True Grit Educational Program

Russ Krachun will share his unconventional bridle ground work methodology that prepares and educate the horseman how to communicate to the horse through the reins from the ground. By understanding these methods on the ground, the horseman will then transfer this bridle work methodology to the riding methodology without causing confusion for the horse or the horseman. The horse will become better prepared both physically and mentally to learn how to use the poll, neck, shoulders, rib cage and hindquarters. Each step by step method builds understanding and muscle memory through the use of proper timing and repetition, resulting in a responsive educated horse.

“Demonstration Only” by Russ Krachun

Russ Krachun shares his philosophy and unconventional methodology in developing softness and suppleness in the horse neck muscle. This methodology is based on the same principals and education used for any athlete. You will learn that softness and suppleness is developed by following step by step methods that connect to one another through repetitions, in forward motions at various speeds. This methodology enables the neck muscle to stretch and develop muscle memory. Developing muscle memory is very important in any athlete by supporting both their physical and mental education and allows the athlete to perform to the best of their abilities.

Participant Requirements: Participant should be confident under saddle at walk, trot and lope
Horse Requirements: A confident horse under saddle at a walk, trot and lope and also is safe around other horses and participants

Russ Krachun shares his philosophy and unconventional methodology in developing softness and suppleness in the horse shoulders. This methodology is based on the same principals and education used for any athlete. You will learn that softness and suppleness is developed by following step by step methods that connect to one another through repetitions, in forward motions at various speeds. This methodology enables the muscles in the shoulders to stretch and develop muscle memory. Developing muscle memory is very important in any athlete by supporting both their physical and mental education and allows the athlete to perform to the best of their abilities.

Participant Requirements: Participant should be confident under saddle at walk, trot and lope
Horse Requirements: A confident horse under saddle at a walk, trot and lope and also is safe around other horses and participants

Russ Krachun shares his philosophy and unconventional methodology in developing softness and suppleness in the horse rib cage. This methodology is based on the same principals and education used for any athlete. You will learn that softness and suppleness is developed by following step by step methods that connect to one another through repetitions, in forward motions at various speeds. This methodology enables the muscles in the rib cage to stretch and develop muscle memory. Developing muscle memory is very important in any athlete by supporting both their physical and mental education and allows the athlete to perform to the best of their abilities.

Participant Requirements: Participant should be confident under saddle at walk, trot and lope
Horse Requirements: A confident horse under saddle at a walk, trot and lope and also is safe around other horses and participants

Russ Krachun shares his philosophy and unconventional methodology in developing softness and suppleness in the horse hindquarters. This methodology is based on the same principals and education used for any athlete. You will learn that softness and suppleness is developed by following step by step methods that connect to one another through repetitions, in forward motions at various speeds. This methodology enables the muscles in the hindquarters to stretch and develop muscle memory. Developing muscle memory is very important in any athlete by supporting both their physical and mental education and allows the athlete to perform to the best of their abilities.

Participant Requirements: Participant should be confident under saddle at walk, trot and lope
Horse Requirements: A confident horse under saddle at a walk, trot and lope and also is safe around other horses and participants

Russ Krachun shares his philosophy and unconventional methodology in developing balance and coordination for both the horse and the rider at various speeds.

Developing coordination and balance at various speeds will aid in improving physical abilities and improve mental abilities. Speed control is a very common problem with many horses, and many horses travel at the speed they desire not the speed that we want. Russ will share his step by step methodology of how his teachings educate both the horse the rider to control emotions at different speeds and at the same time develop balance and coordination.

Participant Requirements: Participant should be confident under saddle at walk, trot and lope
Horse Requirements: A confident horse under saddle at a walk, trot and lope and also is safe around other horses and participants

Russ Krachun shares his philosophy and unconventional methodology in how to develop balance and improve the coordination in the left and right leads of the horse body. You will learn and understand the methods to develop a willing and understanding response when asking the horse to travel on the correct lead. These methods and exercises also assist the rider to become better coordinated, balanced, and become more consistent with their cues, resulting in improved physical abilities and improved riding abilities.

