If you would like to organise a clinic, here is what you need to know:
  • Foundation clinics are 2 full days (usually over a weekend).
  • A clinic generally consists of 6-10 horses, plus unlimited non-training participants / auditors. My ideal number of horses is eight.
  • Organiser/host responsibilities include
    • finding\booking a suitable venue, including getting quotes and checking availability;
    • marketing the clinic to their own networks, including on local Facebook horse groups;
    • responding to ad hoc enquiries from attendees leading up to the event;
    • collecting payments (sometimes I will do this, other times I will ask the host to do so, depending on location and other factors).
  • Organiser benefits include
    • a free training spot as a participant on the clinic, or cash equivalent if the clinic is filled (i.e. no less than 8 paying places are taken)
    • fantastic networking opportunity for those wishing to make likeminded friends, expand their circle of influence or build a potential market for their own teaching
    • free one-on-one lesson before or after the clinic, if my travel schedule allows
  • I will create a FB event page and a flyer for the clinic and I will share these on my own social media, however as mentioned above organisers must also contribute to marketing the clinic and not rely on my existing audience alone to fill their clinic.
  • Clinic price is dependent upon location and travel costs, but to give a rough idea, within NZ it will generally be around $350 per training spot, for a full weekend (usually not including ground fees / venue hire which are charged separately). Australia prices are around $450-500 per training spot.
  • If a young person under 18 is attending with a horse, then a parent or guardian may accompany them for free. If a disabled person would like a support person there, then that person can attend for free.
  • Venues must have:
    • sufficient all-weather parking for 10 horse floats/trucks
    • a separate yard/stall for each horse (covered is preferred but not necessary unless it is a winter clinic; and yards must be nearby each other)
    • an arena (clinics go ahead rain or shine so covered is preferred, unless the clinic is held in summer)
    • bathroom and tea/coffee facilities
  • My experience is that people are happy to pay up to $15-20 ground fee per day for a good undercover venue (RDA's are often ideal).
  • Depending on location I may need accommodation arranged (with the organiser is usually fine, or a basic motel/B&B nearby the venue)
  • Additional options and variations:
    • Day 2 of the Foundation clinic can be a bit of everything (problem solving, tricks, riding etc) or we can theme it to one specific topic.
    • Optional Day 3 "Movin' on up" covering more advanced material including shaping skills, chaining, stimulus control and cues (prerequisite of having done the two-day Foundation clinic, or equivalent experience)
    • Optional evening workshop on "How animals learn and how best to teach them" - approx 2-3 hours, including entertaining powerpoint slides, video clips, practical exercises and games. This workshop is always well received and is designed with both horse and dog owners in mind.
    • Multi-species or chicken training workshops available on request
  • Feel free to chat to me about your requirements - I'm happy to be flexible with content or format. Bring me your ideas and let's discuss.