Hello everyone!

I am looking for a barrel clinic in WV, KY, OH, or VA for a beginner 7 year old. I know there's one scheduled for Crazy Woman Ranch in Lancaster OH this September but was hoping to find something a little sooner. 
Also taking other suggestions on ways to move kids along in their riding education. I went from riding around the pasture to trail rides with my grandpa to being entirely on my own but I wasn't doing anything more than just riding around until I was 14 or so. Trying to set the kiddo up for success. I was trying to set up weekly lessons but his dad won't cooperate on his weeks. Could he get anything out of doubling up every other week? He's got his eyes on a PeeWee buckle this season!

Thanks everyone!

I personally wouldn't take a young kiddo to a clinic.   Being a teacher, I know that attention spans are short, especially when horses are involved because they want to be doing something all the time, not listening, and it's a bit of a stretch to watch others do their thing over and over as well. 

I would stick to the lessons.  Double up as the trainer thinks you need to, but every other week isn't going to hurt anything.  That also guarantees the kiddo won't be burnt out, high drive to win a buckle or not. 

Main thing is just letting the kid ride and figure them and their horse out. 

Thank you! That does make good sense. I think the place I'm looking at for lessons does clinics for younger kids. Basic horsemanship stuff but it's tailored to their level. 

horsemanship/confidence build at each lesson.... have fun at the pee wee series.  Let the chips fall where they may.  celebrate wins, comfort in the losses.  at 7 and beyond all the horsemanship & confidence & coping skills you can install will only develop later into a great rider. 

Yes! It is my goal to be as supportive as possible without feeling like I'm pushing him. He did have a bit of rough fall last month so it took some convincing to get him trotting on his own again. 

He has his first lesson next Wednesday. I called him this morning and hes's stoked!

you might check with some of the local boarding/lesson stables in your area - around here there are a couple that have Summer Camps and teach beginner horsemanship, correct grooming techniques, playday events things like that - it's usually like 3-4 days from 8-12 before it gets too hot. And on the last day, they have a little playday for the parents to come watch. some of them do the same thing for more advanced children also.

Where are you located?  I know of a barn in Burgestown, Pa that is excellent with youth.  This is just across the WV norther panhandle boarder.