Svet's Policies

Horse owner responsibilities (for students using horses they own or lease):

It is the responsibility of each horse owner to ensure their horse is sound and
in good health for lesson participation. If I arrive to teach a lesson, lesson fees apply
regardless of the condition of the horse. Horse owners must provide consistent veterinary care for
their horses including worming, regular vaccinations, annual Coggins'^* testing, and dental care.
Horse owners must provide consistent farrier care appropriate for their horse's
level of use. I reserve the right to terminate lessons if the above responsibilities are not met.
^* - description of Coggins testing Coggins Testing

Emergency and non-emergency cancellations:

Emergency cancellations are not charged for private lessons. Emergencies are defined as:
Sudden illness of rider or close family member
Death in the family
Acute car trouble/ accident.
Pets/Horses are counted as family members.

Non-emergency cancellations include the following:
Birthday parties
Musical programs
Sports events
crises at work
Hangovers
Non-loading horse

Guests at lessons

Riding lessons are wonderful, and it is understandable that we
would want to share this experience with those who are important to us. From an
instructor's perspective, guests are an additional distracting stimulus which require
instructor attention. If you are planning on bringing a guest to an on-campus lesson,
please give me at least 48 hours, preferably one week, notice. If the guest intends to ride
additional fees are charged depending upon the length of time of the ride, if another horse
is used, etc. It is preferred that all guests sign a liability release. Children must have this
signed by their parent or guardian. This is essential if guests are to ride. Guests who
have not signed this release or had their parents sign one, are not allowed near the horses
unless under direct supervision of the instructor, regardless of their horse experience, and
are expected to stay in observer areas (benches, observation room, outside of arenas).
The adult who brought them must supervise guests under the age of 18 years. That adult
must be with the guest for the duration of the guest's visit. It is not the instructor's job
to supervise under age guests.

Guests at off-campus lesson are the responsibility of the property owner or
whoever brought them.

Weather:

Weather is always an issue in this part of the country. The below weather
policies are written with safety as greatest concern. Weather cancellations are not
charged.

Rain showers ON-campus lessons will be held if it is raining, unless the
instructor cancels.
Thunderstorms As a general rule, lessons do not occur during
thunderstorms. If there is time to cancel lessons due to thunderstorms, I will.
Thunderstorms that occur in the midst of a lesson will result in the adjustment of lesson
plan.
Temperature I do not give riding lesson if it is below 20 degrees
Fahrenheit. Typically I do not cancel lessons due to heat. It has never been hot and
humid enough to make it unsafe for the horses, though as heat and humidity rise, lesson
plans are adjusted. Riders whose temperature tolerances do not fall within these
guidelines, need to inform the instructor as we head into seasons of temperature
extremes, and an individual agreement will be reached. Riders in group lessons need to
come to a consensus on temperature tolerances.
Snow As long as it is safe to drive to the barn, and warm enough, on-
campus lessons will be held when it is snowing.
Ice Sleet or freezing rain will cancel lessons.
Off-campus lessons Students or their parents will need to inform the instructor
in a timely fashion (preferably 24 hours notice) of the need to cancel or limit off-campus
lessons due to the weather or weather-related conditions (i.e.: footing, road conditions).
If you know I will likely end up in a ditch trying to get to your property, please let me
know.

Students or their parents cancel lessons without penalty if weather
conditions creates a safety concern.

Multiple Cancellations

Three (3) cancelled lessons in a row, regardless of the reason,
will result in loss of the riding lesson time, and you will be moved to the bottom of the
waiting list.

Work/Study

Exchanging barn chores for part of lesson fees may be an option. If you are
interested, please let me know.

Winter lessons

Lessons given between Thanksgiving and the middle of February
are catch-as-catch-can. Rescheduling fees/multiple cancellations do not apply during this
time.