Here’s a sure sign that you live in rural Idaho: spotting a horse hitched to a post at a fast food joint in town. All jokes aside, horses are an important part of our rugged western culture here in Idaho. They make weekend rodeos worth
watching and trail rides in the mountains that much more peaceful. However, there’s one place in eastern Idaho that approaches horses a little differently
Clockwork Farms is tucked at the base of rolling green foothills south of Idaho Falls. The name has a double meaning, according to owner and trainer Mindy Hussey. “When I was little, I had a really good horse named Clockwork and he was my favorite horse,” said Hussey, “When I first started training in California, where there’s a thousand trainers on every corner, I wanted a barn name that would stand out. Something that’s important is that horses are always going consistently, so they move like clockwork.” Hussey is an English riding trainer; the style and etiquette differs dramatically from the Western riding we’re accustomed to out here, but the passion that drives the sport is much the same.
Riding classes and clinics offered at Clockwork Farms are for kids age four on up, and for the kids at heart. Students learn not only how to ride, but also how to care for their horses and keep them happy and healthy. Becky Elliott has several of her daughters enlisted in classes, and says that it makes a remarkable difference for them. “My daughters expressed an interest in riding,” says Elliot. “We found Clockwork and we’ve never looked back. [After they started lessons,] their teachers would come to me and ask, “What are you doing differently? They were so shy, but they’ve just blossomed.” Their confidence is amazing.”