Participant Requirements: Participant should be confident under saddle at walk, trot and lope
Horse Requirements: A confident horse under saddle at a walk, trot and lope that also has basic understanding of moving five body parts (neck & poll, shoulders, rib cage & hindquarters) and is also safe around other horses and participants

Russ Krachun shares his philosophy and his unconventional signature guiding methodology to educate the horse to travel balanced and coordinated when travelling forward; and also when changing directions. Russ explains each method in detail and how each method connects and supports each other in order to develop a willingly guided manoeuver at different gaits. Advanced guiding methodology is education that helps the horse to travel in a balanced and coordinated manor in both the left and right sides of the horse’s body, this methodology also develops muscle memory and improves the mental mindset of both horse and rider. These methods and exercises result in improved communication, and improved physical abilities for both the horse and the rider under saddle.

Participant Requirements: Participant should be confident under saddle at walk, trot and lope
Horse Requirements: A confident horse that understands the basics of guiding maneuvers under saddle at a walk, trot and lope and also is safe around other horses and participants

Russ Krachun shares his philosophy and his unconventional step by step methodology that develops a willing straight and balanced back up. These steps aid in building coordination and also develop softness in the left and the right sides of the horses’ body, shoulders and the hindquarters. Russ will explain the importance and the reasons for controlling the shoulders and the hindquarters, and how to navigate a willing and straight back up with the horse.

Participant Requirements: Participant should be confident under saddle at walk, trot and lope
Horse Requirements: A confident horse under saddle at a walk, trot and lope that also has basic understanding of moving five body parts (neck & poll, shoulders, rib cage & hindquarters) and is also safe around other horses and participants

Russ Krachun shares his philosophy and his unconventional step by step methodology in how to educate the horse to stop from any speed that we desire. Russ believes that methods must first prepare the horse mentally with step by step methodology by explaining what the stop means, and then educate the horse how to physically perform the stop at any speed. These step by step methods will improve mental abilities and physical abilities by educating the horse body to develop balance, coordination when traveling in the left and the right leads at various speeds and gaits. A horse that is travelling balanced and coordinated in any lead will use his body equally and will stop straight and balanced at any speed.

Participant Requirements: Participant should be confident under saddle at walk, trot and lope
Horse Requirements: A confident horse under saddle at a walk, trot and lope that also has basic understanding of moving five body parts (neck & poll, shoulders, rib cage & hindquarters) and is also safe around other horses and participants

Russ Krachun shares his philosophy and his multitude of in-hand communication methods within this level. These methods will educate how to communicate with your horse through your hands while using the horsemanship rope, your body language and your voice commands. Russ will explain how “Discover Horsemanship Philosophy & Methodology in the Round Pen” transfers to your in-hand communication methodology and how they support one another. You will learn how in-hand communication methodology prepares the horse mind, improves mental abilities, develop coordination, balance and confidence. Russ will also explain how his methods not only develop physical and mental abilities of the horse’s body, but also develop body language and communication between the horse and the horseman. This understanding is very useful in our daily routines with our horses.

Participant Requirements: Participant should be confident on the ground while working with the horse on the lunge line at various gaits
Horse Requirements: Horse should be confident on the lunge line at the walk, trot and lope

Russ Krachun shares his unconventional philosophy and methodology to develop confidence and trust within the horse’s mind in order for the horse to control his emotions in any environment, in various situations and during various anxieties. Russ explains the importance of understanding your horse’s mental abilities, not just his physical abilities and shares his methodology that includes the use of proper timing and repetition along with periods of relaxation. A confident and trusting mind is essential in order for the horse to perform to the best of his ability.

