Clinton Anderson and Ian Francis will join forces to host a weekend of innovation, inspiration and motivation for equine enthusiasts

On the 14th and 15th of December at the Queensland State Equestrian Centre in Caboolture, two Australian legends, Clinton Anderson and Ian Francis, will join forces to host a weekend of innovation, inspiration and motivation for equine enthusiasts. Working with several horses to demonstrate their techniques, the weekend’s program will include topics such as colt starting techniques, the importance of ground work and gaining a horse’s respect, as well as ridden work including exercises and manoeuvres to prepare horses and riders for cattle related events.

The chance to witness these world renowned horsemen working together is a rare opportunity; Clinton lives in America, while Queensland based Ian is regularly on the road hosting horsemanship and cattle working clinics all around Australia. Their deep respect for each other reflects a friendship that spans several decades, and was sparked when Clinton, then 17 years old, spent a year working for Ian. At the time, neither thought that this year would lead to an enduring friendship beyond Mentor and Student. Clinton moved to the USA after his year with Ian, and later wrote “I always knew Ian was a great horseman, but in my youthful ignorance, I thought surely in my quest for knowledge I would find a horseman even more talented than Ian. It wasn’t until several years later, with age, experience and travels halfway around the world that I came to realise I would never find anyone better than Ian Francis.”

The combination will work with several horses to demonstrate their skills and techniques

Born in Maryborough Queensland, Ian did not come from a family who understood or encouraged his obsession with horses and cattle. His determination to learn and be successful eventually led to an extremely successful career with horses, however it wasn’t until he was in his thirties that he became successful and well known. In 2010, after a competitive career that spanned over 30 years, Ian ceased training and showing horses to focus on teaching and his other passion; Brangus cattle. During his career, Ian was a multiple National and State Champion across all Australian Quarter Horse Association disciplines including Reining, Cutting, Reined Cowhorse, Trail, and Western Riding. He has won two Cloncurry Stockans’ Challenge Cups, and was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for Services to the Equine Industry as a trainer, breeder and competitor.

Like Ian, Clinton was not born into a family that shared his drive to succeed in the equine world. He was born and raised in the city, and it was during weekends spent at his grandparents’ farm where he learned basic skills from his grandmother aboard her old thoroughbred mare.

Ian Francis showing his talent, technique and style

Since making the United States his home in 1997 and officially launching Downunder Horsemanship and his Downunder Horsemanship Method, Clinton has become recognised as a world leader in the equine industry, helping thousands of horses and riders to form a safe, enjoyable partnership via his step by step program. The Method is based on mutual respect and understanding between horse and rider, and provides people with the knowledge and skills required to train their horses to be safe, consistent and willing partners.

This year, Clinton has reduced the number of tours and clinics he offers in order to concentrate on training and showing his own horses. As such, the opportunity to witness him in Australia sharing his knowledge alongside fellow Australian Legend Ian Francis is both exciting and rare.

Click here to learn more about this event and purchase tickets

READ THE LATEST NEWS ARTICLES HERE