​Are you considering purchasing a horse, but don't know where to start? Are you interested in using horse power on your farm, or just want to start a new hobby driving your horse? Are you nervous about riding, but still want to be actively involved by driving horses? Whatever your reason for being interested in horses and driving, we can help!



About your instructor



Instructor Danielle Londrigan has worked with horses in some capacity for over 30 years. She has a degree in Farm and Equine Management, is a certified Mounted Police and Civilian Sensory Clinic Instructor, trains wild horses for the BLM, has taught riding lessons, trained horses for the Maryland-National Capitol Park Police, and ridden and trained with the Los Angeles County Volunteer Mounted Patrol. She began her driving instruction in 2012, and was easily able to adapt her experience to driving horses for both work and pleasure. She has driven miniature to donkey to standard horse to draft!


For over 8 years, Danielle and her husband, Sean, have driven horses all around the central IL region. In addition to running their farm with horses and horse-drawn equipment, they ran a commercial carriage business in cities all around central IL. They were the only licensed company in the capital of Springfield, IL, and the only horse-drawn carriage service permitted to pass through Lincoln's Home Historic Site in Springfield. In addition, they are invited to be draft horse ambassadors for the IL Horse Fair each year, offered harnessing demonstrations at an annual event at Three Sisters Park in Chilllicothe, IL, offered annual plowing demonstrations at Lincoln's New Salem Historic Site in Petersburg, IL, and offered regular tours, demonstrations, and clinics on their farm. In 2019, Danielle was invited to be the only female driver at the international Horse Progress Days in Arthur, IL, demo'ing the most up-to-date horse-powered farm implements.


Red Gate Farm, LLC offers a variety of Horse Training and Driving Clinics, in private instruction and group format, to help meet your needs. If you are interested in having your group participate in clinics or lessons, we are happy to customize a quote for you that will give you the experience you are desiring. Also, please know that we understand you may have unique needs or issues due to traveling distances, schedules, etc, so if you would like to extend any clinic, need assistant with lodging, or otherwise, just ask! If we can make it happen safely, we are happy to give you a custom quote!


Please Contact Us to discuss.


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mustang gentling clinic



$25/person



This clinic is designed for people interested in adopting a wild or TIP gentled mustang, but would like to learn a bit more about the training process first. It is a single-day, spectator-only clinic, with potential opportunity for some individuals to volunteer to get hands-on with the horses, and to help demonstrate specific training methods. Slots are limited, and dates will be posted as new loads of mustangs arrive.


For more information, please see our Mustang Training Clinic page.




A horse experience



$50/hour



Do you or your child dream of interacting with horses? Do you dream about horses, love the smell of horses, and/or think you might like to have a horse someday? Do you know a special person who begs for a horse of their own, but you think they need a little dose of reality to see what horse-ownership really involves? If you relate to any of the above, this is the option for you!


Our unique Horse Experience is customized to your desires. We work one-on-one with you (or your child/loved one) to let you experience a horse first-hand! Options can include cleaning stalls, grooming, learning about tack and equipment, an introduction to horse health and basic care, a lesson on how to search for the right horse for you, and so much more!


You can customize the experience to have an entire hour riding in our pen, or enjoy other options while enjoying a short, basic riding lesson (usually 15-20 minutes of actual riding time).


Please note, although anyone is welcome to participate in our Horse Experience, for the safety of horse and rider, you must be in condition to be able to easily mount and dismount a 16-hand horse without assistance other than a mounting step. Our Gypsy Vanner mare, Grace, is a large, but has a very sweet, gentle nature that can befriend even more timid beginners!




Beginner horsemanship clinic



$150/person



This clinic is intended for those who are considering getting a horse, whether for a pet, a riding partner, or to start driving. It is designed for those who have little to no experience with horses, and want to start right in hopes of avoiding the horror stories you may have heard. Topics include:


  • Budgeting for a horse
  • Breeds and their uses
  • Selecting the right horse
  • Basic horse care and housing
  • Feed for optimal health
  • Basic health and first aid
  • No Hoof, No Horse
  • Selecting the right equipment
  • Safety around horses
  • Handling skills
  • Gaining respect
  • Handling equipment
  • Beginning rider basics


This clinic is about 6 hours long, with a lunch break in the middle. The morning session is spent partially indoors, learning "head knowlege" to prepare yourself. Next, we will head outside to get hands-on with the horses. You will learn how to safely halter, lead, groom, pick up feet, gain respect and trust, tack up, and actually have a basic 1 hour introductory handling and riding lesson. (Note, in order to ride, you must be able to safely mount and dismount without assistance other than a mounting step.)


This clinic is designed to work with you one-on-one, to ensure you leave feeling as comfortable as possible with the basics. As a result, this clinic is scheduled by appointment, and is offered March-November, weather permitting.


Friends or Family can participate with you for a discounted price of $75/each additional, but hands-on and riding time, as well as resource materials will be split among participants (you can decide how). Children over age 10 may take this course if a parent/guardian registers as an additional participant or auditor*.



