CLINIC POLICIES AND INFORMATION FOR CLINIC ORGANIZERS

Length of Clinic:

Clinics are normally 3 days (minimum 2 days). A typical clinic consists of 5 sessions per day, including one groundwork session ( 1 to 1½ hours) and up to 4 riding classes (1¼ to 1½ hours each), with a lunch break.

Introductory Lecture
(This lecture is optional but recommended; it is included in the clinic fee at no extra charge.)
The Introductory Lecture (approximately 2 hours, usually the evening before clinic) is an introduction to Centered Riding, how it applies to various kinds of riding, and what the clinic will cover, with audience participation and time for questions. A good time 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 an admission fee to the public.

Groundwork Sessions
Centered Riding 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. Auditors are welcome to participate. May be held in a classroom or in good weather, in an indoor or outdoor riding arena. 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.

Auditors or Spectators
Auditors or spectators are welcome at all sessions, and may participate in groundwork exercises. The 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 must 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 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 for a Clinic
Riding arena (preferably covered arena available in case of bad weather) with good footing, suitable size for number of riders in a group. 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 (I can supply one if you do not have access to one).

Safety and Insurance
I carry professional liability insurance and can provide 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. 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 your 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 contacts 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. Publicity photos and a sample press release are available on request. You may also use information and photos downloaded from this site to publicize the clinic.


Booking A Clinic
To book a clinic, please contact Susan Harris by telephone (607)753-7357, 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 quickly --please contact me by telephone.