New Client Information
Quarry Farm Riding School specializes in riding lessons using horses and ponies carefully chosen for their quiet temperaments and experience in developing the skills of riders. Our fully trained instructors ensure that the children are encouraged to learn, have fun and build confidence whilst maintaining the highest level of safety.
Weight limits:
To ride at Quarry farm you need to be under 12 stone (76kg). It is really important that you are honest about your weight, we do reserve the right to weigh all clients but we of course prefer not too. Being truthful ensures the welfare of our horses as each horse has their own weight limits.
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Hat Safety:
We have hats on site that can be borrowed, these are all checked each week to ensure that they are up to standard and still in good condition. We do recommend that after your first 6 lessons you buy your own hat. Having your own hat has many benefits including: Less use, better fit, and better hygiene.
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This year hat standards have changed, please can all clients be aware and ensure that you check your hat prior to your lesson, or allow additional time for staff to check it on arrival. We have included a hat standard diagram below.
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Can we come and look around?
You are welcome to book an initial lesson and one of the coaches will show you around the centre after your lesson, we do not however do show rounds prior to booking, this is due to security and time restraints. Please do not just turn up at the centre without an appointment you will be turned away.
Do you have to have an assessment before you can ride with us?
Only if you are intending on booking into our group lessons. For private lessons, no assessment is required. We do ask, however, that you are honest on your riding ability when completing your rider registration form, so that we can get a good idea of where you are with your riding.
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Are lessons weather-dependent?
Horse riding is very much an outdoor activity, and so we continue to operate come rain or shine. It is advisable to invest in some warm, waterproof clothing for the winter months. During extreme weather conditions where it is unsafe to ride, we reserve the right to cancel any lesson with up to 1 hours' notice.
What time should we arrive?
If it is your first time with us, please arrive 5-10 minutes early, so that we have time to get you fitted with a hat. Please note - mounting and dismounting is included in your lesson duration.
Children
2 1/2 - 5 yo: We recommend a lead pony ride. This is a fully instructed ride in the school, but with a big emphasis on fun and getting to know the ponies.
5 yo +: private lessons are on offer with a flexible timetable to suit the busy lives of many. Fully instructed lessons that are varied, fun and most importantly, safe.
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How can we book and what is your cancellation policy?
Bookings must be made via the EC pro app which you will find the link for on our home page. You will then need to fill out a registration form on the app which will include age, height and weight.
Clients missing lessons without 48 hours notice will be charged for the missed lesson, we have had to implement this system due to bookings and no shows, which is very expensive for the business.
Can I request what horse i want to ride?
All our horses and ponies are selected on their suitability for life in a riding school, while we understand you or your child will have a "favourite" everyone does, we will NOT take any requests or demands for a particular horse. learning to ride is about learning to ride all shapes and sizes of ponies and horses, not just your favourite. please do not email or call us asking for a particular horse.​
What shall i wear?
If you are new to horse-riding, we can provide you with a fitted hat to use for your lesson. It is recommended that you wear full-length stretchy trousers with long thick socks for added protection. Footwear needs to be sturdy with a smooth sole and a small heel to prevent your foot slipping through the stirrup.
Safety
Whilst horse-riding is recognised as a risk sport, you can be assured that we take your child's safety very seriously. It is important to understand that horses and ponies are sensitive animals that can behave unpredictably at times. All of our riders must at all times follow the guidelines that we give in order to enjoy the maximum benefit from being in the wonderful environment of horses.