2-day beginner driving clinic: group



$150/person



Are you considering using horse power on your farm or homestead? Do you dream of pleasure drives through the countryside? Have you outgrown or gotten nervous about riding your horse, and thought about driving it instead? Or do you just want to check "Drive a draft horse" off your bucket list? Whatever your reason, this clinic is a very unique offering in the central IL area, and is sure to please!


Our Beginner Driving Clinic is a 2-day event, with an intense focus on the basics of draught horse power. Clinic topics include:


  • How a horse can help
  • Setting up your farm for work horses
  • Selecting the right horse for your needs
  • Selecting the right harness
  • Selecting and caring for equipment
  • Safety
  • Ensuring horse comfort and safety
  • Learning to handle the lines
  • How to harness a horse
  • Ground driving
  • How to hitch
  • How to drive


The first morning begins indoors, where we will discuss the basics of horse power, preparedness, and safety. Next, we will head outside where you will learn about the harness and its functions. You will get hands-on with the horses themselves. You will get to actually harness and ground drive a horse for the first time! Finally, before the day is over, you will get to drive a horse hitched to a cart! 


The second morning starts with a brief review of safety and harness, and then the fun really starts! You will harness up, then we will hitch up and go for a drive out on our country roads. After lunch, you will get to practice harnessing again, and then you will test your new skills by driving through an obstacle course! If any time is left at the end, you have the option of additional practice on your weakest areas.


After the clinic, you will leave much more confident with the knowledge necessary for driving your own horse, and you will actually take home an assortment of resources to help guide you. This clinic assumes you already have basic horse care and handling knowledge, and already own, or are intending to purchase, a horse already trained to drive.


Please be aware that all participants should be physically able to walk for extended periods of time, as well as climb up into a horse-drawn vehicle unassisted other than a mounting block. If you have concerns, please contact us to discuss.


Clinic must have a minimum of 4 participants, with a maximum of 6. You will share harnessing and driving time with other participants. 


If you have a large group (more than 6 participants) that would like to attend, we can offer an additional date and a customized discounted rate. Please contact us for details. Sorry, we do not offer family/friend discounts for this clinic, since it is already significantly discounted. Auditors are welcome for an additional fee*.



2-day beginner driving clinic: private



$450



This clinic is exactly like the Group version above, but because the instruction is more individualized, you benefit from additional harnessing practice, driving time, and personal instruction. You will also have more time to sharpen your skills in the obstacle course.


This is an excellent option for those who are seriously considering driving horses for work or pleasure, as you will have the ability to be much more practiced and comfortable with the equipment and driving techniques.


Note: While we have found 2-days to be the ideal for most clients, this clinic can be extended if additional time and practice is desired. Just contact us for a custom quote.


Friends or family can attend with you for a discounted price of $200/each additional, but hands-on and driving time, as well as resource materials will be split among participants (you can decide how). Participants must be over age 18, unless a parent/guardian registers as a participant as well. Family and friends may also register as an auditor*.



working horse clinic



$250



This private clinic is intended for those who are serious about using horse power on a small farm or homestead setting. We will build on everything you learned in the Basic Driving Clinic. You are not required to take the Basic Driving Clinic if you can demonstrate that you have the knowledge and ability to handle and properly harness horses using a traditional work harness, hitch to basic equipment, and drive a horse. (Note that if we reserve the right to spend time discussing/training/reviewing with you as needed to ensure safety).


Topics include:


  • Types of farm equipment and vehicles
  • Hitching horses without a tongue or shafts
  • Manuevering in tight spaces
  • Using the forecart to hitch farm equipment
  • Grading a driveway and/or arena
  • Hitching to a drag item
  • Pulling logs--basics


This roughly 8-hour, single-day clinic is almost entirely outdoors with the horses, and includes lunch. We will review basic safety and horse handling procedures as needed, move into harnessing, then start honing your driving skills! You will have multiple opportunities to practice harnessing, hitching, maneuvering, backing, and using basic equipment. The work we do will be somewhat dependant on the season and our farm needs, but you will learn plenty to help you prepare to work your farm!


Because this is a private clinic, we can tailor to meet your desires....Maybe you have no trees on your property, and would prefer to focus on grading, or maneuvering in tight spaces? If you have another option in mind that isn't listed, we are always willing to discuss it if we can make it happen safely!


Note: While we have found 1-day to be the ideal for most clients desiring only a basic review and learning some new horse-powered tools and techniques, this clinic can be extended if additional time and practice is desired. Just contact us for a custom quote. 


Friends or family can attend with you for a discounted price of $100/ each participant, but hands-on time, driving time, and resource materials will be split among participants (you can decide how). Note: all participants in this clinic must be over age 18. Due to the more complex skills involved int his clinic, minors may audit, but not harness or drive*.



