Icelandic Clinics - Riding Clinic with Rikki Jónsson

Icelandic Clinics: Icelandic Horses and good horsemanship.

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Rikki Jónsson is a professional breeder and trainer in Iceland. His farm is in Hvolsvöllur, on the south coast of Iceland. He is an FT Trainer, a Sport and Gaedinga-Keppni judge, and farrier. Rikki is a graduate of Holar College, and has passed the Trainer's Test given by the Professional Trainer's Association in Iceland.

This is Rikki's second clinic in the Mad River Valley this year. He began training horses in 1985. He has given clinics and trained horses at Helms Hill Farm in Washingtonville, N.Y. His teaching and training methods have received rave reviews from many riders. He is well known for his "light hands" and gentle approach to riding.

Rikki has participated in the Northeast Gaited Horse Show in Dillsburg, Pa., and in the Fantasia Show at Equine Affaire in both Columbus, Ohio, and West Springfield, Mass.

Click here to view our photo gallery of Rikki.

Crosshaven Farm is a 60-acre horse farm in the Mad River Valley of central Vermont. It has an indoor arena and outdoor riding areas. There are open fields and riding along the Mad River. Overnight boarding of horses is available in the Crosshaven Farm stable. The farm is on Vt. Rt. 100-B in Moretown, Vermont, five miles south of I-89, Exit 9.

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The clinic will be limited to 12 participants.

Rikki usually begins his clinics by having each horse and rider go around the ring in walk, trot, tölt, and if the rider is comfortable, canter. Then he evaluates each horse and rider and underdakes two days of lessons. His emphasis is on improving the conditioning and suppleness of the horse, the seat, balance and flexibility of the rider, and the correct use of the rider's aids.

Rikki can also discuss any topics the group may want, such as conditioning and feeding, tack, how different bits work, shoeing, etc.

Morning coffee, juice, muffins and lunch are provided both days.

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The Clinic
	Both days	$230 per person
	Includes light breakfast and lunch
Auditing		$35 per person per day
	Includes light breakfast and lunch
Board		$10 per day per horse
	Board includes one indoor stall. Crosshaven Farm requests that we supply our own shavings. If you need to purchase shavings when you arrive, please notify Alice in advance and we will have some available for purchase. Hay is your choice: bring your own, or purchase at Crosshaven Farm. Clinic participants may also use the tackroom in the stable.
Horse Rental
	Arranged through The Vermont Icelandic Horse Farm. Contact Karen Winhold at (802) 496-7141 or email

Contact Alice Peal by email at
or by phone at (802) 496-5235.
Or write to:
Alice Peal
P.O. Box 903
Waitsfield, VT 05673

Bringing a horse to Crosshaven Farm: The owners of Crosshaven Farm require a current Coggins test and vaccinations for each horse. You will be asked to show the current health papers for your horse(s) before being allowed on the property.

Crosshaven Farm also houses a Labrador Dog breeding facility. Therefore, no dogs are allowed to be brought to the clinic.

Well-fitting, approved riding helmets are required for each clinic participant. Should you choose not to wear a helmet, it is at your own risk.
Under Vermont State law, an equine activity sponsor is not liable for an injury to, or death of a participant in equine activities resulting from the inherent risks of equine activities that are obvious and necessary, pursuant to 12 V.S.A. 1039.
You will be asked at the clinic to sign a form saying that you have read and understand both of these statements and that you agree to enter this event at your own risk.