Terms and Conditions of riding
In order to provide some clarity we have put together terms and conditions for riding at our yard
In order to provide the best service in the safest way we do have to charge an amount that will cover costs and more so that we can invest in staff training, new ponies and development of our facilities. In the past we had a Pay Weekly policy but over the years this changed into a Pay as you Ride policy. Unfortunatley at 25 euros, now 30 euro, this is not a price in which we can provide this service.
Over the winter we have always been flexible as not every child wants to ride outdoors on a cold, wet, windy evening and it is not always safe to do so. Kids would fall out of love with the sport very fast and this is the last thing we want. This winter we had one lesson that was unable to ride for 6 weeks as we had to cancel lessons because of the bad weather. We had to cancel many Saturday classes which is the only busy day of the week. This and some people taking advantage of Pay Weekly policy resulted in a low attendance rate for some lessons to the point where we were running some lessons at a loss. This combined with increased costs has meant we have to manage our lessons more efficiently.
I have talked to some of you in peson to explain my dilemma and eveyone has pointed out that terms are the norm in all activites during the school term and that we are slow of the mark. We were slow to do this as we are mindful that paying for all lessons up front is a lot of money to part with and is a financial burden and we appreciate we are all living in a cost of living crisis. Bearing this in mind we do value every customer we have and we do aim to provide the best value for money
In order to improve our attendance we have started using an equestrian online booking platform called Hopoti. This will free up more of our time and help us arrange lessons and payment in a more efficient manner. We also reflect on our lessons to be sure that children are improving and are enjoying their lessons. Our main aim is that everyone gets a lesson every week and where you cant ride in your regular lesson that we find you another lesson on another day.
Below is our new policy
We are also in the process of building a new indoor arena. Planning permission was finally granted and we are now exploring grants and other financial aid to put this up so that it won't effect the price of lessons. Please do feel free to offer any advice on seeking grants if you have experience with this.
Our yard has parents and children from many different backgrounds and has made it a very special place to work, learn how to ride and spend time. Again myself, Elaine and all the staff are very grateful for the opportunity this provides us and we very much look forward to coaching your kids and others in the future.
In order to provide the best service in the safest way we do have to charge an amount that will cover costs and more so that we can invest in staff training, new ponies and development of our facilities. In the past we had a Pay Weekly policy but over the years this changed into a Pay as you Ride policy. Unfortunatley at 25 euros, now 30 euro, this is not a price in which we can provide this service.
Over the winter we have always been flexible as not every child wants to ride outdoors on a cold, wet, windy evening and it is not always safe to do so. Kids would fall out of love with the sport very fast and this is the last thing we want. This winter we had one lesson that was unable to ride for 6 weeks as we had to cancel lessons because of the bad weather. We had to cancel many Saturday classes which is the only busy day of the week. This and some people taking advantage of Pay Weekly policy resulted in a low attendance rate for some lessons to the point where we were running some lessons at a loss. This combined with increased costs has meant we have to manage our lessons more efficiently.
I have talked to some of you in peson to explain my dilemma and eveyone has pointed out that terms are the norm in all activites during the school term and that we are slow of the mark. We were slow to do this as we are mindful that paying for all lessons up front is a lot of money to part with and is a financial burden and we appreciate we are all living in a cost of living crisis. Bearing this in mind we do value every customer we have and we do aim to provide the best value for money
In order to improve our attendance we have started using an equestrian online booking platform called Hopoti. This will free up more of our time and help us arrange lessons and payment in a more efficient manner. We also reflect on our lessons to be sure that children are improving and are enjoying their lessons. Our main aim is that everyone gets a lesson every week and where you cant ride in your regular lesson that we find you another lesson on another day.
Below is our new policy
- You pay for a term in advance of riding
- I understand there will be people who would prefer to pay in person for a group of lessons and that is fine too, but payment in advance will be required
- Where you can't ride in your regular lesson we will do our best to find another lesson for you
- You will be able to pay as you ride but these lessons will cost more and are not guaranteed and have to be paid for 3 days in advance
- We wont have terms over some of the winter months
- Where it is to wet to to have a lesson we will teach a class inside the stables. These will consist of tacking up, learning to prepare your own horse for lessons, putting on rugs, feeding and mucking out.
- We will be introducing a voluntary 2 euro charge per lesson for children that do not have their own helmets.
- We will host a buy and sell from time to time for people that want to sell their helemts that they have outgrown and for others who want to buy helmets
- We would encourage riders to start wearing body protectors. This is not mandatory but it might help. These are expensive and again we will host a buy and sell for these from time to time.
- Not everyone in the stables gets paid. We will be intoducing a tip jar to encourage some of our younger riders to help out. This will be split between the helpers
- We do reserve the right to refuse admission for any reason
- Deposits are non refundable
- We do have to ask for the riders weights and heights. This is because we monitor the horses activities. They can only do so many treks or lessons on a day and it is more strenuous to carry a heavier, taller rider. Please do not be offended.
We are also in the process of building a new indoor arena. Planning permission was finally granted and we are now exploring grants and other financial aid to put this up so that it won't effect the price of lessons. Please do feel free to offer any advice on seeking grants if you have experience with this.
Our yard has parents and children from many different backgrounds and has made it a very special place to work, learn how to ride and spend time. Again myself, Elaine and all the staff are very grateful for the opportunity this provides us and we very much look forward to coaching your kids and others in the future.