Trail Obstacle Clinic
Meet Kelli Paulson
Hi, I’m Kelli Paulson of Kelli Horsemanship + Training with Trail Obstacles, and I’m passionate about helping riders build confidence, refine their skills, and develop a deeper connection with their horses.
My journey started with Vaquero-style foundation horsemanship because I believe that a strong foundation is the key to success. However, I realized early on that riders needed more than lessons—they needed a way to measure their progress and apply their skills in real-world scenarios. That’s when I discovered the power of trail obstacles.
Trail obstacles provide a practical, measurable way to challenge both horse and rider in a safe, structured environment. They build confidence, improve communication, and prepare you and your horse for the unexpected. By incorporating elements from dressage, working equitation, and Vaquero-style horsemanship, my teaching focuses on precision, balance, timing, and feel—connecting the reins to the feet to create a more responsive and harmonious partnership.
In 2005, I launched Trail Rider Challenge (TRC) to give riders a fun and supportive way to test their skills, set goals, and grow with their horses. Whether it’s navigating obstacles, developing responsiveness, or building trust, my clinics and TRC events are designed to help you take your horsemanship to the next level.
As the author of How to Build Simple Trail Obstacles and co-author of The Working Equitation Handbook, I bring years of experience and a step-by-step approach to my teaching.
My goal is to help you do more with your horse than you ever thought possible—whether that’s on the trail, in the arena, or at an event.
Join me at this clinic and discover how trail obstacles can transform your horsemanship. Together, we’ll create a confident, willing, and responsive horse—one obstacle at a time.
Clinic Details
Dates: October 11th - 12th 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)
What to Expect
This clinic is designed to help you and your horse build confidence, communication, and trust—both on the ground and in the saddle. Whether you're new to trail obstacles or looking to refine your skills, you’ll gain tools and techniques to enhance your partnership and improve your horsemanship.
During the clinic, you’ll:
- Learn foundational groundwork techniques to create a calm, focused, and willing horse
- Develop riding skills to navigate trail obstacles with precision and confidence
- Challenge yourself and your horse in a supportive, step-by-step environment designed to encourage growth without overwhelming
- Participate in hands-on sessions that emphasize timing, feel, and clear communication between horse and rider
- Participate in a Trail Rider Challenge - Kelli will organize a trail challenge for you allowing you to put your skills to the test
Trail obstacles are not just for the trail—they’re a practical, measurable way to improve your horsemanship skills.
You’ll leave this clinic with:
- A better understanding of how to handle challenges with your horse
- Tools to continue practicing at home
- Greater confidence in your abilities as a rider and leader for your horse
Whether you’re participating in groundwork, riding sessions, or the exciting Trail Rider Challenge, this clinic is the perfect opportunity to take your horsemanship to the next level. You will leave tired, with a better horse!
Clinic Schedule
Participants will be divided into two groups, ensuring plenty of personalized attention and time with your horse. Each group will enjoy a morning session and an afternoon session on both Saturday and Sunday, focusing on building confidence, refining horsemanship skills, and tackling trail obstacles at your own pace.
Here’s what to expect:
- Saturday Morning & Afternoon: Dive into foundational groundwork and riding exercises designed to help you and your horse connect, communicate, and navigate trail obstacles with confidence.
- Saturday Evening: Wrap up the day with a Participant-Only Trail Challenge, where you’ll put your skills to the test in a fun and supportive competition. This is your chance to win ribbons and celebrate your progress!
- Sunday Morning & Afternoon: Continue advancing your skills with progressive challenges and exercises, focusing on improving your timing, feel, and partnership with your horse.
- Breaks and Observation Opportunities: Splitting the groups ensures that both horses and riders have time to rest and re-energize, preventing burnout. During your breaks, you'll have the valuable opportunity to observe other participants, learning from their experiences and seeing how they approach challenges. This "learning through watching" can offer fresh insights to apply during your own sessions.
This schedule ensures a well-rounded experience, balancing instruction, practice, rest, and a little friendly competition to motivate and inspire you. You’ll leave the clinic with practical tools, greater confidence, and a stronger bond with your horse.
Price: $315 per Rider
Stalls: $25 per day
Shavings: $25 (optional)
Lunch: $60 per Person (for all three days - 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)
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.
