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Sparklin Cowgirl
Posts: 4379
  
| I’ve always wanted to go but the cost is more than most clinics. Is it worth it? What are your thoughts? |
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 Veteran
Posts: 101
| I went to one years ago and loved it. It was nice because she actually rode your horse but it wasn’t for an extended period of time.. she just trotted the pattern once on each one. But she definitely helped me at the time when I went and I really enjoyed it! |
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  More bootie than waist!
Posts: 18425
 
Location: Riding Crackhead. | I didnt have a good experience |
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 No Name Nancy
Posts: 2715
Location: never in the right place | I went to one many years ago and would never go to another. SHe did not ride the horses, was pushing her dentist and chiropracter and favored the group that had mostly rodeo girls in it. The ladies she had working with us lesser barrel racers were nice but I didn't pay to have them teach me. Day 1 we were outside with helpers and rodeo girls inside with CJ, day 2 we were all inside with CJ and she was helping them a lot and casually watching the rest of us.
Not worth the money, I would do a Paul Humphrey clinic if there is one near you. |
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 Peecans
| At the end of the clinic she told me I had bad hands, and she hated my tiedown, it was a cruch for my pour horsemanship..... not during the clinic though so I could work on whatever it was she was seeing. I spent a lot of time solesearching and trying to find what I was doing so wrong and what it was she was seeing.
Don't get me wrong, rip my a$$ apart I go to clinics because I know I can learn more and be better that I am today but you need to tell me when im doing wrong so I know what to work on. Im not mad she said I had bad hands and a tiedown, Im mad she didn't teach me to be better especially because woth the Canada us exchange it cost a small fourtin
That said I really loved her helper and learnt a TON from her and made some life ling friends at that clinic. |
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Location: South Dakota | ctdrumrunr - 2018-11-25 1:36 PM I went to one many years ago and would never go to another. SHe did not ride the horses, was pushing her dentist and chiropracter and favored the group that had mostly rodeo girls in it. The ladies she had working with us lesser barrel racers were nice but I didn't pay to have them teach me. Day 1 we were outside with helpers and rodeo girls inside with CJ, day 2 we were all inside with CJ and she was helping them a lot and casually watching the rest of us.
Not worth the money, I would do a Paul Humphrey clinic if there is one near you.
I have not been to a Charmayne clinic, but have heard both good and not so good. My experience at a Paul Humphrey clinic was a waste of time and money....very bummed out leaving that clinic. |
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More bootie than waist!
Posts: 18425
Location: Riding Crackhead. | ridejg - 2018-11-25 2:14 PM
ctdrumrunr - 2018-11-25 1:36 PM I went to one many years ago and would never go to another. SHe did not ride the horses, was pushing her dentist and chiropracter and favored the group that had mostly rodeo girls in it. The ladies she had working with us lesser barrel racers were nice but I didn't pay to have them teach me. Day 1 we were outside with helpers and rodeo girls inside with CJ, day 2 we were all inside with CJ and she was helping them a lot and casually watching the rest of us.
Not worth the money, I would do a Paul Humphrey clinic if there is one near you.
I have not been to a Charmayne clinic, but have heard both good and not so good. My experience at a Paul Humphrey clinic was a waste of time and money....very bummed out leaving that clinic.
I thought you liked Paul? |
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 Expert
Posts: 1395
Location: Missouri | I went to one about 7-8 years ago.... I got the impression she didn't like my horse, but she still was great at helping me make the most of it. I still learned a ton and it was really the catalyst for me becoming a more self-aware rider. I still use much of the concepts she taught. I ignored the fact that the chiro and dentist were pushed on us. I didn't have the money for those things and that was all there was to it. It was obnoxious that we felt like if we didn't use those services we weren't doing the right thing for our horse, but I just let it roll off my shoulders. Heather who assisted her was pretty great. I would totally go again if I could. There will be one close enough to me next year, but I'm already scheduled to be out of town that weekend, or else I would be going.
I don't think her clinics are for everyone. I did sort of feel like she had favorites, but I still learned a LOT. |
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Peecans
| MOGirl07 - 2018-11-26 8:16 AM
I went to one about 7-8 years ago.... I got the impression she didn't like my horse, but she still was great at helping me make the most of it. I still learned a ton and it was really the catalyst for me becoming a more self-aware rider. I still use much of the concepts she taught. I ignored the fact that the chiro and dentist were pushed on us. I didn't have the money for those things and that was all there was to it. It was obnoxious that we felt like if we didn't use those services we weren't doing the right thing for our horse, but I just let it roll off my shoulders. Heather who assisted her was pretty great. I would totally go again if I could. There will be one close enough to me next year, but I'm already scheduled to be out of town that weekend, or else I would be going.
