Wellgreen Farm ~ Barn Policy for Riding Lesson Students

Instructional Program Philosophy

Our instructional programs are structured to teach riders of all levels of ability to maximize their efficiency as
riders and to learn how to maintain complete control of their lesson mounts. Our instructors are screened
and trained to assure the highest level of safety and professionalism while maintaining a friendly and
relaxed learning environment. After building a solid seat and foundation skills in the western saddle, riders
may choose to learn english, hunt seat riding, dressage, gaited, trail riding, or pursue horse showing skills for local competitions.

Safety First

The lesson horses have been carefully selected for their temperament, and trained to be patient, tolerant
and forgiving of beginner riders. However, horseback riding can be an inherently and potentially dangerous activity, so
a number of precautions are built into our policies. These policies include, but are not limited to, setting a
minimum rider age, setting a maximum number of beginners in each class, reviewing safety procedures and
arena etiquette with riders, providing the safest environment for riding, and requiring all riders under the age
of 18 to wear a safety helmet.  One of our ASTM/SEI approved helmets will be provided for. 

                                                               However, if you would like to purchase one of your own, we would be happy to share equine supply

                                                            catalogs or the names of retailers where you can purchase a riding helmet and/or adequate foot wear.

All riders are required to wear shoes or boots with

a small heel and wear long pants.  No tennis shoes, sandals or other open-toed shoes are permitted.

Prior to the first lesson, riders must sign a Waiver of Liability and disclose any medical or physical
conditions that might be relevant to their performance.  Riders under the age of 18 must sign and have both parents
or legal guardians sign the rider’s Waiver of Liability. 

Payment of Lesson Fees

You are not required to purchase a set number of lessons in advance, but may pay for each lesson as it is
received. We are not set up for credit card payments at this time, but you can pay by cash or personal
check. There is a $20 handling fee charged for any returned checks.
If you wish to purchase lessons for someone else, we sell gift certificates for any amount of money
specified. Gift certificates are good for one year from date of purchase, not transferable.
Although you may have reserved a semi-private lesson slot, we can not always guarantee the attendance of
the other student(s).  If a private lesson is taught, the instructor may charge a private lesson fee.

Lesson Times

Please plan to arrive at least ten minutes prior to each lesson in order to get your horse out and get them tacked up or if

already in use, to have your properly adjusted helmet on, and ready to start

promptly at your scheduled lesson time.  Lessons are often booked back-to-back, so late starts impact the other lessons
scheduled behind it.
Students arriving more than 15 minutes late may not be permitted to join the lesson already in progress,
and no refunds will be made.
Having an indoor arena means lessons are booked year round.  However, the instructor may choose to
reschedule the lessons under the following conditions:
• Temperatures falling below 25 degrees
• Temperatures rising above 90 degrees
• Thunderstorms with heavy lightning
• Driving and road conditions to the barn are unsafe; school closings for snow or ice
Make sure the instructor has the telephone numbers where you can be reached at all times.

If you are unreachable for any length of time, call the instructor the day before or as soon as conditions

exist to see if lessons are to be rescheduled for one of the above conditions.

Confirming Lessons, Rescheduling, Cancellation Notice, and No Shows

If you miss two lessons, two weeks in a row at your regular scheduled slot, you may lose that time slot.
To cancel or reschedule your lesson, the instructor should be contacted at least 24 hours in advance of
lesson time. There is a $20 rescheduling fee for cancellations with less than 4 hours notice of the lesson
time.  Full price will be charged for any lesson missed without notifying the instructor in advance (no shows).

Barn Rules

All students, boarders, visitors and barn guests are expected to abide by the barn rules for the safety of
everyone. These rules are available on the desk at the arena in handout form, by email upon request, and
are posted in conspicuous places such as the bulletin boards and bathrooms. Please note and comply with
the two rules most commonly violated – all pets must be on a leash, and do not exceed 10 miles per hour in
the driveway and please respect those students and instructors currently in a lesson by remaining quiet and waiting

your turn. 

As always, at Wellgreen Farm, your patronage is appreciated – we strive to make all your visits safe and happy ones!