What you need to know about applying for and riding in a clinic at Equine Affaire . . . 

1.   Clinics are designed to cater to a broad spectrum of horsemen and women.  While clinicians for some clinics are seeking equestrian competitors with specific skills, others are seeking any riders interested in improving their relationships with their horses.  Each clinician has specific ideas about the horses and/or riders he/she would like to use to demonstrate a particular skill or training process.  Do not hesitate to apply because you think that you might not be selected.  You might be just what the clinician has in mind!
 

2.   A fee is charged for each clinic.  The clinic fee includes general admission to Equine Affaire on the day of the clinic(s) for the rider/handler and 24 hours of stabling (either the night before or the night of the clinic(s)) for the horse.  For example, participants in two-day clinics receive general admission to Equine Affaire on both clinic days and 48 hours of stabling.  Additional nights of stabling can be purchased.  Participants are responsible for bringing or purchasing their own feed and bedding.  (Straw and shavings may be purchased on site.)  The clinic fees of accepted clinic participants are non-refundable.

3.   To be considered to ride in clinics, most clinicians require that you submit a video with your completed application and clinic fee.  This video must show you and your horse riding, either in competition or in training under saddle, and/or in-hand as requested in the clinic descriptions.  The video will be used by the clinician, or their representative, to evaluate you and your horse's levels of expertise.  Your video should be marked with your name and address; it will be returned to you.  All videos must be DVD or standard VHS size.  If you send a smaller sized video camera tape you must submit it with a VHS adapter tape or your application will be declined. 

4.   The clinics at Equine Affaire offer a unique and invaluable opportunity to " ride with the best".  However, you should be aware that the clinics at Equine Affaire will be conducted in large arenas where there are likely to be large crowds in attendance.  Opportunities to warm up in the actual clinic arenas may not be available.  If you and/or your horse cannot function in such an environment, we cannot encourage you to apply.

We anticipate that there will be a large number of applicants for most clinics. We wish we could accommodate everyone who is interested in participating, but unfortunately we cannot. It is important to keep in mind that the clinics are designed for the benefit of spectators as well as the actual participants. If you are not selected as a participant, we encourage you to come and learn by attending the clinic as a spectator. Everyone will benefit a great deal from the experience.

•  "a negative test result for equine infectious anemia (Coggins Test) dated within six (6) months of January 29, 2009"
  -and-
  
•  "a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (health papers) dated within 30 days of January 29, 2009; California import requirements specify that all horses originating from any state where vesicular stomatitis (VS) has been diagnosed, must be accompanied by a health certificate (certificate of veterinary inspection) and signed by an accredited veterinarian that includes the following statement: "The animals represented on this health certificate of veterinary inspection have not originated from a premises or area under quarantine for vesicular stomatitis (VS) or a premises on which VS has been diagnosed in the past 30 days. I have examined the animals and have found no signs of VS." (For more information regarding health requirements and Vesicular Stomatitis, please visit: http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/AHFSS/Animal_Health/permits.html#vs_advisory.)

For more information regarding Health requirements for admitting horses and other equidae into California, please visit: http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/AHFSS/Animal_Health/Horses_and_Equidae.html.

The state veterinarian may be at the show, and horse owners will be expected to present their vet papers upon check-in at the Barn Office.