CLINIC POLICIES AND INFORMATION FOR CLINIC ORGANIZERS
Length of Clinic
Clinics are normally 3 days (minimum 2 days) but may be longer. A typical clinic
consists of 5 sessions per day, including one groundwork session
(1 to 1½ hours) & up to 4 riding classes (1¼ to 1½ hours each),
with a lunch break.
Introductory Lecture
(Optional but recommended; included in
the clinic fee at no extra charge.)
The Introductory Lecture (approximately 2 hours, usually the
evening before the clinic) is an introduction to Centered Riding
or Centered Driving, how
it applies to various kinds of riding or driving, and what the clinic will
cover, with audience participation and time for questions. A
chance to meet the clinician and make sure riders are prepared. It
is open to clinic riders, auditors, instructors, parents, and the
general public. It may be held in a hall, classroom, or in good
weather, in an indoor riding arena. Most clinics charge a small admission fee to the public.
Groundwork Sessions
Centered Riding and Centered Driving Clinics begin with a daily Groundwork Session
(dismounted), for all clinic riders. This session includes body
awareness and other exercises which support the mounted work. May be held in a classroom or
in good weather, in an indoor or outdoor riding arena;
participants need room to sit, stand and move around. Auditors
are welcome and may participate in ground exercises.
Number of Riders
Riding classes are limited to 5 riders or less. Maximum clinic size is 20 riders. All riders should ride and attend groundwork sessions on all 3 days. New riders may not join a class after the first day.
In Centered Driving
clinics, the number of participants must be limited because of the
need for individual, hands-on instruction. Please contact Peggy
Brown to discuss how many participants can be accommodated.
Auditors or Spectators
Auditors or spectators are welcome at all sessions, and may
participate in groundwork exercises. A wireless PA system allows auditors
to hear as well as riders. Clinic organizers may charge whatever
fee they wish for auditing.
Rider Levels
I am happy to work with riders at any level, but as a minimum,
clinic riders should be able to ride safely in a group at walk and
trot. Horses must be safely manageable in a group. Riders should
be scheduled in appropriate groups for their level, riding
interests, and whether they are in an Introductory or Continuing Centered
Riding class. Clinic riders should fill out a questionnaire on
their riding experience and what they hope to learn from the
clinic. This questionnaire should be available to the clinician to
review before the clinic, and will assist the Clinic Organizer in
placing riders in an appropriate riding group.
Facilities Needed for a Clinic
Riding arena (preferably covered arena available in case of bad weather) with good footing, of a suitable size for number of riders in a group. For Centered Driving Clinics, an arena or field of a size and with footing suitable for driving.
Hall, classroom or other suitable place for introductory lecture and for daily groundwork.
Trailer parking and/or stabling facilities for clinic participants’ horses.
Seating for spectators
(or ask them to bring their own chairs), parking, bathroom
facilities. Cold or hot drinks and lunch available at the clinic
site are appreciated by all. A PA system with wireless microphone
is helpful.
Safety and Insurance
I carry professional liability insurance and can provide a certificate of insurance on request. The sponsor and facility
owner should carry their own liability insurance for the clinic,
and participants should sign a liability release. Riders must wear
safe riding attire, including safety helmet and safe riding
footwear. Horses must be able to be ridden safely in a group. In
Centered Driving clinics, safety headgear is required. Clinic organizers should inform participants of regulations
regarding health papers and any other requirements.
What to Charge
Clinic organizers may charge whatever clinic fees they wish. These
vary, depending on the costs of organizing a clinic in that area.
I recommended that you require full payment in advance to hold a
space in the clinic. Payment, cancellation and refund policies
should be clearly stated.
Publicizing Your Clinic
Confirmed clinic dates are listed in our Clinic and Demo Schedule
and also on the Centered Riding Clinic Schedule and website. Most
clinics are filled through local publicity and personal contact with
stables, instructors, riding clubs and equestrian newsletters.
Clinic flyers and application forms should be sent out at least 2
months before the clinic, and distributed to tack shops, feed
stores, stables, etc. Many equine publications will list your
clinic for free in their Coming Events calendar; 1 to 3 months
lead time may be required. Photos and a sample press release are
available from Peggy Brown on request.
Booking A Clinic
To book a clinic, please contact Peggy Brown by telephone (419) 865-8308), so we can discuss your needs, clinic costs, and clinic dates with our calendars at hand. Most clinic dates are booked approximately a year in advance. A deposit is required within 30 days of booking in order to reserve the clinic date.
Sorry, I do not book clinics by email, nor can I send a list of available clinic dates, as these change--please contact me by telephone.
Questions?
If you have questions, want more information, or need help in planning or publicizing your clinic, please contact Peggy Brown at the address below.
I'll be glad to help!
Contact Info:
Peggy Brown
2365
Perrysburg-Holland Road
Maumee, OH 43537
(419) 865-8308
walnuthill@juno.com