Participant Requirements: Participant should be confident on the ground while working with the horse on the lunge line at various gaits and also while riding the horse under saddle at walk, trot and lope
Horse Requirements: Confident and safe horse on the lunge line at the walk, trot and lope and also confident under saddle at the walk, trot and lope while on the lunge line, also confident and is safe around other horses and participants

Russ Krachun shares his signature round pen riding methodology that he uses to educate the horse the basics in riding methodology. Both the horse and rider develop balance and coordination under saddle and also learn the basics of educating muscle memory of the poll, neck, shoulder, rib cage and hindquarters. Methods include how to educate the horse to travel in a straight line, turn inside, turn outside, stop and to travel safely at various speeds at the walk, trot and lope. Round Pen Riding Methodology develops balance, coordination, and develops understanding and prepares both the horse and rider with the confidence and knowledge to safely and confidently ride in larger open areas.

Participant Requirements: Participant should be confident under saddle at walk, trot and lope
Horse Requirements: A safe green or experienced horse under saddle with ability to safely walk, trot and lope and is safe around other horses and participants

Russ Krachun will share his signature unconventional foundation guiding methods. You will learn the methods, the reasons behind each method, and how each exercise of each method supports and connects to each other in order to develop the horses balance, develop coordination on both the left and right sides of the body. The horse will learn to guide at various speeds in the walk, trot and lope and become balanced and coordinated. Develop muscle memory and improve the mental mindset of both horse and rider. Learn methodology that involve proper timing and repetition that result in improved communication, understanding and improved physical abilities for both the horse and the rider under saddle.

Participant Requirements: Participant should be confident under saddle at walk, trot and lope
Horse Requirements: A safe green or experienced horse under saddle with ability to safely walk, trot and lope and is safe around other horses and participants

Russ Krachun shares his philosophy and his unconventional step by step side pass methodology. Russ explains why it is important to develop the physical abilities in the horse body, neck, poll, shoulders, rib cage and hindquarters for this manoeuver. His explanations include the meaning of two tracking and how the horse uses his front and back legs when the horse travels sideways. You will learn step by step methods of how to educate the horse shoulders to become balanced and coordinated and also learn step by step methods of how to develop balance and coordination in the horse’ hind quarters and also how to bring all of this methodology together in order to develop and master the side pass manoeuver.

Participant Requirements: Participant should be confident under saddle at walk, trot and lope
Horse Requirements: A confident horse under saddle at a walk, trot and lope that also has basic understanding of moving five body parts (neck & poll, shoulders, rib cage & hindquarters) and is also safe around other horses and participants

Russ Krachun shares his philosophy and step by step unconventional methodology in how to educate the horse to change leads at various speeds. This methodology will educate the horse in how to change leads by using the front legs and also to change leads by using the hind quarters of the horse body. Russ believes in educating the horse through step by step methods in order to improve coordination and balance to become supple in different sides of the horse body, the horse becomes mentally and physically prepared to effectively change leads at different gaits. Methods also include education for the rider to become balanced and coordinated at various speeds, with explanations to understand that it is the rider who is most important in communicating and executing a lead change to the horse.

Participant Requirements: Participant should be confident under saddle at walk, trot and lope
Horse Requirements: A confident horse under saddle at a walk, trot and lope that also has basic understanding of moving five body parts (neck & poll, shoulders, rib cage & hindquarters) and is also safe around other horses and participants

Russ Krachun shares his philosophy and his step by step unconventional methodology in how to perform a 360 degree turn known as a pirouette maneuver. Russ will explain and demonstrate how to develop lightness in the horse’s front shoulders and how to educate the horse to distribute his weight to the hind quarters in order to navigate the turn. You will learn how Russ’ Kozak horsemanship step by step methodology is used to educate the horse to use his left and right shoulders separately in order to effectively cross the front legs for the turn around. These step by step methods will educate the horse to become soft and supple in the neck and rib cage in order to improve and develop balance and coordination in both the left and the right sides of the horse body. The horse is prepared both mentally and physically to perform the pirouette at different speeds and gaits.

