YUCCA VALLEY HORSE FIELD GUIDE
A Day with Pat Puckett: Groundwork, Feel and a Sunset Ride out of Joshua Tree
A one-day horsemanship clinic at Knob Hill Ranch that pairs hands-on groundwork with a guided trail ride and evening drinks — this guide explains what to expect and how to plan for the clinic.
A Day with Pat Puckett: Groundwork, Feel and a Sunset Ride out of Joshua Tree.
Set on a working desert ranch outside Joshua Tree, Knob Hill Ranch stages a full-day horsemanship clinic led by Pat Puckett that concentrates on foundational groundwork, feel and clear communication between rider and horse. The day combines focused instruction at the ranch with a late-afternoon guided ride into Joshua Tree and an evening of drinks and bites at sunset.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Pat Puckett — Fifty Years with Horses
Pat Puckett brings a lifetime of riding and ranch-horse experience to the clinic, emphasizing the classical bridle-horse tradition and practical communication between horse and rider.
Hands-on Groundwork to Refine Feel
The clinic concentrates on foundational groundwork across two focused sessions, aimed at improving feel and communication so riders can apply those skills in a real-world ride later in the day.
Desert Trail Ride and Sunset Community
After the clinic, participants take a guided trail ride through Joshua Tree National Park and return to the ranch for evening drinks and bites with the desert horse community.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
The rhythm of the day moves from focused, hands-on groundwork in the morning and early afternoon to a practical application on trail: two clinic sessions where riders cultivate feel and communication, followed by a guided late-afternoon ride into Joshua Tree and an evening of drinks and bites back at the ranch.
THE INSTRUCTOR
Pat Puckett — Fifty Years with Horses
Pat Puckett brings a lifetime of riding and ranch-horse experience to the clinic, emphasizing the classical bridle-horse tradition and practical communication between horse and rider.
THE CLINIC
Hands-on Groundwork to Refine Feel
The clinic concentrates on foundational groundwork across two focused sessions, aimed at improving feel and communication so riders can apply those skills in a real-world ride later in the day.
THE SETTING
Desert Trail Ride and Sunset Community
After the clinic, participants take a guided trail ride through Joshua Tree National Park and return to the ranch for evening drinks and bites with the desert horse community.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this clinic suits — and who should consider alternatives.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Participants may bring their own horse (optional). For those who do not, the ranch provides horse, tack and facility use as part of the included options; lunch is provided on the ranch.
Full-day participants receive two clinic sessions, lunch and use of horse, tack and facilities (when applicable).
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
When are the clinics held?
Two identical one-day clinics are offered: Saturday, May 16 or Sunday, May 17; guests may attend one or both days and participate in associated trail rides, evening events and lodging across the weekend.
How long is the clinic?
Each clinic is a one-day experience with a full schedule of groundwork, lunch and a late-afternoon guided trail ride.
What are the pricing options and what do they include?
Full Day + Trail Ride: $600 — includes the full-day clinic, horse/tack/facility use, lunch, a guided trail ride and evening drinks & bites. Full Day Experience: $450 — includes the full-day groundwork clinic, horse/tack/facility use and lunch. Auditor Experience: $100 — includes observation of the clinic and lunch.
Can I bring my own horse?
Yes; participants have the option to bring their own horse. For those who do not, horse, tack and facility use are provided as part of the included offerings.
Can auditors join the trail ride?
Yes — the 'Ride with Pat' guided trail ride is available as an add-on for auditors and additional guests for $300 per person.
Is lodging available on-site?
On-site lodging is available upon request for $150 per person but is limited in availability.