Due to the Centre’s recent closure, and new guidelines with regard to reopening during the Covid Crisis, we have had to update our terms of riding.
Booking
We will only be offering lessons and hacks to current registered riders. These will be offered initially to more experienced riders but we hope to be able invite others to return in due course.
Cost & Invoicing
Weekly group lessons cost £140 per month. Weekly private lessons cost £190 per month. Due to current circumstances we are unable to offer ad hoc lessons.
Payment must be made by either standing order, direct debit or regular card payment taken via invoice by the 1st of the month. If payment is not received on the 1st of the month your slot will be forfeit and you will not be able to ride.
Cancellations
Please cancel a lesson with as much notice as possible to ensure a horse is not tacked up and waiting for you. Lessons cancelled with at least 24 hours’ notice will be rescheduled at the time of cancellation or lost. Please always try to come for your booked lesson unless you are ill or showing signs of Covid as constant cancellations are difficult to manage.
If you are required to self isolate due to showing symptoms of Covid-19 the Centre will carry forward the cost of half of your invoice to the following month.
Stopping Riding
2 Weeks’ notice in writing is required to be removed from the riding schedule.
Horse Allocation
Horse allocation is decided by Avon Riding Centre staff according to usage throughout the day, rider suitability and lesson content. It is not possible for riders to request specific horses.
As a part of our duty of care to our horses, strict weight carrying limits are applied. It is for this reason that riders will be weighed three times a year. By riding with us you consent to regular weigh-ins to ensure you are matched with the right horse. However, because of social distancing we will have to rely on your honesty about your current weight.
Clothing
***Due to Covid-19 all riders must have their own riding hat and wear clean riding clothes and gloves for every riding session. The Centre is unable to provide hats, gloves or boots, so without your own you will be unable to ride and will lose the session***
You must wear your own riding hat that meets current safety standards and fits correctly. Coaches will routinely check a rider’s hats.
You must wear your own body protector to the current British safety standards at all times during cross country lessons or outdoor jumping.
Lessons can take place inside or outside; you always need to come prepared for outside riding.
You must wear long trousers and riding footwear, even in the hottest weather, and may not be able to ride if you are not appropriately dressed. Tops should cover your shoulders and top of your arms. We also recommend that all riders wear gloves. Scarves may be worn in cold weather, but must be tucked in and not cover any part of the rider’s face. If there is any doubt about the suitability of clothing, please discuss it with your coach.
You must not wear any facial or body jewellery when riding and earrings should be replaced with studs for the rider’s own safety. Long hair must be tied back and not interfere with the fitting of a riding hat.
Administration
You must inform Avon Riding Centre of any change in address or contact details immediately. Please be aware that most communication from the Centre will be via email and it is therefore essential that you provide an up to date email address and check this regularly.
Any inappropriate behaviour to staff, riders or volunteers may result in the immediate termination of your riding lessons without notice.
Riding is a risk sport and you must voluntarily accept the risks involved.
Avon Riding Centre for the Disabled and its subsidiary company, Bristol Horse Riding, takes your privacy seriously and will only use your personal information to administer your account and to provide you with details of services or activities that may be of interest to you.
First Aid
You agree that in the event of an accident a qualified member of staff may administer first aid to you. This may involve not social distancing. You agree that you will not attend your lesson if you are showing any symptoms of Covid-19.