The first day in Puerto Jimenez will be spent in the classroom, providing the beginning of the knowledge base and perspective needed for effective work in the rural communities. The instructors are leaders of Equitarian projects and have many years of experience in equine practice for the underserved. Two days of community service will be followed by a second classroom day with a more in-depth curriculum, followed by two more community service days. Informal case discussions will occur in the evening. The four communities with working horses, donkeys and mules are within an hour’s drive of Puerto Jimenez. Travel to the communities is by local cattle truck, as the farmers have offered to transport us, our equipment, and supplies. The final morning will cover a discussion of questions related to the experiences and cases during the workshop plus suggestions for the next Workshop.

Participants need to arrive in the San Jose airport by midmorning on  Saturday, January 18, 2019. Based on flight availability, most participants will arrive the day before, Friday, January 17th. You will be met at the airport. Transportation will be provided to the small inn where the team will spend the night before leaving for Puerto Jimenez. Room sharing should be expected. Travel from San Jose to the Osa Peninsula will be via a chartered bus. Any wishing to forego the 6 hour bus ride can pay to fly down in a small plane, which usually costs ~$250 dollars roundtrip. A brief orientation will be held Saturday evening on arrival.

The small town of Puerto Jimenez will be home base. Lodging will be dormitory style in a large house, with many sleeping on the outside deck under mosquito nets. Some internet access is expected. Meals will also be very simple and prepared by local cooks. Vegetarian accommodations are planned.

Participants should expect to work hard in tropical conditions, and live very simply, as do the local people. There will likely be a little down time with the opportunity to swim at local beaches or waterfall. On Saturday, January 26th, Workshop participants will return to the San Jose airport in the early afternoon. Depending on weather and destination, flights leaving Saturday evening may be feasible, however, it is safer to plan to stay over Saturday night and leave on Sunday. Of course, there are many beautiful places to see throughout Costa Rica, so consider some vacation time before or after the Workshop.

And this year, we are offering an extra week if you’re interested!

Dr. Neil Gray will be leading an auxiliary week-long Equitarian project after the Workshop in another area of Costa Rica in conjunction with Costa Rica Equine Welfare. Workshop participants who are interested in an additional week of Equitarian work should contact Dr. Gray: neil@ngraydvm.com for details and estimated costs. This project will also consider veterinarians that are unable to attend the Workshop.

Continuing education credit approval will be sought from RACE. The preceding three workshops were RACE approved for over 30 CE credits. Individual state CE approval is an option as well. The registration fee of $900 includes all workshop meals, lodging, and transportation during the workshop. NOT included are alcoholic beverages and mandatory evacuation insurance (~$30 depending on choice of policy).

This year, we are offering an opportunity to to extend your stay!

Dr. Neil Gray will be leading an auxiliary week-long Equitarian project after the Workshop in another area of Costa Rica in conjunction with Costa Rica Equine Welfare. Workshop participants who are interested in an additional week of Equitarian work should contact Dr. Gray: neil@ngraydvm.com for details and estimated costs. This project will also consider veterinarians that are unable to attend the Workshop.