- Cancellations & Absences
Student Absences – Once the RSVP & payment have been made, there is a “no cancellation or rescheduling” policy. If there is another class in the week that still has openings, we can reschedule for a $5.00 admin fee. ♥ If you can not make the class, please view it as continuing to support this super program. ♥ Ponies still need food and care every day, and it takes a lot of resources to keep them available for the program. This is how we keep the fee lower than private lessons.
Farm Cancelations – If the farm cancels, or the weather/driving conditions are bad enough that public schools close (or delay), the farm will issue a coupon code to the website as a credit for another class. This credit must be used within 1 month.
- Kids should be healthy and clear to participate in sports. We are not capable of teaching equine activities to students who have physical or mental impairments AS THERAPY.
- Necessary Equipment & Clothing
- Head Gear – Riding students need a properly fitting helmet. Because we know the investment in an equestrian helmet might be cost-prohibitive while your child is trying equestrian activities, either a current standard equestrian helmet (ASTM-SEI) or a well-fitting bicycle/skateboard helmet will be allowed. An equestrian helmet (ASTM-SEI) will always be the safest choice for horse activities.
Sometimes Tractor Supply stores have a small inventory of helmets. Other sources are Dover Saddlery in Durham, M&M Tack Store near the Raleigh fairgrounds, or Double L in Coats. Tell the staff you want a schooling helmet.
- Clothing – Students should wear long pants on riding days. It doesn’t take long for the sand in our arena to stick to students’ skin, creating a painful situation once they sit on the saddle. Pants that allow them to move will be greatly appreciated.
- For girls leggings work well
- For boys & girls jeans made of stretch denim work well
- For boys cargo type pants or jeans with stretch might be an option.
Other clothing can be worn depending on the season, but plan on clothing getting dirty. Ponies are dirty.Closed shoes are a must for protection if stepped on. A good sneaker will work just fine at this stage of the horsemanship game.
Boots are not necessary. Fashion boots not meant for outdoor activities (especially with a ‘high heel’ or a zipper on the inside of the calves) or stiff work-type or rubber rain boots seem to hinder kids more than help them. Hiking boots with overly large, thick or deep treads on the soles will get stuck in the foot stirrups.
If you want to buy your child equestrian shoes, we highly recommend “Ariat Terrains”, Kerrits “Trail Blazer Lace Up”, or equestrian-specific “Paddock Boots” or “Riding Sneakers”. Pony Pal kids are just fine in sturdy sneakers.
Socks that can be pulled up above the ankles, and even over the calves (knee socks), will help keep them from getting pinched by the saddle straps.
- Head Gear – Riding students need a properly fitting helmet. Because we know the investment in an equestrian helmet might be cost-prohibitive while your child is trying equestrian activities, either a current standard equestrian helmet (ASTM-SEI) or a well-fitting bicycle/skateboard helmet will be allowed. An equestrian helmet (ASTM-SEI) will always be the safest choice for horse activities.
- Bringing Guests to Classes
Siblings (and students’ friends)
Our instructor is a parent, so we understand the need to bring siblings along to class. However, horses and ponies can become easily distracted, overstimulated, or spooked by chaotic groups of people. Also, horse farms are not safe for free-range kiddos. Please consider leaving siblings at home if they might struggle to sit patiently during siblings’ classes.
Other Adults
Well-behaved adults are always welcome. 😉