Clinic Auditing fees

[islgrl]

For those that host clinics do you charge an audit fee? How much? Is there a fee for every clinic or just those with Big Name trainers? Do you offer food or drink with it? Also interested if not hosting what people are paying to audit. Also, where are you?

thanks

[MsM]

Most of the clinics I have been to charge an auditing fee if the clinician is a little bit of a big name. Some are free to audit if a member of sponsoring group to a wide range of prices. Many offer lunch if they offer it to riders, so the cost is a bit more. Last one I audited was $25 including drinks and snack.

I have learned to check on a few things before paying to audit. Is there a sound system? Sometimes the instructor talks quietly on a headset or walks out to the middle of the ring and you cant hear anything! Then I check the clinicians style if possible. There are some that I would ride with but wouldn’t audit as they do not explain much.

If you wish to accomodate auditors, please think of these things as well as seating or flat spots to put the chairs they bring. And try not to have the farrier working right in the doorway, drowning out the sound, It is really nice when there is somebody from the barn there to encourage the gossipers to take it outside.

[anon68314200]

1. do you have a functional sound system? This is often a substantial stumbling block.
2. $20-$50/day are common ranges for anyone who is a big enough name to draw 10+ people for 1/2 - full day auditors. Super big names, up to $75, but at that level, you would probably be providing chairs and possibly be in a weatherproof stadium type set.
3. the more you charge the more likely it is you should provide snacks and lunch. Lunch can actually be done fairly cheaply. I have seen a simple crock pot of vegetarian chilly, corn muffins, chips, drinks, apples. It generally takes too long for everyone to leave the property an get food. Or you can have subs delivered or have a volunteer to pick up.

I am speaking of North east USA.
Dressage, jumpers.
Jane Savoie. Charles de Kunffy. Mary Wanless. Felicitas. Scott hassler. Laura Chapot.

There aren’t many occasions where people can devote 3 days to auditing, unless it is someone the really adore.

I did audit 3 days of A Buck Brannaman clinic in NJ. BB kept near every penny. I think farm owners got - like $3/auditor. They were not amused…… I have not organized a clinic for someone that big.

More often, organizers may be pressed to fill the participant spots. A little auditor $ helps, but does
not add up to much.

[atlatl]

In So Cal, there are frequently BNT clinics at private barns. Stefen Peters and Lilo Fore come to mind. They aren’t really advertised but it you know the organizers, they typically allow auditing for free.

Our barn hosted a BNT, publicized it, let auditors come for free, and provided light refreshments. More than a couple of people complained about the refreshments. We don’t advertise anymore.

[outerbanks77]

I think I paid $20/day to audit Gary Rockwell past year. Hilda was I think $40 several years ago, but it was a more auditor focused clinic where we had a chance to ask questions.

[outerbanks77]

@anon68314200

I did audit 3 days of A Buck Brannaman clinic in NJ. BB kept near every penny

Audited him a couple years ago and IIRC it is as $120 for the weekend (colt starting and horsemanship 1 clinics).