This document outlines the details for an upcoming horsemanship clinic led by Nahshon Cook, scheduled for May 18-19, 2024, from 8 am to 4 pm daily. The clinic focuses on working with horses that have mental, physical, and emotional rehabilitation needs, utilizing classical dressage principles to promote healing and improve communication between horses and humans. Nahshon Cook’s approach is characterized by kindness, intuition, and positivity, extending to all disciplines and even horses that are not ridden.
About the Clinic and Nahshon Cook’s Approach
Nahshon Cook, an author and poet from Denver, Colorado, brings a unique perspective to horsemanship, grounded in his book Being With Horses and his degree in Human Services. His methods aim to help horses use their bodies in a way that fosters healing and wholeness, while simultaneously enhancing the clarity and depth of communication for their human partners.
The clinic structure includes 45-60 minute sessions with 5-7 human-horse pairs each day. Both beginners and those interested in ground sessions are welcome, though participants who intend to ride must possess basic horse knowledge. Testimonials from previous attendees highlight the profound and often life-changing impact of Nahshon’s work, emphasizing his intuitive ability to identify and address individual challenges within the horse-human partnership. Attendees have described his sessions as deeply insightful, direct yet kind, and capable of inspiring dramatic changes through subtle adjustments.
Clinic Details and Registration
Dates: May 18-19, 2024
Times: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM daily
Location: Pine Knoll, 4901 Ironworks Pike, Georgetown, KY 40324
Participant Cost: $350
This fee includes a 45-60 minute private lesson with Nahshon and auditing the remainder of the day during which your lesson is scheduled. A $250 deposit is due at registration, with full payment due by May 3, 2024.
Auditor Cost: $65 per day
Auditors can observe all sessions. The number of participant and auditor slots is limited.
Included: Light snacks and drinks will be provided. A 30-minute lunch break will be observed, with options to bring your own or order from a local restaurant (cost not included).
Registration and Inquiries:
Contact Cathy Mattingly directly at cathy@cathymattingly.com. Please allow at least 24 hours for a response. You can also indicate your interest on the Facebook Event page: https://fb.me/e/1j5rfpeB5
Important Information for Participants
Payment: Payments can be made by check or Venmo. Full payment for participation, auditing, and stalls is due by May 3, 2024.
Cancellations: Efforts will be made to fill canceled slots from a waiting list. If a slot is filled, a refund will be issued within 3 days of the clinic’s end. If the slot cannot be filled, the payment is non-refundable.
Health Requirements: A current Coggins test and vaccination record must be emailed to Cathy at cathy@cathymattingly.com by May 3, 2024.
Waivers: Participation is contingent upon signing a liability waiver, which will be provided at least 30 days prior to the clinic. A photo/video release form will also be required at the clinic.
On-Site: Ample parking for trailers and vehicles is available. Seating will be provided, but attendees are welcome to bring their own chairs.
Stalls: A limited number of stalls are available on-site or nearby for $55 per night.
Travel and Accommodation
Getting Here: Pine Knoll is conveniently located off I-64 at exit 65, with easy access to I-75.
- Nearby Airports: Lexington (LEX) – 12.4 miles, Louisville (SDF) – 73.1 miles, Cincinnati (CVG) – 70.5 miles.
Accommodation: On-site rental units, The Loft and Pony Point, are available and ideal for groups. Several hotels and AirBNBs are also located in the nearby towns of Georgetown, Midway, and Frankfort.
Explore Kentucky
For those with additional time, the region offers numerous attractions related to horses, bourbon, food, and more:
- Horses: Kentucky Horse Park, Keeneland Racecourse, Churchill Downs, Thoroughbred Farms, Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Farm, and various equine hospitals and retraining centers.
- Bourbon: Numerous distilleries, including Castle & Key, Buffalo Trace, and Woodford Reserve.
- Food: Restaurants by renowned chefs.
- Other Attractions: Louisville Slugger Museum and Muhammed Ali Center.
Preparing for Your Course
- Watch the Safety Video: CLICK HERE
- Download and complete the course form (PDF).
- Review the recommended items to bring (PDF).