Participant Requirements: Participant should be confident under saddle at walk, trot and lope
Horse Requirements: A confident horse under saddle at a walk, trot and lope that also has basic understanding of moving five body parts (neck & poll, shoulders, rib cage & hindquarters) and is also safe around other horses and participants

Russ Krachun will share with you his philosophy and the discovery of his original methodology of working in the round pen. Russ’ fifteen signature steps of methodology in the round pen connect and build to one another in order to develop understanding and willing responses and also develop mental and physical abilities for both horse and horseman. These fifteen steps of round pen methodology will develop a foundation and lead you towards success in the next levels within the foundation program.

Participant Requirements: Participant should be confident on the ground with the horse with the ability to use flag, lariat, and rope halter and horsemanship rope
Horse Requirements: Any age of horse with any level of training

Russ Krachun shares his philosophy and his methodology in how to develop a confident horse and rider while on the trail. Russ believes this education is one of the most important teachings for the horseman and the most important preparation for the horses mind. He also believes that nature provides the best environment to develop a solid confident mind in both the horse and the rider. You will learn methodology that connects to one another that is designed for both the horse and the rider in order to control their fear, anxiety and emotions. This methodology helps to develop confidence while riding on the trail, when alone, or when riding in groups, or when riding away from the barn or to the barn. You will learn the methodology of how to confidently ride and travel at different speeds and how to control fear and anxiety when in various outdoor environments such as weather conditions, water crossings, hills, or when approached by flying or running animals. By developing confident minds and learning how to control anxiety and emotions in both the horse and the rider, you will then enjoy a safe confident ride on the trail.

Participant Requirements: Participant should be confident under saddle at walk, trot and lope
Horse Requirements: A confident horse under saddle at a walk, trot and lope and also is safe around other horses and participants

Russ Krachun shares his philosophy and his multitude of in-hand communication methods within the first two days of this clinic. These methods will educate how to communicate with your horse through your hands while using the horsemanship rope, your body language and your voice commands. Russ will explain how “Discover Horsemanship Philosophy & Methodology in the Round Pen” transfers to your in-hand communication methodology and how they support one another. You will learn how in-hand communication methodology prepares the horse mind, improves mental abilities, develop coordination, balance and confidence. Russ will also explain how his methods not only develop physical and mental abilities of the horse’s body, but also develop body language and communication between the horse and the horseman. This understanding is very useful in our daily routines with our horses.
In day three and four of this four day clinic, Russ Krachun shares his unconventional philosophy and methodology to develop confidence and trust within the horse’s mind in order for the horse to control his emotions in any environment, in various situations and during various anxieties. Russ explains the importance of understanding your horse’s mental abilities, not just his physical abilities and shares his methodology that includes the use of proper timing and repetition along with periods of relaxation. A confident and trusting mind is essential in order for the horse to perform to the best of his ability.

Participant Requirements: Participant should be confident on the ground while working with the horse on the lunge line at various gaits and also while riding the horse under saddle at walk, trot and lope
Horse Requirements: Confident and safe horse on the lunge line at the walk, trot and lope and also confident under saddle at the walk, trot and lope while on the lunge line, also confident and is safe around other horses and participants

Russ Krachun shares his signature round pen riding methodology that he uses to educate the horse the basics in riding methodology the first two days of this clinic. Both the horse and rider develop balance and coordination under saddle and also learn the basics of educating muscle memory of the poll, neck, shoulder, rib cage and hindquarters. Methods include how to educate the horse to travel in a straight line, turn inside, turn outside, stop and to travel safely at various speeds at the walk, trot and lope. Round Pen Riding Methodology develops balance, coordination, and develops understanding and prepares both the horse and rider with the confidence and knowledge to safely and confidently ride in larger open areas.
In day two and day three of this four day clinic, Russ Krachun will share his signature unconventional foundation guiding methods. You will learn the methods, the reasons behind each method, and how each exercise of each method supports and connects to each other in order to develop the horses balance, develop coordination on both the left and right sides of the body. The horse will learn to guide at various speeds in the walk, trot and lope and become balanced and coordinated. Develop muscle memory and improve the mental mindset of both horse and rider. Learn methodology that involve proper timing and repetition that result in improved communication, understanding and improved physical abilities for both the horse and the rider under saddle.

