Advanced Despooking Clinic | Central Illinois R.I.D.E. Events

Advanced De-Spooking Clinic

Meet Bill Richey – A Leading Expert in Mounted Police Training

Bill Richey, founder and CEO of National Mounted Police Services, is a highly respected authority in the field of mounted police training. A POST-certified instructor, Bill has over 40 years of experience as a mounted police officer and trainer, along with extensive expertise as a civilian trainer and instructor.

His contributions to law enforcement include establishing mounted units for the City of Duluth as well as Forsyth and Gilmer Counties in Georgia. He played a pivotal role in preparing the Atlanta Police Mounted Unit for the 1996 Olympics and reorganizing the unit to enhance its effectiveness. Bill also served as the chief instructor for the Mobile Mounted Police Mardi Gras School, a testament to his skill and leadership in mounted police operations.

Bill’s expertise extends far beyond the U.S. He has trained officers and civilians across North America, the Middle East, and South America, helping them and their mounts perform safely and professionally in diverse environments—from trails and show rings to movie sets and major public events.

An accomplished competitor, Bill has won or placed in every national mounted police competition he has entered, demonstrating his hands-on mastery of the skills he teaches. His decades of dedication, innovation, and excellence have made him a trusted trainer for mounted units and civilians worldwide.

Clinic Details

Dates: September 27th - 28th 2025

Location: 4 Rocks Arena & Cafe

24855 IL-122 Delevan, IL 61743

Ages: All Ages Welcome (riders under 18 will require a parent / legal guardian on site)

How does the Advanced De-Spooking Clinic Differ from the Beginner De-Spooking Clinic?

While both clinics cover the same five sections (Horse Physiology and Psychology, Equitation Techniques, Mounted Drill, Mounted Obstacles, and Mounted Sensory), the Advanced De-Spooking Clinic is designed for riders and horses ready to progress at a faster pace and tackle greater challenges.

In the Beginner Clinic, the focus is on building a strong foundation, progressing gradually through each exercise to ensure both horse and rider develop confidence and a thorough understanding of the techniques. We introduce obstacles and sensory challenges at a slower pace, emphasizing step-by-step learning.

The Advanced Clinic, on the other hand, moves much faster, with a greater variety of obstacles and sensory elements introduced in quick succession. Riders and horses will experience a more eventful and dynamic pace, allowing them to push boundaries and build resilience more quickly. This clinic is ideal for those with some experience in de-spooking, obstacle training, or have completed the Beginner clinic who are ready for an elevated level of challenge.

Whether you're starting your journey or advancing your skills, both clinics promise a rewarding and transformative experience!

What to Expect

The de-spooking clinic is divided into five sections:

1. Horse Physiology and Psychology

2. Equitation Techniques

3. Mounted Drill

4. Mounted Obstacles

5. Mounted Sensory

1. Horse Physiology and Psychology

The first lesson “Horse Physiology and Psychology” covers the physical attributes of the horse relating to equine vision. The thought process is also examined. The horse’s “eye” and how it relates to “fight or flight” is one of the least understood aspects of training. This, along with the role played by the horses “instinctual vision”, is used in developing the proper authority by the rider/handler. The herd instinct that naturally occurred in equine evolution is used as a tool in aiding, instead of hindering, the rider. This lesson enables the human to clearly understand his or her role in developing the horse’s confidence in the rider and\or handler. Further, the psychological aspects relating to the horse’s brain and how it (the brain) functions and why its understanding is paramount to solving the “spooking issues” that all horse’s have undergone.

2. Equitation Techniques

Civilians are trained using the same methods employed by successful mounted police officers throughout the world. This style of riding is called the “Military Seat”. Every rider understands that to get the horse to perform any “duty” the rider must give one or more signals for the horse to comprehend the “task at hand”. The task(s) in this area of the course are designed to not only instill confidence in the horse and the rider, it is also used when introducing the horse to sensory and obstacle training. Basically, there must be a clear and concise methodology in communicating the riders’ instructions. The equitation techniques used to teach in this section of the course are proven to work using a combination of weight, balance, light hands and body position.

3. Mounted Drill

Mounted Drill is used in the training of horses and riders to put to practical use the knowledge gained by the riders in the “equitation” component of the course. Combining equitation and mounted drill teaches the horse to work more freely with the horses around them. This working knowledge, along with the use of the horses instinct to interact with the herd, reinforces the horses ability to negotiate obstacles and sensory training that comes later in the course.

4. Mounted Obstacles

Riders and mounts will learn to negotiate obstacles such as barricades, vehicles, bridges, and hanging tarps. As in the training of the police mount, these obstacles are not only used, they are combined as the course progresses. This means, for instance, walking over a wooden bridge while walking under a hanging tarp. It is imperative that the rider be able to control every movement his or her horse makes in order to effectively instruct the mount. This is accomplished by using the dill training, horse psychology and the equitation techniques taught in the previous lessons. We will start slow and build throughout the duration of the clinic.

5. Mounted Sensory

Sensory obstacle training differs from physical obstacle training in that this training is the use of perceived obstructions as opposed to physical obstructions. The use of tactile obstacles, different noises, smoke, flares that produce smoke and fumes are used to present new visual, auditory, and smell challenges for the horse to overcome. Like all obstacles, they are introduced slowly, and, after proper training, are combined with the physical obstacles to improve both the rider and mounts confidence and understanding of each other.

Combination of Training

Finally, as all the above tasks are completed, they are combined. Before the course is through, horses and riders will ride over teeter-totter bridges, walk through smoke and toward police lights and sirens while maintaining their place in the drill. All of this will happen simultaneously by the end of the two-day clinic.

Come and experience a Mounted Police Training School, you will be amazed at what you can do!

Price: $475 per Rider

Stalls: $25 per day

Shavings: $25 (optional)

Stall Cleaning Fee: $25 per stall (For your stall to be stripped at the end of the clinic - optional)

Camping (on site): $25 per night (30amp electric - optional)

4 Rocks Arena Cafe will be open from 7a - 2p daily to cover your breakfast and lunch needs

Upon registering, 50% of the total price is due immediately to reserve your spot and the remaining 50% is due within 30 days. All participants will be required to sign a waiver and submit proof of current coggins, and health papers (if traveling from out of state).

Cancellation Policy: Non-Refundable, unless cancelled by the organizer.

Join us for an event that embodies the CI Ride values of respect, integrity, dedication, and excellence. Participants can expect an environment that aligns with these principles, fostering a positive and uplifting experience. We kindly ask all attendees to uphold these values throughout the event to ensure a respectful and enriching atmosphere for everyone.