FAQ

How many people do we need to fill a clinic?

We need to have a minimum of 10 participants (15 maximum) as well as 12 auditors minimum (with no maximum limit for auditors). We try not to limit numbers of auditors for this clinic and to allow for up to 15 maximum participants if possible. The more in attendance, the more the word of positive reinforcement can spread and this is very important to us. 

 

What is the cancellation policy for this clinic?

Remaining in good contact with Jessie eliminates any worry about this issue. We have had someone cancel a clinic last minute without good reason. In this case, you would be charged $2500 for our inability to schedule something else in its place last minute. We prefer to have 30 days notice to cancel a clinic. Of course, extenuating circumstances are going to be evaluated fairly. 

 

What can I expect in return for hosting this clinic?

If your clinic is full, the host can participate free of charge as well as you will be given our riding workshop (or any other video series of equal value) for free. This is 10+ hours of content about various positive reinforcement topics. We think you'll find them to be fun and engaging and each has a value of $349 free to the host only. Also please note that your participants and auditors will receive the course for $200 off just for attending. They can access this at time of purchasing the clinic through the link we've provided. Please let your attendees know these are available. 

 

Do I need an indoor to host? 

While it's best to have an indoor, in fair-weather months, you can likely get away with a place for attendees that is out of the wind/sun/rain. What we do need for sure is for the area to be fenced in so that the horses can work at liberty. Even a round pen or barn yard area will do. We will want to avoid any situation for people that will be uncomfortable to sit in for 6-8 hours a day. Feel free to be creative in this area and to be sure to speak with Jessie about what is acceptable. 

 

Are horses worked as a group?

No. They will be worked one at a time. This is because we do sessions at liberty. Please make sure you set up some sort of barrier to keep the crowd safe from horses running. This can be as simple as a couple cones with caution tape tied up or some jump standards with rails in the cups. 

 

Should I Create a Schedule for my Clinic?

An order of go is necessary and this can look however you'd like it to. It's helpful to start with horses who know the least and go from there, but if you have other ideas, that's fine too! Please do not create time slots for them to go into. We will work with the horses for as long as they tell us is needed. There is no set amount of time horses will work. Each participant and horse will be given the time that is necessary to have clarity.

 

Should I ask participants to bring food/treats for their horse's sessions?

YES. Everyone should bring their own feed/treats for their horses AND the clinic host should have food available for Shawna and Jessie to use as well and for participants who are not adequately prepared. MANY PARTICIPANTS WILL NOT BE ADEQUATELY PREPARED. A couple different kinds is great since horses will prefer different things. At home, we use hay pellets and to that, we add Triple Crown Senior for more flavor as well as a variety of treats including carrots. Any molasses low carb feed will do. Most Tractor Supply Company's will have these feeds. You can use what you want but variety is key here. Please note… each time Jessie does a session with a horse, they will eat roughly a side-bucket's worth of feed (or less). And each horse will do about 3 total sessions. It ends up being more food than you think, which is why the base is hay pellets. Horses with metabolic challenges will need to be fed accordingly.  Please be sure to have a mixture of feeds/treats/carrots, etc. Hay pellets only is not adequate for the weekend for various reasons you will learn about at the clinic. 

 

Can people ride in this clinic?

Yes! We'd love for people to have the chance to ride. A basic understanding of R+ training, including knowing a bridge signal and target primarily is best before taking it under saddle. This means they should have had about 8-10 sessions working on these things prior to riding. If participants don't know how to get started, please direct them to Shawna's first five podcast lessons which can be found on our website. www.shawnakarrasch.com  But it is completely possible to come as a brand new horse to positive reinforcement and ride the second day of the clinic if they so desire. It won't be quite as helpful but it will  give them a great idea on how to get started and on where they'll want to take things.

 

What am I responsible to pay for regarding Shawna/Jessie's travel/lodging/food/car? 

