Michael Alway - Confidence Before Collection - OTTB Foundational Clinic
8/14/2026
Developing the Fundamentals for the Restarted Thoroughbred
with Michael Alway
This hands-on clinic focuses on building confidence, communication, and suppleness in the Off-Track Thoroughbred through a deeper understanding of equine psychology and learning. Participants will learn how horses think, process information, and respond to training, creating a stronger foundation for future success in any discipline.
Each session combines groundwork and ridden work designed to improve trust, responsiveness, relaxation, and rider effectiveness. The clinic is suitable for Thoroughbreds at various stages of retraining and for riders of varying experience levels.
Meet the Clinician! - Michael Alway
Michael Alway is a horseman, clinician, and event rider based in Boyce, Virginia. Through his work at Viewpoint Equestrian, he helps horses and riders build confidence, trust, and partnership through a deeper understanding of equine psychology and learning.
Drawing from a background that includes studying under Pat and Linda Parelli, starting horses in Europe, competing in Extreme Mustang Makeovers, judging at the Retired Racehorse Project Thoroughbred Makeover, and developing event and dressage horses, Michael combines practical horsemanship with performance training. His passion is helping riders understand how horses think, learn, and respond so they can create willing, confident partners both on the ground and under saddle.
Whether working with young horses, competition horses, or horses facing behavioral challenges, Michael focuses on developing communication, confidence, and trust as the foundation for long-term success.
OTTB ReStart Clinic Series at Great Meadow:
The goal of the program is to showcase best practices in Thoroughbred retraining and highlight the versatility of these horses across disciplines. This clinic focuses on developing OTTBs from the foundations to the rigor of a horse show environment. Under professional instruction, riders and their horses will have the opportunity to learn through the lens of a top-level professional, focusing on navigating the complex inner workings of OTTBs.
Organizer Notes
*Sign up by 5:00pm August 12th
*Current signed Great Meadow Waiver & Release required
*Negative coggins required
*Certified helmet must be worn while mounted
✅ Submit a Complete Entry
The organizer requests the following for a complete entry - Learn More:
- Coggins
- Rider Signature
- Parent Signature (if under 18)
Session 1
$200.00
Session 1 Auditor
$25.00
Session 2
$200.00
Session 2 Auditor
$25.00
Session 3
$200.00
Session 3 Auditor
$25.00
Session 4
$200.00
Session 4 Auditor
$25.00
Administrative Information
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Ride Time Session Structure:
Hour 1 - Ground Work + Horse Psychology
Hour 2 - Mounted WorkSchedule
7:30 AM – Check-In & WelcomeSession 1
8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Groundwork & Mounted InstructionSession 2
10:15 AM – 12:15 PM
Groundwork & Mounted Instruction12:15 PM – 1:00 PM
Lunch Break / Informal Q&ASession 3
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Groundwork & Mounted InstructionSession 4
3:15 PM – 5:15 PM
Groundwork & Mounted Instruction5:15 PM – 5:30 PM
Closing Discussion & Questions 
Trailer Direction Great Meadow Foundation; 5089 Old Tavern Road; The Plains, VA; 20198 From D.C: I-66 west to exit 31 to VA Rt. 245 toward Old Tavern; turn left onto Old Tavern Road; 1.8 miles, your destination is on the left. From Winchester I-81:Take exit for I66 East to exit 28 towards Warrenton; go 2.7 miles, take a right onto Old Tavern Road; your destination will be on the right.
Change Policy Changes are not permitted.
Refund Policy No refunds.-
Entry Option(s)
Secure Spot: Pay in full via STRIDER
