Rules and Policies
Wear an ASTM/SEI approved helmet at all times when mounted that fits appropriately and is newer than eight (8) years old. There are a couple available, but it is expected that the rider will have their own appropriately fitting helmet. These are to be purchased after the first month pack of lessons.
Be polite and courteous at all times to people and to horses.
Your horse comes first, untack and groom your horse before resting, ensure your horse’s needs are taken care of before your own.
Leave your horse, your tack, and your equipment in the same (or better) condition than you found it.
Saddles wiped down, bits cleaned, bridles in a figure-eight, grooming supplies replaced, aisle swept, and poop scooped.
Riders’ attire will be neat and appropriate; hair tied back or under helmet, closed-toe riding boots/half chaps, breeches, jodhpurs, or well fitting leggings, slim-fitting tops and jackets, gloves, and helmets. No dangling jewelry, no gum.
Riders will arrive 30 prior to their scheduled lesson time in order to groom and tack, if their horse is being used in the lesson before they will use that 30 minutes to either watch the rest of the previous lesson or ask for barn chores.
Everyone, at all times, must be wearing closed toe shoes or stay away from the horses.
No smoking, drinking, or drugs allowed on property. These activities will lead to immediate expulsion from the lesson program.
No running or loud noises on property, especially near horses or the arenas.
All siblings not in lessons must be monitored by an adult at all times.
No jumping lease horses unless Tory is present in the ring and gives the okay.
Lessons with MRT
Policies for Lessons and Lease Rides
Lessons to be run at Tory and rider’s schedule, and at Tory’s discretion. Lessons can be cut short for any reason (i.e. rider complaints, horse or rider disobedience or misfit, off horse instruction time, weather, etc) and not continued or made-up depending on situation.
Tory will assist riders who cannot groom and tack on their own as part of their lesson time. This is a horsecare skill that is vital to the success of a rider and will lead to a sense of independence later on.
Riders should arrive 30 min
Rain or Shine
Lessons will be run rain, shine, cold, or heat. During times of inclement weather that are deemed too extreme to use our covered arena, lessons will be taught indoors. These indoor lessons will focus on specifics of horse care, equipment care, stable management, and first aid.
Cancellation Policy
Lessons that are not cancelled or rescheduled within 24 hours will be charged at full lesson price.
Horse Assignments
Lesson horse usage is determined by Tory prior to the lesson day. This information will be available in the shared calendar.
Tack Checks
The first 5-10 minutes of every lesson will consist of a tack check by Tory, to include girth, stirrup length, saddle and saddle pad placement. If this is done correctly before entering the arena, the lesson will start on time.
Lesson Month Packs
Lessons can be made up during the month at Tory’s availability, but do not carry over. One lesson can equal two lease rides if there is not an acceptable lesson time available. These offer the best value for riders and the most flexibility for ride time during the month.
As Tory and guardians sees fit, lease rides will be required of all students. Lease rides offer supervised, but unstructured time in the saddle and with the horses. This offers time for lessons learned during regular instruction to be cemented in the rider’s mind and muscle memory. This offers time for riders to learn how to manage their time, problem solve day to day riding and horse care issues, learn about the management of horses, tack, and the stable.
Lease rides will ONLY be available when Tory, the horse owner, or a certified adult is available to be present to observe the rides. This will be managed by a shared calendar that Tory and the horse owners have access to update.
Parents and guardians have the ability to become certified adults to supervise lease rides, but must complete at least two (2) lessons with Tory on grooming, tacking, horse care, tack care, first aid, and red flags. Certification can be granted or denied by Tory, horse owner, or farm owner at any time.
Lease rides will be available on a first come first serve basis and no horse will be reserved for any rider unless competition schedule requires it.