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 Organizing A Frank Bell's Gentle Solutions Horsemanship Clinic
The following overview outlines the basic requirements to
organize a successful clinic. The information listed will help you determine the
format that best fits your group and understand the steps to building a
successful clinic. To book a clinic, we require a minimum of six riders with
deposits.
| Choosing the
Date |
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For the maximum exposure
and participation, plan a 4-6 month or more lead time. This insures coverage in
Horse Publications for editorial and advertising. If you have 8 committed
riders, we can cut back on the lead time or do a private clinic. Timing is
everything!
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Research other major
community and equine events not to conflict.
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Consider weather patterns
in your area (indoor facility expands your
choices).
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| Ideal
Facility |
- Indoor or covered arena (no risk of cancellation from weather).
Outdoor can be a consideration based on the time of year. Indoor back-up
ideal.
- Centrally located to major highway and equine
communities.
- Large enough to accommodate horses and riders (a 20’ radius for
each horse to do the ground exercises). Example: 60’ x 100’ fits 12
horses.
- Seating area for auditors (such as existing bleachers or areas
on the side of arena to accommodate chairs.
- Overnight boarding for horses (per diem to
facility).
- Overnight camping or cabins for riders and Frank. Motels
close by.
- Restrooms or rental of porta-potty available.
- Parking for trailers and auditors.
- Existing sound system or electricity for our sound
system.
- 2-4 Volunteers (assist with distribution of marketing materials
and parking, no charge to audit).
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| Clinic Formats
(See detailed descriptions of each clinic format under Clinics.) |
| *3-Day Format: Friday 12pm to 6pm, Saturday 9am to 3pm, Sunday 9am to
3pm |
- Complete 7-Step Safety System
- Problem Solving covering 12 major issues
- Communication in the Saddle
- Advanced Horsemanship Exercises
- Lectures & Q/A
- Average Cost $350 - $400
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*The 3-day format is Frank’s preferred format. Other than the
7-day, the 3-day clinic is the most effective for students to retain and absorb
information.
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| 2-Day Format: Saturday 9am to 4pm, Sunday 9am to 4pm |
- Complete 7-Step Safety System
- Communication in the Saddle
- Problem Solving 6 major issues
- Horsemanship
- Lectures & Q/A
- Average cost
$250.00
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| 1-Day Format: Saturday 9am to 5pm |
- Complete 7-Step Safety System
- Problem Solving 3 major issues
- Communication in the Saddle
- Average cost $150.00
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| Private
Sessions |
Private sessions can be scheduled usually one day before or
after the clinic. Riders are given a discounted session of $50/hr, all others
privates at $65/hr.
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| Riders & Auditors
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Riders of all levels are welcome and will benefit
dramatically.
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- Riders should bring a started/riding horse. If your horse has
major issues, bring a more manageable horse. Horses with major issues should
schedule a private session with Frank prior to clinic to access and resolve. It
is important for riders to work with a more cooperative equine partner while
learning new skills.
- Interested riders without a horse may want to participate.
Locate a horse for a nominal fee.
- Riders under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian to sign
waiver.
- Riders should be encouraged prior to clinic to study Frank’s
video "Discover the Horse You Never Knew," or order one of the packages that
includes the rope halter
with 12’ lead which is the tool needed to work the 7-Step Safety
System. Students with a good grasp of this work will progress faster
than those just beginning. All products are available at the clinic.
- Rider satisfaction is confidently guaranteed.
- Auditors @ $20/Day for all clinics- bring a chair, lunch, hat,
weather gear.
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| Marketing
Assistance |
Dances with Horses provides all marketing materials such as
promotional package with video, flyers, counter stands, posters, press releases,
advertising, editorials, signs, registration forms, and an organizer checklist.
We will need assistance in your area for the following
items:
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- Early exposure is the key for a successful clinic. The names,
phone, email, and any personal contact referrals of all the horse publications
for your state and surrounding area are needed ASAP in order to submit
editorials, get on event schedules, and advertising well in advance of the
clinic. Inexpensive weeklies like the mini-nickel can also be effective.
- Voice mail setup number needed prior to completion of marketing
material
- Presentation to Horse Clubs using video
- Distribution of the clinic flyer & posters
- Equine non-profits can be offered a discount agreed by
DWH
- Registration forms and deposits
- Directional Signs placed 1-day prior to
clinic
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| Equipment
Requirements |
- DWH booth: 2 – 8’ tables, undercover area or use of awning/tent
setup, 8’ metal or PVC pipe section for hanging products
- Twine (approx. 36 strands)
- Boom box for audio cassette
- Plastic grocery sacks (2 dozen)
- 10 cones or items to use for obstacle course
exercises
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| Other
Suggestions |
- Provide lunch (use a caterer if available), variety of drinks,
etc.
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| Benefit to
Organizer |
- Clinic organizer earns a free ride in the clinic
- Organizer receives our "Getting Started" package (a $165 value) that includes:
- Frank's foundation work "Discover the Horse You Never Knew" in DVD or VHS
- Custom yacht rope halter/lead combo
- Custom extendable wand
- Gentle Solutions book
- Laminated pocket card
- Opportunity to sell all Dances With Horses products
- Excellent exposure for your facility
- An in-depth understanding of Frank's evolved approach to horse/human communication
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| Conclusion |
Clinics are not only about horses, but about treating all
life with respect and dignity. The lessons learned from horses in these seminars
are lifelong and often life changing.
If you are genuinely interested in organizing a clinic, please
contact us by email or phone so we can fully understand your objectives and
goals. Dances With Horses will review your request and set up a phone interview.
For more information on Frank Bell’s philosophies and techniques, please review
other departments of this web site.
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