Lesson Agreement & Barn Policies Form

 LESSON LENGTH & FORMAT:

Lesson schedules are based on the lesson type purchased and will average:

      Private: 30 minutes
      Semi-Private (2 people): 60 min
     Group Lessons (3+) : 60-90 min
*Actual lesson duration may vary slightly based on lesson structure, rider preparedness, horse welfare, and instructional needs. 

*Riders will be automatically grouped together with riders of similar ability and level for semi-private or  group lessons after they have achieved Yellow Level in their riding program as it ensures independence and safety for basic skills. This is paramount to our barn culture and philosophy of creating a community that encourages camaraderie, friendship and support while also maintaining safety for horses and riders. We feel this leads to higher quality riding, lessons, and just plain more fun.

Unmounted lessons are considered valid and integral lessons that support our equine centric ethos and support a holistic rider’s education. Prices and times are the same for mounted/unmounted lessons.

TUITION, BILLING & PAYMENT POLICIES:

• Lesson tuition must be paid in full on or before the 1st of each month
• Payments received after the 1st are considered late and will incur a $50 late fee
• Tuition must be paid before the first scheduled lesson of the moth or the rider will be automatically removed from the schedule
• Being late for more than three billing periods within a 12 month cycle will result in automatic removal from the program
• All lesson tuition and fees are Non-Refundable under any circumstances
• A valid credit card must be kept on file at all times. Cards on file will be enrolled in automatic payment for unpaid balances on the 1st of each month. A signed credit card authorization form is required after the introductory lesson to continue in the program.

TERMINATION:

Great Heights Stable LLC reserves the right to immediately terminate services without refund for:

      *Violation of this agreement

      *Disputed or reversed credit card charges 

      *Non-payment or repeated late payment

      *Violating Great Heights Stable’s zero-tolerance policy for bullying, harassment,

        drama, or unsafe behavior toward people or animals—on or off property. 

CANCELLATION & MAKEUP POLICY:

 

Lesson cancellations can be communicated, but payment is still due. 
The Stable must pay all costs for the number of school horses needed to teach the scheduled lessons. As a result, Great Heights Stable expenses stay the same, regardless of whether the Student’s lesson is taken.

Therefore, Great Heights  Stable LLC does not offer any make-up lessons. Monthly tuition is still due  in full even when students miss their lessons. Great Heights Stable must pay all costs for the school horses needed to teach the scheduled lessons regardless of whether the student’s lesson is taken or not. 

The best way to get the most value out of the program is to make it a priority and a commitment not to miss your dedicated lesson time(s). 

 

PROGRAM WITHDRAWAL:

A 30-day written notice is required to exit the program. Failure to provide proper notice will result in an automatic $100 charge to the card on file. No exceptions.

NO GUARANTEE:

• Great Heights Stable LLC does not warrant or guarantee any specific level of performance or results. 
• The results of the riding program are largely based on the efforts of the student. 
• Students enrolled in more than one weekly lesson are apt to make more progress than weekly lessons.
• If unable to take more than one weekly lesson, outside exercises and stretches can be suggested.

ACCEPTED FORMS OF PAYMENT:

     Accepted payment methods include:

• Cash
• Check
• Venmo (@Meridith-Pierce-1)
• Credit/Debit Card

CLIENT REQUIREMENTS:

• Client must show up on time. 15 min late forfeits your lesson for the day
• Client must wear proper attire for the weather conditions and sport, including ASTM certified riding helmet, boots with a low heel and no inner zippers, and layers appropriate to the season.
• Client must be coachable, positive, and have a good attitude
• Riders must weight in under our 200 lb limit to ride
• Client must be willing to take steps to increase their own physical fitness to meet the demands of the sport; in order to ride clients must be able to perform basic maneuvers, such as but not limited to stepping up onto top step of a mounting block

MEDIA PUBLICATION: 

Great Heights Stable LLC reserves the right to record, videotape, or photograph any of its activities involving students for various purposes, which would serve Great Heights Stable LLC. By signing this agreement, the student/parent consents to such recording and taking of photographs and authorizes Great Heights Stable LLC to distribute materials via, print, social, website, or any forms of media and advertising that may include the student in its content for promotion, advertisement, etc.

 

EQUIPMENT & FACILITY CARE:

• Students are responsible for cleaning, caring for during lessons, and properly returning all borrowed equipment (including but not limited to: tack, bridle, saddle, crops, halters, etc) and maintaining barn areas used during lessons, including manure removal and equipment storage.
• In the case of any broken or damaged tack or equipment, please notify staff immediately.

 MINOR STUDENT & SUPERVISION

•  Riders under 18 may not be left unattended on the property outside of their scheduled lesson time.
• Parents or guardians must remain on-site unless otherwise approved in writing by an agent of Great Heights Stable LLC
• Any minors (siblings, visitors) may not be left unattended at any time

 

RELEASE OF LIABILITY:

INHERENT RISKS & ASSUMPTION OF RISK. I acknowledge the risks and potential for risks of horseback riding and equine activities in and around a facility where horses are kept and farm machinery operated. I acknowledge that horses, by their very nature, are unpredictable and acknowledge there are inherent risks associated with equine activities, which include but are not limited to the propensity of equines to behave in ways that may result in injury, harm, or death.. However, I feel that the possible benefits to me/my son/my daughter/my ward are greater than the risk assumed. Intending legally to bind myself, my heirs, and assigns, executors or administrators, I hereby waive and release forever all claims for loss or damages of any kind against Great Heights Stable LLC for any and all injuries and losses that I/my son/my daughter/my ward may sustain while participating. This release includes without limitation the risk of negligence.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: 

By signing this agreement, I acknowledge that I have read, understand, and agree to all policies listed above. Failure to comply may result in immediate termination of services.

 

Thank you for choosing Great Heights Stable LLC to help you learn all about horses. We are excited to help you transform your life!