BARN RULES

 
 

THE FINE PRINT …

 GENERAL GUIDELINES

We aim to create a safe and friendly barn for all our riders and spectators.  Please remember to be kind and respectful to each other at all times and follow these guidelines while on property.

  • Please bring a filled out liability form with you to the first lesson. These forms are available by clicking here: LIABILITY FORM. We will have blank copies at the barn, but would prefer to have them filled out in advance. If you have two children signed up, you may put both of their names on one form. If you have taken a lesson already this year and have a liability form from the current year on file with us you do not need to fill out a new one unless your information has changed.

  • Riders MUST wear closed-toed shoes with a small heel. Acceptable options for beginner riders that work best include rain boots or hiking boots. Please do not wear anything with a zipper on the inside of the leg for the comfort of our horses.

  • Riders must wear pants that completely cover their legs. NO capris, shorts, etc. Riders are also not allowed to wear tank tops for safety reasons.  Sleeveless collared shirts are acceptable.

  • Anyone on property that is not riding MUST wear closed-toed shoes that cover the entire foot for safety reasons. Parents or guardians included. Please NO sandals.

  • Parents must stay on property at all times. This is for the safety of your children and the safety of our horses.

  • Outside dogs are NOT allowed off leash on the property. Please keep dogs away from the horses. Please clean up after your dog. We reserve the right to not allow any dog on property for whatever reason at our discretion.

  • Please do not pet or feed other horses aside from the one you are using in your lesson. Please do not stick your hands into horses’ stalls. Some of them do bite!

  • Indoor voices everywhere you go. 

  • Walking feet only! No running, jumping, skipping.

  • Please do not enter restricted barn areas for your own safety.

  • If you would like to bring treats to feed the horse you are riding in your lesson, you may. Good options for treats are cut up carrots or baby carrots, apples cut into slices, peppermints, candy canes, or sugar cubes.

  • Weather permitting, lessons will be held outside. In colder weather or in the event of rain, we will be riding indoors. Please make sure as a rider you are dressed for the weather. Layers that zip on or off rather than get pulled over the head are best.

OUR POLICIES

Pre-Payments for All Lessons

  • Clients are expected to pre-pay for all lessons. Clients can either buy an individual lesson or a lesson package prior to arriving for their scheduled lesson time. If pre-payment for the lesson has not been received, unfortunately, we are not able to allow students to ride. NO EXPECTIONS.

Late Arrivals

  • Clients are expected to arrive at Empire Farms at least 20 minutes prior to their lesson and are expected to be prepared to start their lesson at the assigned start time.

  • Clients who arrive late will automatically forfeit the portion of the lesson missed regardless of the reason for their lateness. Lessons will end at the scheduled time regardless of what time the client arrived or started. NO EXCEPTIONS.

  • If participating in a group lesson, clients who arrive 15 minutes or more late to the lesson will not be permitted to join the lesson. Doing so is disruptive to the other riders. The lesson will not be rescheduled and the client is responsible for the lesson fee in full. NO EXCEPTIONS.

Cancellations

  • A minimum of 24–hours notice is required in order to cancel a lesson free of charge. Please email EMPIRE FARMS to inform of any less dates that need to be canceled. Please DO NOT leave a voice mail. If cancelling with less than 24 hour notice, the lesson will not be rescheduled, and the full lesson price will be deducted from your package or billed to the credit card on file.

Inclement Weather

  • Lessons are held rain or shine, but will be cancelled in the event of severe weather. Empire Farms will follow school closings.

  • These classes will be rescheduled. No missed lesson fees apply in this case. 

  • If lessons must be cancelled due to inclement weather, Empire Farms staff will attempt to contact you before the lesson at the number you have provided and will also post to the Empire Farms Facebook page.

  • If you do not hear from our staff, nor is there a post on the Facebook page, please assume that lessons will take place as scheduled.