Q: What do we need to put on a team penning clinic?
A: An arena of adequate size; 100' x 200' is ideal, access to cattle preferably between 400-700 Ibs., and a group of people that want to learn from the best. We also need a p.a. system and can provide one for an additional charge if one is not available.
Q: How many head of cattle do we need?
A: Three herds of 30 is ideal, but we can adjust the curriculum to work with three herds of 21.
Q: What is the format for a typical Roger Braa Team Penning clinic?
A: All Roger Braa Team Penning Clinics are 3 days in length. On Friday the session is without cattle by design to work on horsemanship and to lay out a workout for horse and rider on an individual basis. A 'chalk talk' is incorporated within this day. Then on Saturday we start in the arena for instruction on techniques and strategy, with supervised practice. Sunday we simulate competition and videotape the latter portion of the morning session. We generally combine lunch with the video review and continued instruction. We pride ourselves on creating a friendly, supportive environment in which people learn and improve while enjoying themselves.
Q: How many people can ride in the clinic?
A: Roger prefers no more than 21 riders in the clinic so that everyone receives personal attention and a fair amount of time on cattle.
Q: Can beginners come or do you need to be an experienced team penner?
A: We adjust the curriculum to fit your group. If there are many first-timers we put on a basic clinic starting with the fundamentals. If you have lots of experienced competitors we adjust accordingly. You know your local area best and you're the best judge going in. Ideally the majority of your group will be at or near the same level. What you want to avoid is having a person with a green broke horse that's never seen cattle in the same clinic with an experienced competitor; it's difficult to address both their needs fully.
Q. How can we advertise our clinic?
A. Roger Braa's fee includes advertising the clinic online at www.s-wteampenning.com. Often clubs or arenas use their own mailing lists and sometimes the host puts a small ad in a local paper and hangs flyers at the local feed and tack stores.
Q: Why should a person attend a team penning clinic?
A: There are numerous reasons. One secret of top competitors is that a team penning clinic provides the best dollar value for time working cattle. At a clinic your cattle time is measured in hours, compared to a local practice where your cattle time is measured in seconds. Additionally, riders that learn the correct way from the beginning have greater success, enjoy the sport more, and stay more engaged. Clinics are also the best way to meet people that will partner with you at area events and competitions. We find that many people that meet at our clinics stay in touch and compete together. A clinic also helps you to avoid learning and reinforcing bad habits, and gives you an opportunity work on specific problems.
Q: How does the money part work?
A: As the host you set the price clinic participants pay, and pay us a set fee. You collect the money directly. To book your clinic dates you remit a $500 non-refundable deposit. The balance is payable at the conclusion of the clinic.
Q: What price should we charge?
A: The primary factors in your pricing decision are generally the cost of your cattle, and the cost of your arena. Most clubs and associations are interested in providing quality instruction for their members so they typically charge less. Often arena owners are focused on enhancing their existing team penning business, and seek to increase their visibility within the team penning community, hosting clinics for those reasons. We consistently find that clinic-goers enjoy greater team penning success at an earlier point so they stay actively engaged in the sport which benefits the arena owner. Roger's clinics are consistently full at prices ranging from $250 to $400 depending on the venue, length, and amenities provided the clinic-goer. Be affordable. To see an example of expenses and club profit, visit the Clinics page.
Q: How do we handle the registration part?
A: In our experience it's best to require a 50% non-refundable deposit in advance, with the balance payable at the clinic. This gives the participant the opportunity to pay in two smaller parts. Conversely, you may offer a small discount for prepayment in full.
Q: What does Roger's fee include?
A: In the states of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana, Roger's fee is comprehensive and includes conducting the clinic, transportation to and from the location, and lodging. Contact us for a quote outside those areas.
Q: What are Roger's requirements?
A: We're pretty easy. About the only thing we require is six stalls in close proximity to the arena. Beyond that it's all common sense; for example with the presentation we need a room with electricity that can be darkened and has adequate seating.
Q. What does the clinic staff do?
A. Richard Lemieux is on hand to coordinate events during the clinic. This typically involves forming the teams during practice, keeping the stopwatch, tracking times and making sure everyone gets the same number of runs. He also runs the computers and digital projectors during the multimedia presentation and again during the video review. Scott Sampson is on hand to help you with the cattle, numbering them and changing them out during the clinic. He also runs the video camera during the simulated competition.
Q. How do I book a clinic? What's the next step?
A. Email roger@s-wteampenning.com or call 509-968-9167 to discuss available dates and a program to suit your needs. Also inquire on 1 or 2 day Sorting Clinics, 1/2 or full day Intro to Cattle Clinics or 1 day 'Horsemanship Only' Clinics with an emphasis on Penning & Sorting. Group lessons are available as well, at Silver Wings Ranch or at your facility. We look forward to hearing from you!
return to top