*Audit a Clinic...................................... $50/person/day



Auditors are welcome at most of our clinics. Of course, as an Auditor, you should expect to mostly sit and listen/watch during the clinic. Be sure to bring a comfortable chair and weather-appropriate clothing. You will not recive resource materials, nor will you have any opportunity to get hands-on with equipment or actually drive the horses. You may be invited to ride along in the wagon (applies to the Beginner Clinic's "Country Drive" session) IF we have room for Auditors. Otherwise, be aware you may have to hang back for an hour or so and not view that portion of the clinic. Therefore this option is best for those who are curious, but not committed to horses yet, or if you have a friend, spouse, or minor who is registering for a clinic. The fee is for the day, there is plenty learn by watching and listening, and you are free to come and go as desired, though we do ask that you be courteous and try to avoid distracting the other participants by doing so. Also, you are welcome to join us for lunch!



private driving lessons



$100/2-hours



Have you attended one of our driving clinics and just want more experience? Are you considering applying for a job driving ranch or carriage horses, and want to stand out among other applicants by adding some hours? Perhaps you've been driving your own horse back home, but would like to improve your skills with supervised practice? Did you used to drive horses, and just miss the feel of the lines in your hands? This option is for you!


Similar to riding lessons, this time is used to simply improve your skills and give you additional practice with basic driving technique. Depending on your goals, we will work with you, challenge you with obstacles, work on traffic safety skills, fine-tune your control and driving style, and much more! You will drive one of our 3 main vehicles for these lessons, depending on the goal for the session.


This option is not intended to hitch to or learn about farm implements or using horses for work. It's sole focus is to improve your comfort level and give you time to practice basics.


Please note, under most circumstances, we only offer lessons using Red Gate Farm, LLC horses and equipment. Your lesson time may include partial harnessing and unharnessing of horses, so we offer the initial package as a 2-hour lesson. This ensures that you get a minimum of 90 minutes of actual drive time (usually more!). Additional driving time can be purchased at a rate of $40/hour to extend any single lesson. As a general rule, you will have an instructor riding with you the majority of time.


No charge for auditors of these lessons, and auditors are welcome to ride along on the vehicles (if seats are available), however, they may not drive or handle horses.



Custom Consultations



$50/hour plus mileage



Due to demand, we are now offering personalized consultations to help you with your equine or driving situation. Purchasing your first horse, or a first horse for a specific job, can be a daunting task, and sometimes it's a good idea to get a second opinion from someone who can help you determine if that horse will suit your needs in the long run. Of course, only a thorough pre-purchase exam by a veterinarian can offer insight into a horse's complete health, and we will ALWAYS recommend you get one done by a licensed veterinarian. However, BEFORE sinking hundreds or even thousands of dollars into a potential vet exam or into the horse itself, consider hiring us for a personal consultation.


We have experience that can offer you a tremendous advantage, including:


  • Evaluating horses for purchase (basic conformation, soundness, temperament, etc.)
  • Evaluating a horse's foundation and training level (most of our clients are interested in more basic, practical skills--which always come from a solid foundation)
  • Purchasing a horse from a sale barn
  • Adopting a wild horse from the holding facility
  • Adopting a TIP gentled BLM mustang
  • Evaluating whether a horse is trained and/or experienced in riding or driving
  • Measuring your horse for proper saddle, bit, and/or harness fit

Depending on the consultation needed, we may have you bring your horse to our farm, or we can come to yours (or the horse's location). We realize needs vary as much as the horses available out there, and we are here to try to be as informed as possible. We don't tell you whether or not to purchase a horse, but we can offer insights and considerations that will help you make the decision.


Contact Us for a quote. Most consults here at RGF start at $50 and take one to two hours. Off farm consults will also involve a mileage fee of $2.50/mile (one-way) and any required meals/lodging, if applicable.





Hoof Consultation



$40/Initial Phone Interview
+ custom quote before proceeding



Are you frustrated by chronic health or hoof issues in your horse? Are you tired of paying expensive vet or farrier bills? Do you have a horse that suffers from WLD, laminitis, cracks, chipping, or founder? Does your horse overreach chronically?


If you answered "YES" to any of those questions, we can help! Our consultation begins with a phone interview, and we will likely request a series of photos we will evaluate and discuss to get us started. Then, we will go from there. Depending on your goal, in some cases, we may be able to get you on a good path with the initial consult, while other cases may be more involved. Many cases may require hoof x-rays, a diet or lifestyle change, or a supplement change.


We have tremendous success in helping horses be healthy, with vibrant, dappled coats, balanced energy levels, healthy hooves, and we've even taken horses from the brink of being euthanized from severe founder and returned them to health and usefulness! We try to model management of our horses after the wild horses, so some of our recommendations may differ with traditional ideas. We recommend you be open-minded to change if you seek our services!


For hoof issues, you should also be aware that, in most cases, I will recommend your horse go barefoot--at least for a while. I do not remove shoes, so you should have your regular farrier do that at his next appointment in preparation for the consult. If you have concerns about your horse being barefoot, I can help set you up with a good pair of custom-fit Cavallo hoof boots to help your horse stay comfortable while transitioning and healing.


Contact us today to get your horse on the road to excellent hoof health, to help him/her reach their full potential!