[Kar]

Hello everyone. I hope your all doing well I wanted to ask you all for your thoughts. My first clinic will me in about mid October. It's going to be for first time owners, and owners of abused horses etc. Most of my clients are women, alot of them have left a bad situation, and are rebuilding thier self esteam.
What I would like from everyone is what you think should be covered in the clinic. There will be one of Utahs best farriers on hand to cover hoof health etc. We will cover correct fitting for tack, housing your horse, feeds vs. performance needs, ground manners, and several other things.

I dont want to bore people, I'm paying for the arena and time out of my own pocket. So I dont have alot money to spend on things, but do you think it would be stupid to have a light lunchen afterwords, where everyone mingles and what not? Alot of these folks dont have alot of friends with horses.
Im trying to go at this from thier angle. I want it to be fun, so would little gift bags with horse treats and coupons be silly? Also, what about a skit? You know, like a commical way of showing people how to get their horses to accept them, by spending time in the barn, or getting them used to assorted sounds. I often tell folks that if I had to dress in a pink tu tu and tie cans around my knees to clean up the pasture or stall, so your horse can get used to things. Would it be funny or flaky to do that?
Also, what are some things I should avoid? Such as the pink tu tu.. lol

Then theres the clothing dept. for me. What should I wear? I was thinking just a pair of jeans and a nice white shirt. Im not a hat person, So no hats.. lol I dont want to look like a glamour queen, but I want to look nice. Thats also something Im ging to cover, dressing comfortably and safely. I say safely because some folks think its ok to wear tennies to ride, and short shorts.. (blister mania)

Thanks for all your help folks. Oh and also, Admin I wanted to know if its ok for me to add this web page to my web site when its built and also to a list of resources for people at the clinic that they can access for advice. Would that be ok?

Thanks again,
Kar

PS (Does anyone have a pink tu tu I can barrow.. )

[Cajun]

Well first of all, sorry...no pink tu tu here.

You seem like you really have some great ideas, and it sounds like it will be a wonderful clinic. I think the luncheon is an awesome idea. It gives everyone a great opportunity to do what we do here...discuss and enjoy one other's company. If you have the funds to do the gift bag, I think that'd be cute. Nothing too pricey, just cute little things like you mentioned...coupons, treats, brochures, etc. As far as a skit goes, it sounds like a fun idea...I just have no idea what you could do one on. But if you come up with an idea, I'd say go for it.

For the clothing department, it depends. Will you be holding this clinic with western riders or english riders? If western, a nice pair of jeans and a nice white shirt would be perfect. If english, I would think a pair of breeches or nice jeans with a polo shirt would suit just fine.

I hope I helped a little bit, or at least reinforced the idea that your clinic will be great! Let us know how it goes!

[Kar]

Thanks, to bad about the tu tu.. lol I can almost guarantee it will be mostly western riders. Maybe I should not do white, as I just thought of what I looked like in a white shirt after work when I was a driver.. Big slatters of green horse goobers.. lol So maybe a light blue or grayish color.
I want to stay away from dark colors as they are inimidating. I want to appear as open and friendly as I am. A polo shirt, now thats a very good idea. Thanks a ton

[Cajun]

Hm, that's true....white might not be a good idea. lol. I'd probably go for the light gray than, it might hide stains a little bit better than the blue.

[Blistering Winds]

I like your idea! Luncheon and all!! Great way for people to chat things up and ask more questions if needed.

Definitly dress appropriate (jeans and a shirt), going neked might scare some off! LMAO ...

Definitly don't overdress, or people will be too afraid to walk up and chat with you. (I can be like that).

Umm...let me think some more and get some more ideas back to ya!

[Kar]

Sounds great to me Naked.. lmao That will never happen. Not onnly would they be scared, they would think Im anorexic.

Another question, how much should I charge? I was thinking about $20 a person

I also have the owner of Total Equine Suppliment coming to join me and talk about feeds. So that will be great

[Blistering Winds]

$20? Really? This is like a simposium? Or do they bring horses with them too? Either way, $20 for everything you have listed sounds great!!

[Kar]

Well if I have people bring thier horses, the arena will run me about 1200 bucks.. For 3 hours.. WHOA! Nope, I will not be able to do that. Also if I let them touch the horse at all, I have to get spectators insurance. Which will cost several pretty pennies.
Im going to do some checking tomarrow on other arenas, to see if they are more reasonable. I will just need to make sure its indoor, because who knows what the weather will be like in October, I dont want people cold and leaving.
I thought $20 was fair, as folks dont know my name, just my clients. I wouldnt feel right charging people more. Hmm maybe I could put out like a donation jar for the food.. lol Could get darned expensive. Is that flaky? Or should I charge $25 for those who want to stay for the lunch?

Bleh, my head hurts.. lol

[Blistering Winds]

Don't bother changing the price for lunch. Do 25-30 for the symposium with a lunch.

As for the arena, let me know if you ever want to come to Amarillo. I know our arena doesn't charge ten million dollars. (it is the school's arena)

[Cajun]

I think $25 sounds like a reasonable price. Especially if that includes the luncheon.