Clinics focus on respect between horses and riders

Raye Lochert, a West Coast horseman, will conduct equestrian clinics in Grovetown and Aiken this week.

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Lochert's wife, Sharon, said his motto is, "Training for respect with respect," and that the clinics will focus on confidence and horsemanship.

"Raye would like both horses' and people's confidence to be raised," she said. "When people have more confidence, their horse has more confidence. And then it allows the time with their horse to be more enjoyable."

Thursday's session will be a question-and-answer forum in which equestrians can ask Raye Lochert, owner of Raye Lochert Horsemanship in California, about training issues.

Although space for the Friday clinic will be limited to eight 4H youth from McDuffie and Aiken counties, Sharon Lochert said, "Anyone who wants to come and watch is welcome."

There will be no charge to observe the clinic, she said.

Raye Lochert will conduct a problem-solving seminar Saturday at Canterbury Trails Equestrian Center and Riding Stables in Grovetown with Dearing trainer Gilbert Gonzales.

The two trainers will alternate each hour to demonstrate problem-solving techniques with horses.

Gonzales said the demonstrations will include how to stop a horse from biting, how to get a horse's head down to accept a bridle and how to load a horse calmly and correctly onto a trailer.

He said he would like for the participants to learn how to be gentle and patient with a horse.

"Horses have people problems. People don't have horse problems," said Gonzales. "Nine times out of 10, if there's something going on with a horse, it's a problem that we as humans have given them."

Anyone who signs up online to observe the Saturday clinic can bring a friend free.

The final clinic, Confidence in Horsemanship, on Sunday, will be open to all breeds of horses and all levels of riders.

The 4-H youth from McDuffie and Aiken counties will sell morning refreshments and lunch Saturday and Sunday as a fundraiser for their organizations.

Sharon Lochert also said they will remain in the area Monday and Tuesday to conduct additional classes.

"We just want to see what people are interested in, and Raye is available for private or group lessons," she said.