Clinic with Scott Hofstetter - Input Needed on Charges

[happyhacker]

Hi everyone. Our barn is having a clinic in March, 2010, with Scott Hofstetter. The clinic is a fundraiser for a barnmate who needs a kidney transplant. What do you think we should charge for two days? One day? audit? The maximum number of horses in a group is 8. I am kinda new to putting on clinics, so all suggestions and imput will be appreciated. If you have cliniced with Scott or someone else and something was done, or not done that you appreciated, (in terms of management of the clinic) I would like to know.

[Serah]

He's doing a clinic in Chicago for 650 stall included. IME 8 is a large group for a clinic... The clinics i've done with 8 in a group can be disappointing, because there are too many to do multiple attempts at a grid or course. Every clinic I have done we have recieved a small gift on the last day... maybe yours can do something with a mention of the guy you are supporting. My favorite was a baby pad that said "Chris Kappler Clinic 2005"...


Where are you located? Depending on your clientele you may be able to charge a little bit more since its a fundraiser. Thats a really great thing to do for someone, smart idea!!! The riders will benefit as well as the gentleman you are raising money for.... Kudos to you!!!

Oh... also the clinics i've been to have always had coffee and lunch provided... Maybe you could ask a local sandwhich shop to donate lunch for the cause???

[happyhacker]

Lunch is definitely in the deal. The baby pads are a great idea! Thanks.
You are right about the 8 in a group. That was the number Scott gave me for the max. The person who needs the kidney is actually a guy. I am sure he or his wife will be at the clinic. He is only 37 and has two little girls, ages 5 and 2. The older one rides already, and is quite amazing. I feel good about what we are doing. Hope we have great success.

[mroades]

you picked the wrong guy for a fundraiser. he is EXPENSIVE!!

I hope you can get it structured and filled so your fundraiser is a success.

[Serah]

I would hope that given the circumstances Scott will offer a discounted rate????

[happyhacker]

That is the kind of thing you don't want to ask..........you just hope.

[mroades]

yeah, I didnt mean that to come out as snarky as it "sounded". I have known Scott since he showed my ponies in the 80's and he is a great guy. I just happen to know his day rate for a clinic, and its high.

I hope it is a success for everyone involved!!

[grandprixjump]

For people who can't really afford the clinic with anyone, have a drawing for a free place in the clinic, ask like a $10 or $20 donation per ticket, if you get over "X" number of these tickets sold, (And if only a few tickets sell it's an audit or only one day)maybe even offer 2 places... That way you increase your donations and only lose one spot... And someone would be tickled pink to get to ride....

[MIKES MCS]

In the first place, Scott doesn't charge the $650 , that is the individual clinic host. We just had a SH clinic here in Michigan , the cost, $275.00 including Lunch for both days. ( $25.00 discount for USHJA members on top of that) You could ship in daily if you wanted thus saving the $50.00 weekend stall fee. Auditing fees were $45.00 per day BUT if you didn't need to have a trainer or parent or friend there, you weren't picking up the cost for that 1 Free auditor that you normally get. So if you had a stall , 1 auditor and your horse, you were still under $400.00 for the weekend , YES it was a bargain , but this particular Barn owner is more interested in bringing in a great effective clinician than making a big profit . I watched the sessions and while 8 is a lot , I have to say I was impressed with the individual attention given to each rider, He was even able to ride a horse while continuing to teach , using himself as an example to get across what he wanted , and show riders where they were making mistakes . I would suggest charging enough to make a small profit on the clinic itself so it fills , then trying to get a sponsor for your luncheon , along with a sponsor for your gift bags , and on top of that perhaps a silent auction with donated prizes from area business’s and tack shops . I can tell you that when I sponsored the gifts for this clinic and his last one , I received a good response for a very minimal cost. Oh and if you can get enough of your help donated the stall l fee can be donated back.. I would even auction off a spot at a dinner party with Scott for 1 night, I am sure he would go along with this if asked. If he needs assistance to set jumps well auction those spots off too.

[pinkpony321]

Happy Hacker, Where are you located? I'd love to attend

[snaffle635]

I clinic'ed with Scott near Chicago this spring. I paid $650 for two days...6-8 per group. Our barn usually does a potluck for lunch. I bring the fixin's for grilled cheese...people seem to love that. Our barn charges about $25 per day to audit.

I've done a lot of clinics and never received a gift, but it's a really cute idea. However, if you're trying to keep your costs down, maybe do a baby pad as a raffle prize?

I loved riding with Scott. Like Mike said, he gives individual attention to all the participants. He's really fun and quite charming. Maybe he'd be willing to stick around for dinner and you could raise some additional money that way.

Perhaps you could set up a silent auction? Or sell video or photography services?

Good luck to you and your barnmate.

[snaffle635]

Originally Posted by Serah

He's doing a clinic in Chicago for 650 stall included.

Serah, when and where is your clinic? I might like to audit.

[Serah]

Its not actually my clinic... i rode in it last year and just had a friend drop off flyers for it at my barn... Its at Forest Hill Farm (ashley hill) which is lake zurich, i believe... midlothian and old mchenry ... I can PM you the contact if you like...

I'll have to check the actual dates, they have slipped my mind at the moment... but i think its December ish...

[Blue Star]

FYI....we are attending a three day jumper clinic in SoCal...cost $500 per day...total $1500 which does NOT include a stall but does include one "guest" who can audit. Very pricey....not naming names....

[happyhacker]

We are in the metro Atlanta area, North of the city. The clinic dates are March 27 and 28. We are THRILLED to have Scott. Because it is a fundraiser, the facility has been donated. We are not trying to make any money other that what we donate to the person who needs the kidney transplant. Mike, thanks for your suggestion about sponsors. I had not thought of that. Remember, I am new to putting on clinics I think we can make it work. I will put more info on this bulletin board, closer to the dates.

[NeedsAdvil]

I did a clinic w/ Scott several years ago, I believe at the time it was around $400 for 2 days and a stall. There were probably 5-6 in my group the first day and maybe 8 people the second, and I never ever felt like I didn't get my money's worth. After doing clinics with him, GM, Joe Fargis, Greg Best, and others, I still strongly feel that Scott gave the best clinic. Good luck with yours, it's a great cause! Perhaps you could also get a local tack or gift shop to set up a small booth at the clinic and donate a portion of the proceeds as well.