Trail Clinic
With Scott DePaolo & Teddy Franke
Join Scott DePaolo and Teddy Franke for a weekend of practical horsemanship and unforgettable trail riding in beautiful South Wasco County. This hands-on clinic is designed to build confidence, improve trail riding skills, and strengthen the partnership between horse and rider.
The weekend includes a guided 7-mile trail ride through the Jordan Creek Valley, obstacle training, water crossings, backcountry horsemanship, highlining, and personalized coaching in a supportive environment. Friday evening features a campfire welcome and trail discussion, Saturday includes a full day on the trail with lunch provided, and Sunday concludes with Cowboy Church and a relaxed ride into Tygh Valley.
Whether you're new to trail riding or an experienced horseman, you'll leave with practical skills, greater confidence, and lasting memories.
In this Clinic we will cover
Trail Clinic Schedule - August 21–23, 2026
Friday, August 21
4:00–7:00 PM | Arrival & Camp Setup
-
Check in at either:
-
Wasco County Fairgrounds (reserved camping)
-
Franke Family Farm (complimentary dry camping)
-
-
Settle horses and camp.
7:00–8:30 PM | Campfire & Welcome
-
Meet fellow riders
-
Introductions of riders and horses
-
Weekend overview
-
Trail safety discussion
-
Equipment recommendations
-
Questions & answers
-
Relax around the campfire
Saturday, August 22
6:30–7:30 AM | Meet at Franke Family Farm Trailhead
-
Trailer horses to the upper field
-
Unload, saddle, and prepare for the ride
-
Tack and equipment check
7:30–8:30 AM | Warm-Up & Trail Skills
-
Mounted warm-up
-
Water crossing practice
-
Basic trail obstacles
-
Prepare horses for the day's ride
8:30 AM | Depart on Trail Ride
8:30–11:00 AM | Guided Trail Ride
-
Ride approximately 3½ miles through Jordan Creek Valley
-
Rocky terrain
-
Road riding
-
Steep climbs
-
Coaching throughout the ride
11:00 AM–1:00 PM | Lunch & Backcountry Horsemanship
-
Unsaddle horses
-
Learn highlining and other methods of securing horses
-
Lunch provided
-
Relax and enjoy the scenery
1:00 PM | Ride Back
1:00–4:30 PM | Return Trail Ride
-
Continue practicing trail skills
-
Individual coaching along the ride
Approximately 4:30–5:00 PM | Return to Trailhead
-
Unsaddle and load horses
Evening
-
Relax at camp
-
Optional overnight at Wasco County Fairgrounds or Franke Family Farm
Sunday, August 23
8:00–8:45 AM | Cowboy Church
9:00–11:30 AM | Morning Ride
-
Ride from the Wasco County Fairgrounds into Tygh Valley
-
Stop for a soda
-
Ride back to camp
11:30 AM–12:00 PM | Closing Remarks
-
Final questions
-
Wrap-up
-
Depart for home
What You'll Learn
-
Obstacle negotiation
-
Water crossings
-
Rocky terrain, hills, and road riding
-
Riding in groups
-
Backcountry horsemanship
-
Highlining and securing horses
-
Trail safety and etiquette
Rider Requirements
Open to riders of all experience levels. Participants must be able to safely tack and ride their own horse, and horses must be manageable around other horses.
Dates: August 21–23, 2026
Location: Tygh Valley, Oregon
Wasco County Fairgroun
Cost: $450 per rider
Includes: Saturday lunch, guided instruction
Plan to ride 3.5 miles out and back (7 miles total)
We will have a nice long lunch stop by a waterfall.
Dry camping is available at the Franke Family Farm at no additional cost or (full-hookup camping available nearby at Wasco County Fairgrounds for an additional fee.
