques and a refined horsemanship philosophy that can be applied in various equestrian disciplines. Participants will gain valuable insights into building a stronger, more responsive relationship with their horses, fostering trust and cooperation. For those interested in advanced training methods, exploring online horse training resources can offer supplementary learning opportunities.
Event Details and Registration
Dates: June 19, 20, and 21, 2026 (Friday, Saturday, Sunday)
Location: Prairie Rose Arena, 11045 NE 56th Street, Elkhart, Iowa 50073
Host: Sondra Feldstein
Participant Fee:
- $700: If paid in full by April 1, 2026.
- $750: For payments made after April 1, 2026.
Auditor Fee:
- $25 per day
- $65 for all three days
Registration and Information:
For more information, questions, or to register, please contact Sondra Feldstein:
- Email: sondraf@uchicago.edu
- Phone/Text: (515) 250-2330
Important Information for Participants
Limited Spots: The clinic is strictly limited to 20 riders to ensure personalized attention and effective instruction.
Payment Schedule:
- A non-refundable deposit of $350 is required to secure your spot.
- The remaining balance of $350 is due by April 1, 2026, for the early bird rate.
- If the final payment is received after April 1, 2026, the balance will be $400. All payments are non-refundable.
Horse Accommodations:
- Pens: Covered pipe pens ($20/night, 10×10) or open pipe pens ($20/night, 12×12) are available. Pens have dirt floors.
- Bedding: Participants must provide their own bedding. Manure must be cleaned out; forks and wheelbarrows will be provided.
- Tie-Outs: Overnight tie-outs are strictly prohibited.
- Supplies: Participants must bring their own water buckets, hay, and feed.
Health Requirements:
- Horses traveling from out of state must provide a current negative Coggins test via email before arrival.
Additional Amenities:
- Electric Hookups: 30-amp electric hookups are available for $25 per night. These must be paid with the clinic fee to reserve a spot, as availability is limited.
- Dry Camping: Dry camping is available for $15 per night.
Travel and Arrival
Accommodation: Motels, gas stations, and restaurants are conveniently located in Altoona or Ankeny, approximately ten minutes from the arena.
Early Arrival: Arrival on Thursday is encouraged (not before 2:00 PM) to facilitate a smoother start on Friday morning. The arena will be accessible for riding on Thursday.
Payment Methods
Venmo: Send payments to Sondra-prairierose. Please use the “Friends & Family” option to avoid fees. The four-digit confirmation code is 2330. If any fees are incurred, you will be asked to reimburse them.
Checks: Make checks payable to Prairie Rose Arena and mail them to:
9095 NE 72nd Street
Bondurant, IA 50035
(Please note: Do NOT mail checks to the arena address in Elkhart.)
Required Documentation
Participants are required to download and bring the completed waiver form from the Carson James Horsemanship website. This is essential for participation in the clinic. Exploring resources like carson james horse training can further enhance your understanding of his methods.
This clinic offers an exceptional chance to enhance your horsemanship skills and build a stronger bond with your equine partner. Early registration is highly recommended due to the limited number of rider spots available. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from Carson James and improve your horse train car handling abilities.