You will need to pay for Shawna and Jessie's lodging (preferably clean/updated hotel). Or you can offer your private place to stay if you like. 

This can be a clean/tidy (up to date with modern/new amenities) barn apartment or vacant house. Perhaps you have a friend with an airbnb. Sorry to be a bit of a stickler with this part… they have had to stay in some less than ideal situations and being that they are on the road A LOT, they need to do our best to be comfortable. Think clean freaks… 😄

It is policy now that they will not stay in people's homes where they are currently living. They put out a lot of energy through the weekend so thank you for understanding that they need their downtime, privacy, and relaxation when the clinic day is over. If you cannot provide accommodations, you will pay for their lodging. 

If they are flying to your clinic, they will need to be picked up at the airport and to have a car provided for them during their stay. OR you can provide for them. rental car for their stay. This can be an old farm car for example… that will be great. Shawna and Jessie will gladly pay for their own meals.

 

When will Shawna/Jessie arrive/depart?

Depending on the distance of your clinic from Shawna/Jessie's home, they might be staying thgouht till Monday so please double check with Jessie ahead of time about the number of nights that lodging is needed. If your clinic is within a few hours of PA, they will arrive the Friday evening before the clinic. 

You will see the, Saturday morning at 9am. If flying, they need to arrive on Thursday as this ensures they make it to the clinic on time. There are often times when there are flight delays etc so it is not wise to show up the day before the clinic, completely exhausted. They will most likely be leaving the Monday after the clinic ends. Sometimes, due to flight costs, it might be imperative for them to leave on Tuesday am. 

 

What is customary for lunch?

Lunch is the responsibility of the host to organize and is up to you to decide. You might like to order boxed lunches that they pay for the day of the clinic, have people bring a dish to share or you might like to ask them to bring their own lunch. Taco/salad fixings are often a favorite and easy enough. You will need to provide lunch for Shawna/Jessie. We have no diet restrictions.

 

What is the format of the clinic?

The program is primarily paced by the horses' needs. Sessions will go as short or long as is needed by the horse and their handler. The first half of day one will be a fun lecture on the science and theory of positive reinforcement. After lunch, each horse will do a session. Day two is all sessions. Each horse will do a session before lunch and a session after lunch and questions will be answered throughout the day. 

 

Do I need to tell Shawna/Jessie about the people and horses coming to the clinic?

No. Shawna/Jessie will be talking to the audience about their horses in person. We want the audience to hear all about them and we like to learn about the horses the day of the clinic so it is fresh in our minds. 

 

What will this clinic cost per person? 

Our cost is $435 per participant and $145 per auditor USD. (This is subject to change depending on how far away the clinic is and how expensive it is for us to stay in your area). Attendees will pay hosts directly and the host pays us at the end of the clinic. Our fee includes our travel (if inside the US) and hotel. If outside the US, travel fees will be split between several clinics. 

 

What things am I responsible for?

-organizing lunch and letting attendees know the plan

-collecting money for the clinic unless otherwise arranged with Jessie

-collecting money for use of stall by participants if needed

-making sure the area we are working in is safe and tidy

-providing chairs or asking people to bring their own

-providing chairs for Shawna and Jessie

-creating name tags for all guests (one for each of the two days). Horses name should be put underneath the name of participants

-letting people know directions, where to go once there, where   bathroom is, etc. 

-Light snacks/drink available to guests (just a few cookies, chips, or snacks is fine and this cost can be built into your lunch fee if you like)

-Create an order of go for participants

-Provide a mix of senior/pelleted/hay pellets for Jessie's use during clinic

-Create a waiver for your guests to sign if needed 

 

Do people have to have their own horse to participate?

No. You can offer for people to use your horses during the clinic and this is an excellent way to fill your clinic. Many people do not want the stress or hassle of bringing a horse along. You might also consider allowing one horse to be used by two people during the clinic if needed. No more than two people should share one horse.