Cliff Schadt Performance Horsemanship

Cliff Schadt Performance Horsemanship Cliff Schadt Performance Horsemanship focuses on bridging the gap between traditional, vaquero fundamental horsemanship and today's modern performance riding.

08/06/2026

Kyle is only here for a limited time hurry and book your spots. Pm for more info

If you’re not crackin’ out a salty bronc on Saturday night and Jumping sticks in the big ring on a Sunday do you even ri...
07/29/2026

If you’re not crackin’ out a salty bronc on Saturday night and Jumping sticks in the big ring on a Sunday do you even ride? I’m proud to call this lady a friend not only she’s super talented and handy. She’s a great person as well. When people ask me about who the best riders are. It’s not always the best Ryder in one discipline or one event it’s the ones that can do it all and Carly Richardson is sure’nuff the best Cowboys I know

“I jumped my first Grand Prix and rode my first bucking horse in the same year that I turned 18, and I feel blessed that I got exposed early to the level of grit and dedication it takes to make it in this industry and how it made me who I am today,” says Carly Richardson of her start in the hunter jumper world. Her beginning would later lead her into bronc riding and other western disciplines. Whether the goal was for a horse to run fast, buck hard, turn tight, or perform with precision, Carly was as captivated by their character as she was by their athleticism and versatility.

At just 4 years old, Carly began her journey hand in hand with her mother, who was returning to the industry after a twenty-year hiatus. Both of Carly’s parents played a crucial role in her upbringing, in and out of the saddle. Without the financial backing to jump straight into the big leagues, Carly faced what many would call a disadvantage. “I was definitely at what would be considered a disadvantage in the hunter jumper world,” she recalls. However, through her eyes, her station was never a disadvantage. “Although my parents didn’t have unlimited funds, they fully supported my passions and tried to give me every opportunity to chase my crazy dreams.”

Her story began at a local boarding facility, where she not only learned how to ride horses, but also learned how to love horses and appreciate their willingness to partner with people. While most new riders would take to one discipline, generally the one they were most comfortable with, Carly was fascinated by several others. Each was of a very different world, industry, and culture. She knew from the very beginning that she wanted extended knowledge of each one. Her curiosity became dedication. Rather than settling into a single discipline, she sought experience in as many as she could, convinced that every riding style had something to teach her.

Despite the support of her parents and peers, Carly faced challenges that she witnessed many fade right through. She expressed lapses of setbacks and the endless cycle of limitations that made her seem, even made her sometimes feel, less fortunate. But Carly realized that she didn’t have to take the same approach to success as everyone else, and in fact, it suited her best that she hadn’t.

📎 Continue reading this article at https://www.theplaidhorse.com/2026/07/23/carly-richardson-forges-her-own-path/

07/28/2026

Meet Bo**er. He’s a 10-year-old Quarter Horse gelding that’s had a real job. He started out on a feedlot before moving into the reined cow horse world. Since then, he’s done ranch riding and obstacle work, ponied countless c**ts, is great to rope on out in the pasture, and is finished on the head side in team roping. He’s seen just about every aspect of ranch work, and I think he’d make one heck of a pickup horse. He’s been well cared for, kept up to date on everything, and is the kind of horse that’s just as enjoyable to use as he is dependable.

What you’re seeing here is Bo**er in his work clothes, doing what he does best. This isn’t a polished sale video or a horse that’s been dressed up for the occasion—it’s just a good, honest ranch horse going about his job.

This is just a little sneak peek at Bo**er. He’ll be available for private consideration for a limited time while we decide whether to consign him to one of the major horse sales this winter or early spring. If you’ve been looking for a seasoned, versatile ranch horse that’s proven across a wide variety of jobs, now is the time to reach out before he heads to the sale ring. (Papers in comments)

Internship Opportunity — Cliff Schadt Performance HorsemanshipOcala, FloridaWe’re looking for one hardworking, motivated...
07/23/2026

Internship Opportunity — Cliff Schadt Performance Horsemanship

Ocala, Florida

We’re looking for one hardworking, motivated intern who wants more than just a job.

This isn’t a position for someone looking to simply clean stalls or ride horses all day. It’s an opportunity to become part of a professional c**t-starting and performance horsemanship program where you’ll learn what it takes to build horses—and a career—the right way.

Our program focuses on developing well-rounded horsemen and horsewomen through daily exposure to c**t starting, problem horses, ranch riding, horsemanship theory, and the day-to-day operation of a professional training barn.

What You’ll Do

Your first responsibility is the care and welfare of the horses.

Daily duties include:

* Stall cleaning and barn maintenance
* Feeding hay, grain, and supplements
* Turning horses in and out
* Watering and monitoring horse health
* Tack cleaning and organization
* Laundry and facility upkeep
* Assisting veterinarians and farriers
* Helping with horse arrivals, departures, loading, and hauling
* Keeping the barn clean, organized, and operating efficiently

If something needs to be done, we don’t wait to be asked—we take initiative.

What You’ll Learn

Interns receive regular instruction from Cliff Schadt and the training staff, including:

* C**t starting
* Groundwork
* Riding instruction
* Problem horse rehabilitation
* Horsemanship theory
* Horse handling and safety
* Barn management
* Client communication
* Professionalism within the equine industry

Whenever possible, interns will have opportunities to ride horses as part of their education and gain experience with horses at various stages of training.

Opportunities

Strong performers may earn opportunities to:

* Travel to clinics and competitions
* Assist at c**t-starting events
* Ride more advanced horses
* Work directly with Cliff on training projects
* Bring a personal horse into the program (performance and space permitting)
* Advance into Assistant Trainer or paid positions within the program

What We’re Looking For

We’re seeking someone who is:

* Hardworking
* Honest
* Coachable
* Self-motivated
* Dependable
* Positive
* Professional
* Passionate about becoming a better horseman or horsewoman

Experience is valuable, but attitude, work ethic, and a willingness to learn matter even more.

Program Benefits

Depending on performance and program needs, interns may be eligible for:

* On-site housing or housing assistance
* Weekly fuel allowance
* Weekly food stipend
* Extensive hands-on education
* One-on-one mentorship
* Career development opportunities

Benefits are performance-based and not guaranteed.

Our Philosophy

We believe horsemanship starts long before you swing a leg over a horse.

If you’re willing to show up early, work hard, ask questions, stay humble, and put the horses first, we’ll invest heavily in your education.

Our goal isn’t simply to gain another set of hands.

Our goal is to help develop the next generation of exceptional horsemen and horsewomen.

If that sounds like the opportunity you’ve been looking for, we’d love to hear from you.

Send us a message with your background, experience, and why you believe you’d be a good fit for the program.

Address

360 Warburton Road
Elkton, MD

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