Participant Requirements: Participant should be confident under saddle at walk, trot and lope
Horse Requirements: A safe green or experienced horse under saddle with ability to safely walk, trot and lope, also confident and is safe around other horses and participants

Russ Krachun shares his philosophy and unconventional methodology in developing softness and suppleness in the horse neck muscle, shoulders, rib cage and hindquarters. This methodology is based on the same principals and education used for any athlete. You will learn that softness and suppleness is developed by following step by step methods that connect to one another through repetitions, in forward motions at various speeds. This methodology enables the neck muscle, the shoulders, the rib cage and the hindquarters to stretch and develop muscle memory. Developing muscle memory is very important in any athlete by supporting both their physical and mental education and allows the athlete to perform to the best of their abilities.
Participant Requirements: Participant should be confident under saddle at walk, trot and lope
Horse Requirements: A confident horse under saddle at a walk, trot and lope and also is safe around other horses and participants

Russ Krachun shares his philosophy and his unconventional step by step methodology that develops a willing straight and balanced back up in day one and day two of this four day clinic. These steps aid in building coordination and also develop softness in the left and the right sides of the horses’ body, shoulders and the hindquarters. Russ will explain the importance and the reasons for controlling the shoulders and the hindquarters, and how to navigate a willing and straight back up with the horse.
In day three and four of this clinic, Russ Krachun shares his philosophy and his unconventional step by step methodology in how to educate the horse to stop from any speed that we desire. Russ believes that methods must first prepare the horse mentally with step by step methodology by explaining what the stop means, and then educate the horse how to physically perform the stop at any speed. These step by step methods will improve mental abilities and physical abilities by educating the horse body to develop balance, coordination when traveling in the left and the right leads at various speeds and gaits. A horse that is travelling balanced and coordinated in any lead will use his body equally and will stop straight and balanced at any speed.

Participant Requirements: Participant should be confident under saddle at walk, trot and lope
Horse Requirements: A confident horse under saddle at a walk, trot and lope that also has basic understanding of moving five body parts (neck & poll, shoulders, rib cage & hindquarters) and is also safe around other horses and participants

Russ Krachun shares his philosophy and step by step unconventional methodology in how to educate the horse to change leads at various speeds in day one and two of this four day clinic. This methodology will educate the horse in how to change leads by using the front legs and also to change leads by using the hind quarters of the horse body. Russ believes in educating the horse through step by step methods in order to improve coordination and balance to become supple in different sides of the horse body, the horse becomes mentally and physically prepared to effectively change leads at different gaits. Methods also include education for the rider to become balanced and coordinated at various speeds, with explanations to understand that it is the rider who is most important in communicating and executing a lead change to the horse.

In day two and three, Russ Krachun shares his philosophy and his step by step unconventional methodology in how to perform a 360 degree turn known as a pirouette maneuver. Russ will explain and demonstrate how to develop lightness in the horse’s front shoulders and how to educate the horse to distribute his weight to the hind quarters in order to navigate the turn. You will learn how Russ’ Kozak horsemanship step by step methodology is used to educate the horse to use his left and right shoulders separately in order to effectively cross the front legs for the turn around. These step by step methods will educate the horse to become soft and supple in the neck and rib cage in order to improve and develop balance and coordination in both the left and the right sides of the horse body. The horse is prepared both mentally and physically to perform the pirouette at different speeds and gaits.

Participant Requirements: Participant should be confident under saddle at walk, trot and lope
Horse Requirements: A confident horse under saddle at a walk, trot and lope that also has basic understanding of moving five body parts (neck & poll, shoulders, rib cage & hindquarters) and is also safe around other horses and participants