Epona Equine Eventing Policies

Scheduling Policies

• Payment is due at time of service. Cash, check, or card are accepted.
• Due to the constant demand for riding lessons, Epona requires a weekly commitment to lessons. We are unable to hold a permanent time slot for individuals that are unable to make a weekly commitment. Lessons are sold by the month in packages of 4 or 5 lessons depending upon the amount of weeks in the month. 1 make-up lesson is allowed per month.
• Lessons must be canceled prior to 24 hours before the start of the lesson time. If lessons are canceled within 24 hours, clients will be charged the full price of the lesson (emergency situations are the exception).
• Lessons canceled with 24 hours' notice or by the instructor will be rescheduled. During inclement weather, please contact your instructor if you would like to reschedule, 24 hour notice policy does not apply for cancellations due to inclement weather.
• Riding lessons are often taught back to back and therefore they must start on time and end on time. If you are going to be late, please notify the instructor so we can prepare the horse for you! Clients who have booked a 1 hour evaluation lesson or a 45 minute lesson are given a grace period of 15 minutes. ½ hour lessons must start on time and therefore we cannot accommodate tardiness. Chronic tardiness may result in the loss of your time slot.
• If students wish to discontinue lessons, Epona requires 1 weeks' notice. This allows us a chance to fill the slot.

Barn Rules

• Everyone (including the horses) are to be treated with dignity and respect.
• All riders and guests must sign a liability release before handling or riding any horse.
• All participants must have an ASTM OR SEI certified horseback riding helmet that fits them properly. Helmets must be worn at all times while mounted.
• All participants must have close-toed shoes at the barn. When riding, riders must have boots that cover the ankle bone and they must have a heel and smooth sole. No boots are allowed that zip on the inside of the leg (tack is ruined this way and it can be very irritating to horses hair and skin).
• Riders must be wearing long pants. Shorts and capris are not permitted.
• Please dress appropriately for the seasons. Barns are not heated or air conditioned and neither is the indoor. It is recommended to bring a jacket and gloves during the winter months and short sleeve/sun shirt as well as something to drink in the summer months.
• Spectators must remain at the viewing areas while lessons or equine activities commence. Please do not interrupt lessons as it is very important that students are focused on the horse and instructor to remain safe. Riders not following instructions or acting in an unsafe or disrespectful manner will be asked to dismount or cease activity immediately. This rule is for riders safety, the safety of other participants, and the horse's well-being.
• Please do not bring any personal pets to the stable.
• Please respect this property. Place trash in designated receptacles.
• No running, screaming, loud noises, or horseplay. This includes while in direct contact with the horse as well as while in areas around the horses.
• Please refrain from opening umbrellas while lessons are in progress as they can cause the horses to spook.
• Ask before petting ANY of the horses or animals.
• DO NOT feed ANYTHING to the horses. This includes any hay found on the ground. We appreciate your help in keeping our horses safe and healthy!
• No smoking, drinking or illegal substances, weapons or firearms.
• If approaching the indoor ring, please announce yourself as you walk up by loudly saying “Door”, and stop at the doorway until someone says it is safe to enter.