Riding Lesson Policy & Terms

1. All new riders to Santolina Stables must complete a Rider Registration Form before they are permitted to ride. Any riders under the age of 16 must have their parents complete the form.
2. All riders must be wearing a correctly fitted riding hat to the correct standard. We will provide and fit this if you do not have your own for a small fee. Riders must also be wearing the following: Long-sleeved shirt/top, Long trousers (preferably not jeans), correct footwear (if you do not have riding boots then footwear with smooth sole and small heel – not trainers). All the above equipment will be checked before you ride even if it is your own. Riders found to have inadequate or incorrect equipment will have it provided for them however if suitable equipment is unavailable then riders will not be permitted to ride. The Santolina cancellation policy will still apply in this event.
3. Body protectors – It is our policy that everyone must wear a body protector whilst riding at Santolina. Riders can be provided with one for a small fee per session.
4. Parents of children (under 16) who will not be on the premises during their child’s lesson must leave a contact number before leaving. They must be back to collect their child at the end of their lesson prompt. No child under the age of 16 can be left unaccompanied on the premises.
5. A ‘group riding lesson’ is for one hour and will have a maximum of eight riders. Riders are put into groups according to their ability. Riders can only be moved up or down groups at the request of the instructors according to the ‘Santolina Level Guides’. The time for a group lesson starts when the horses are led into the riding arena as mounting up and adjusting stirrups and girth etc. is part of the lesson. A ‘private riding lesson’ will also start when the rider(s) horse(s) are led into the arena.
6. A suitable horse/pony will be allocated to you for your lesson. We allow riders to choose their horses where it is safe and practical. The management reserves the right to change horses allocated to riders if the circumstances dictate it is necessary.
7. Riders who arrive late for their lesson will still be allowed to take part although their lesson time will have to finish at the time booked. Their can be no discount or refund for this. Riders who arrive at the incorrect time for their lesson will still need to abide by the cancellation policy.
8. In the event of a fall/incident during a lesson, the rider(s) involved must be checked by a first-aider on site. If riders are deemed to be ok, then they can remount and continue with the lesson. Riders under 16 must have a parent’s permission to remount. If the parent is not present, then the parent will be contacted by us and permission sought for their child to remount. This may involve a short delay for that rider in the lesson however that time cannot be made up at the end. Riders who are deemed to be injured will not be permitted to remount and will be treated by the first-aider or other medical personnel if required. If there is an injury to a rider’s back or head they may not be permitted to continue with the lesson even if they appear to be ok. The management reserves the right to stop a rider continuing with the lesson even if the rider feels able to do so. You will not be entitled to a refund in this event. An accident report will be completed for every incident on the premises which must be signed by the rider involved or their parent (if under 16) before leaving the premises.
9. The management requests that parents or onlookers do not chat to riders during the lesson or interfere with the lesson unless asked to do so. This can be distracting and lead to unnecessary accidents. Any onlookers doing this will be asked to stop and could be eventually asked to leave the side of the arena if ignoring the instructor’s wishes. If you have any issues with the lessons then please speak to the instructor at a convenient time or the management rather than the rider.
10. Any complaints regarding any of the lessons at Santolina Stables should be directed to the management.
11. Any abuse of other customers, staff or animals will result in you being asked to leave the premises immediately.
12. Cancellation of any activity within 72hrs of the start time will result in a cancellation fee. This will apply whatever the circumstances. The cancellation fees are 100% of the cost per activity booked.