Cattle & Cross Training Clinic

On a bright spring morning at Von Doeler's Ranch in Rutherglen, Ontario, the thud of hooves and lowing of cattle set the tone for two days of focused horsemanship. The Cattle & Cross Training Clinic, led by Elana, brings riders and working stock together to refine riding mechanics, cattle handling and cross-training methods that build durable, athletic horses. Meeting at Von Doeler's Ranch, participants will move between outdoor arenas, working corrals and open pasture to practice sorting, penning and responsive groundwork.

What makes this clinic stand out for the region is its practical emphasis: rather than isolated drills, Elana threads cattle work into cross-training routines that improve balance, fitness and mental steadiness in both horse and rider. Expect station exercises that mimic real ranch chores—cutting a single animal from a group, opening and closing gates under pressure, and schooling transitions on varied footing. The ranch’s set of sturdy corrals, a sand arena and fenced grazing fields provide a compact, realistic training loop that recreates the conditions riders will find on working properties across southern Ontario.

The experience is hands-on and accessible: riders with basic to intermediate riding skills will get tailored coaching, while limited horse rentals are available for an additional $50 + HST—please include rental requests in your booking notes. The clinic includes dinner on night one, an opportunity to compare notes and absorb practical takeaways with fellow participants and the instructor. Beyond the curriculum, the setting contributes to compact learning.

The clinic sits amid agricultural fields and sheltered hedgerows that shelter the arena from prevailing winds, creating predictable footing for teaching precise cues. Local ranching practices inform the lessons, connecting contemporary sport horsemanship to the longer history of stockwork in this part of Ontario. Whether your goal is stronger cattle handling, a more resilient conditioning program, or simply clearer communication with your mount, this two-day format delivers concentrated repetition and immediate feedback.

Small group sizes allow Elana to adjust exercises to each partnership, focusing on longevity: a horse that stays sound and willing through varied work. Elana emphasizes safety with required helmets and pre-ride tack checks, and sessions include mounted warmups and short debriefs after each exercise. Book early—spaces are limited, and the small-group format means lessons sell out quickly during peak season.

Bring water and a packed lunch both days. Practical notes: bring layered riding clothes, safety boots and your own tack if using your horse. If you’re traveling from out of town, Rutherglen serves as a quiet base with access to nearby trails and local services.

For riders wanting applied, no-nonsense horsemanship and real cattle time, Elana’s clinic at Von Doeler's Ranch is a rare chance to bridge sport training and the demands of working stock.