I don't think her clinics are for everyone. I did sort of feel like she had favorites, but I still learned a LOT.
Heather is amazing. I would go to a solo clinic of heres is a heartbeat. Shes the only reason I'd consider going to another CJ clinic to be honest. |
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 The best bad guy on the internet
Posts: 3519
Location: Arizona | Funny I saw this post this morning as i was on her website getting ready to sign up for her clinic in Feb. You had to fill out a questionnaire first and it did ask about teeth and chiro. I have my own people for these treatments and don't need to use hers. I can see in her schedule that she does kinda push these treatments on you. :(
I do need help with me and my horse, not sure if this is the best clinic for me. Any more feedback would be great. Does she give you a break down of exactly what you are doing wrong/right, etc?? |
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The best bad guy on the internet
Posts: 3519
Location: Arizona | CYA Ranch - 2018-11-25 10:13 AM
I didnt have a good experience
What didn't you like? |
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The best bad guy on the internet
Posts: 3519
Location: Arizona | ridejg - 2018-11-25 1:14 PM
ctdrumrunr - 2018-11-25 1:36 PM I went to one many years ago and would never go to another. SHe did not ride the horses, was pushing her dentist and chiropracter and favored the group that had mostly rodeo girls in it. The ladies she had working with us lesser barrel racers were nice but I didn't pay to have them teach me. Day 1 we were outside with helpers and rodeo girls inside with CJ, day 2 we were all inside with CJ and she was helping them a lot and casually watching the rest of us.
Not worth the money, I would do a Paul Humphrey clinic if there is one near you.
I have not been to a Charmayne clinic, but have heard both good and not so good. My experience at a Paul Humphrey clinic was a waste of time and money....very bummed out leaving that clinic.
Ive been interested in one of his clinics too, what can you tell me about them, what didn't you like? |
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Expert
Posts: 1395
Location: Missouri | della - 2018-11-26 9:59 AM
MOGirl07 - 2018-11-26 8:16 AM
I went to one about 7-8 years ago.... I got the impression she didn't like my horse, but she still was great at helping me make the most of it. I still learned a ton and it was really the catalyst for me becoming a more self-aware rider. I still use much of the concepts she taught. I ignored the fact that the chiro and dentist were pushed on us. I didn't have the money for those things and that was all there was to it. It was obnoxious that we felt like if we didn't use those services we weren't doing the right thing for our horse, but I just let it roll off my shoulders. Heather who assisted her was pretty great. I would totally go again if I could. There will be one close enough to me next year, but I'm already scheduled to be out of town that weekend, or else I would be going.
I don't think her clinics are for everyone. I did sort of feel like she had favorites, but I still learned a LOT.
Heather is amazing. I would go to a solo clinic of heres is a heartbeat. Shes the only reason I'd consider going to another CJ clinic to be honest.
She was great, I agree! I'd love to go to one of just hers, mostly bc it would probably be cheaper..... |
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Expert
Posts: 1395
Location: Missouri | LIVE2RUN - 2018-11-26 11:45 AM
Funny I saw this post this morning as i was on her website getting ready to sign up for her clinic in Feb. You had to fill out a questionnaire first and it did ask about teeth and chiro. I have my own people for these treatments and don't need to use hers. I can see in her schedule that she does kinda push these treatments on you. :(
I do need help with me and my horse, not sure if this is the best clinic for me. Any more feedback would be great. Does she give you a break down of exactly what you are doing wrong/right, etc??
When I went, I found the education interesting, especially when the chiropractor gave a demonstration. I'd never used an equine chiropractor before, so I found it helpful what to look for in a chiro for my horse. But since you already have someone you use....you may not find it so helpful... |
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 Extreme Veteran
Posts: 396
Location: Iowa | Gunnin to Play - 2018-11-24 3:26 PM I’ve always wanted to go but the cost is more than most clinics. Is it worth it? What are your thoughts? I have been to her clinic twice, I enjoyed them. When it comes to clinics, I really think you need to find an instructor that fits your style and mentality. Not every rider/horse combo will fit her style. I personal did not like some other clinician I have been too. Charmayne rides very square and quiet and focuses more on horse health and horsemanship in her clinic. If you are looking for a clinic that focuses on the fast pattern/different drills, then this clinic is not for you.
