The Help Center

What should I expect during my riding lesson?

Lessons will not only focus on grooming/tacking and riding but will also incorporate and touch base on bathing skills, braiding hair, mucking/cleaning stalls or re-bedding stalls. Lunging horses in the ring before riding, emptying/cleaning/filling water buckets, tying knots, some work in the ring without horses may be necessary to help with getting 'light/free' hands or necessary in general. Not every lesson is riding intensive. Tack cleaning/education among other things/chores/exercises.

How should I or my child dress for riding?

Long pants, leggings or stretchy jeans,

Riding boots (western or english) instead of sneakers.

Comfortable, fitted shirt.

English riders may want to wear breeches, half chaps & riding boots.

Sun screen if applicable.

Under 18 years of age: Approved Riding Helmet.

Spectators are welcome & encourgedto bring a chair.

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Typically how long is a lesson and how is payment calculated?

Lesson are generally 1 hour long, however from lesson to lesson it may vary depending on the situation. If lessons do go over the 1 hour time slot, please be prepared to cover expenses if this happens. If there are financial concerns please communicate to your instructor to set a limit if needed. Please be sure to set time aside for any before & after care or preparation.

May I tip my instructor? 

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Yes!

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Please tip your instructor if you are able & inclined to do so!

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Our instructors work extremely hard for every client & for our horses to keep them in the best health. There is so much 'behind the scenes' work that goes into this program that is simply not seen.

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We appreciate your support!

If my lesson is cancelled for inclement weather or weather that is too hot, will I be charged a cancellation fee?

No.

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Cancellations made by the instructor due to inclement weather or weather that is too hot does not get any cancellation charges.

We hope you choose to reschedule.

What responsibilities are expected of students while at the barn?

Students should be on time and ready for their lesson @ start time. Arriving a few minutes early for preparation is okay, If capable students should check which horse they will be riding for their lesson and if able, retrieve horse and begin grooming/tacking. If assistance is needed Ileea will be available for help. Students are responsible & expected to tidy up/sweep tack area & clean up any horse manure that was made during their lesson in the tack area or area immediately after their lesson in preparation & respect for the next student. Facility helmets are to be wiped out with sanitary wipes after each use. Also following all barn rules.

What responsibilities are expected of parents of students?

Parents, you are essential in you child's learning & help to set them up for success. Students should be on time and ready for their lesson @ start time. Please bring your child’s insurance card. Arriving a few minutes early for preparation is okay. Parents are not required to stay for the duration of the lesson. Late pickups will be charged a fee. If capable students should check which horse they will be riding for their lesson and if able, retrieve horse and begin grooming/tacking. If assistance is needed your instructor will be available for help. Please be willing & prepared to assist your children with needs in the barn such as brushing/grooming & tacking, hot-walking or hosing off horses & clean up as needed. We will work at this together, promise. If there's any concern with this please speak to me privately.

How much time should I prepare to set aside from our lesson for clean up?

Lessons have scheduled times, yes, but please be prepared & take the time that is necessary for preparation & cleanup as it is an essential part of owning & caring for horses.  At times it may be necessary to spend more time then expected to ensure our horses are properly cared for and cooled out/hot-walked after a lesson. Said horse may need hosed off or have fly spray applied prior to turn out for example. I am a HUGE advocate for our horses & taking the time that's needed to ensure they're happy & healthy is a top priority. Our horses take GOOD care of us & we take GOOD care of our horses!  Please be prepared to take as much time as needed to complete the tasks.

What if I need to cancel or reschedule my scheduled appointment?

If you cannot make it to your scheduled lesson time due to other obligations or circumstances, please give a 24 hour notice of cancellation or you will be charged & forfeit the allotted time. This includes any prepaid lessons. Instructors hold the right to cancel lessons at any time due to inclement weather or poor driving conditions. Reschedule any appointments with Ileea. Late cancellations are responsible for payment for the allotted time. 

Do I need to purchase my own riding helmet?

There is a limited supply of approved riding helmets available for use but I would encourage you to look into purchasing a helmet for yourself or child to ensure they have a properly fitted helmet available for your lesson! Children under the age of 18 are required to wear an approved helmet for riding.

Do I need to bring or purchase my own tack?

All tack that is necessary for your riding lesson is available & included in your lesson fee but is owned by the farm. We have a sufficient amount & try our best but perfect sizing is not always guaranteed.  You are most welcome & encouraged to bring personal tack however Forever Friday Farm is not responsible for lost/stolen/damaged items. You are also welcome to purchase your own tack and I will gladly provide any insight or advice needed. Storage may be limited and tack room storage is for boarders/leasees/farm use and not guaranteed. Tack lockers or tack may be kept in the garage adjacent to the barn with permission from the owner.

We would like to contribute more to the farm, how may we do so? 

We appreciate any & all donations, weather it be your time, supplies or participation in our lessons, gym/barn memberships, camps& other events. Also tips for your instructors & horses time, hard work & care are greatly appreciated! 
 Barn & Horse supplies are always a necessity to keep this operation running smoothly. Black lock drop box outside of the tack room door
Here is a list of items the barn always is in need of,-Horse Fly Spray -Horse Size Fly Masks-Horse Treats-Alfalfa Cubes or pellets-Manure Pitch Forks -Brushes/Hoof Picks-Grooming & Bathing Supplies, detangler, hoof polish, shampoo/detangler, baby sunscreen -Lead Ropes-Horse Size Halters-Rubber Bell Boots for pasture use-Fly Traps for the Barn-Office/School Supplies- Printer paper, pens, dry erase markers.-Need more ideas just ask!

We are always looking to improve to better serve our clients. Suggestions or feedback are welcome and can be placed into the black drop-box located outside of the tack room.