At her clinic we did and fast run, and a slow work pattern – she wanted to see how we currently were working our horses. She did get on each horse briefly to see how broke they were. She highlighted things that we needed to work on throughout the clinic. The next day we spent learning about horse health from her team. Most people got their horses worked on while they were there. The rest of the time, Charmayne and her helper, Heather, had us do ONE drill that REALLY focused on how we rode as a rider and how our horse used its body doing a perfect circle. In the end, we did a fast run to see how we improved and she handed out awards.
Possibly take a look at trainingbarrelhorses.com and search for either Heather Heath or Charmayne James. That is the drill you will work on. Or even search of Andrea Cline, as Andrea rode for Charmayne for many years. Randy Riedinger and Casey Deal made up her health team…possibly search them and see if you agree with their ideas on horse health.
Hope that helps! My only advice if you go, ask lots and lots of questions. During the drills, I was not understanding what they were asking of me so I asked Heather to get on my horse and show me...she did very willingly! Also, be prepared, they are blunt, which is something I appreciated but not everyone does.
Edited by Rausch_Jessica 2018-11-26 1:10 PM
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Member
Posts: 17
| Check for class size! I thought the one that I went to had way too many people in it and we weren't given ample time with either Charmayne or Heather. We did a figure 8 drill and a single barrel drill and by the time we were done with the first day I had to get off my horse before we were done for the day as she was so sore and getting frustrated! I did pick up some good pointers on working with a young horse, but not certain I would do another one of her clinics. All you can do is try and see how it goes. |
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 Extreme Veteran
Posts: 495
Location: Washington | Trying to host one is a joke! Got the run around with her scheduler for over 2 months for her just to say no, she didn't want to draw away from another clinic over 5 hours away.
When originally called to host a clinic was given options, our arena was a perfect fit for private clinic of 10-12 people, then was excuse, after excuse, after excuse for over 2 months and never called back, always had to call and find out the answer to latest excuse. Told her I had PLENTY of interest and would save people over $500, no including time to haul the 5 hours for a 4 day clinic with 30+ people. I had enough interest, we discussed two seperate private clinics.
Edited to add: We've hosted some good names and have contacted many more for clinics. Most have a straight up yes or no from first 5 minutes in a call or email or two if our arena works or if it's something the area needs. ONLY one I've got the run around with.
Edited by Lopin' Leopard 2018-11-26 7:10 PM
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Married to a Louie Lover
Posts: 3303
| I like clinics, I’ve heard good and bad about her’s, much like has been mentioned. And you’ll find folks who enjoyed someone else and others who didn’t.
However with the prices that some of these clinics are getting up into, I highly suggest trying to find someone “local” you can take lessons with. For the same money I think you get more out of a weekly or bi weekly lesson that builds on the last one after you’ve had a couple weeks to work on a concept. I also have really come to believe in riding across disciplines - a lot of issues can be solved by fixing horsemanship, a good colt starter, reining trainer, working cow horse, etc can be just as beneficial as working with someone specifically on the barrel pattern. |
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 Three in a Bikini
Posts: 2035
| I got the chance to audit one of her clinics many years ago and it was an awesome experience. If she is ever close enough for me to attend another, I will definitely be taking my horse as a participant. If you are hesitant on anything then just attending as an audience member is my suggestion. WAY CHEAPER and you can still learn plenty from the stands. |
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No Name Nancy
Posts: 2715
Location: never in the right place | LIVE2RUN - 2018-11-26 12:51 PM ridejg - 2018-11-25 1:14 PM ctdrumrunr - 2018-11-25 1:36 PM I went to one many years ago and would never go to another. SHe did not ride the horses, was pushing her dentist and chiropracter and favored the group that had mostly rodeo girls in it. The ladies she had working with us lesser barrel racers were nice but I didn't pay to have them teach me. Day 1 we were outside with helpers and rodeo girls inside with CJ, day 2 we were all inside with CJ and she was helping them a lot and casually watching the rest of us.
Not worth the money, I would do a Paul Humphrey clinic if there is one near you. I have not been to a Charmayne clinic, but have heard both good and not so good. My experience at a Paul Humphrey clinic was a waste of time and money....very bummed out leaving that clinic. Ive been interested in one of his clinics too, what can you tell me about them, what didn't you like?
I'd be interested to know what you didn't like also. He has been to our area 5 times and is scheduled again this year. His drills make sense and you and your horse have to pay attention to each other. One of our instructors teaches his drills and gets our horses working on a weekly basis.. Great for me especially when I don't have a place at home to ride. |
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