Lesson and Cancellation Policy
We want you to achieve your goals. That is our job!
In order to accommodate as many students as possible, and to attempt to keep the schedule from falling into complete chaos, I have had to implement the following strategy. Thank you for your strict compliance.
- Lessons are scheduled weekly in advance.
- Lesson fees are due monthly before the 1st of the month. If not paid before the 1st of the month, a $20 late fee will be charged
- No refunds.
- Please cancel your lesson well in advance of your lesson time. Weekend lessons must be cancelled 24 hours in advance, week day lessons must be cancelled at least 12 hour in advance. Please click here to cancel a lesson or send a txt message to Ruthanna at 949-413-0591.
- If a scheduled lesson is not cancelled and not attended, student will be charged for that lesson and no make up will be scheduled.
- Barn closure dates will be posted on the dry erase board outside my office. It is student’s responsibility to check these dates. Although we try, we will not ALWAYS remember to personally inform each student. Remember: you have one or two instructors, we have 70 students.
- If a student shows up for a lesson and we have cancelled for any reason other than weather, and attempt has not been made to reach that student, the student will receive a free lesson in addition to their make up lesson.
- Lessons are sold "by the month," not "per lesson." Lessons cancelled by student or Bridges Equestrian may be made up within 30 days of the missed lesson, otherwise they are forfeited. Student must be currently enrolled. Make-ups do not carry over into un-paid months.
- Make-up lessons are scheduled as per availability. Although I will make every attempt, I do not guarantee that everyone’s schedule can be accommodated. Please see our lesson schedule for regular lesson hours.
- In the event of inclement weather (rain or wind or excessive heat), make sure to call in advance of your lesson to make sure we are still having them. There will be someone in attendance at 949.858.0970, or a recording will inform callers of any cancellations. If there is no cancellation recording, lessons are on. I will attempt to call for lessons cancelled due to weather, however it is not always possible.
- If a student does not enroll for a month, his or her space will be filled, and student may be subject to our waiting list and any rate increase that has gone into effect.
- Concerns with the program shall be brought to a Bridges Equestrian staff member.
GENERAL LESSON POLICIES
- Due to scheduling conflicts, riders arriving more than 15 minutes late will not be able to ride.
- If you are tacking your own horse, allow for enough time to tack your horse. If you like to spend loads of time polishing and making your horse "just right," GOOD ON YA! But come early. Please.*
- Horses will be put away shining. We owe them this much. Please allow for enough time before and after your lesson to accomplish this. Here at Bridges Equestrian we teach horsemanship, not just riding. Good horsemanship means taking care of our equine team mate is a priority.
- Minor aged students may not be left beyond their scheduled lesson time without prior arrangements with the riding school director or trainer on duty. Minor friends, guests or family members may not be left without adult supervision.
- Only Bridges Equestrian students are allowed to handle, groom or ride Bridges Equestrian horses. Family and guests are encouraged to watch lessons, but must remain clear of the tacking and riding areas. This is for the safety of all.
- Please cancel your lesson well in advance of your lesson time. Weekend lessons must be cancelled 24 hours in advance, week day lessons must be cancelled at least 12 hour in advance. Lessons can be made up during any month that the student is currently enrolled in the Bridges Equestrian program. Please click here to cancel a lesson or call the Bridges Equestrian office at (949) 858-0970.
- Please realize we have between 70-100 students, and are currently responsible for 30 horses. We might not be able to return your call immediately, although we will give it every effort.
- Please avoid interrupting the trainers during lessons. This takes her/his attention away from instructing.
- Please feel free to call on any of the Bridges Equestrian staff at any time with questions or concerns. Ruthanna Bridges is the owner and director of the riding school, and can be reached for any comments or concerns.
- Learning is a very personal experience, and sometimes personalities just don't match. If you feel you would like a different instructor, we will be glad to accommodate you. Our egos have no problem with changing students! Some people just learn better from certain instructors. We appreciate the fact that you will be honest with us and allow us to do our best for you.
- This goes for the horses too. If you find that a certain horse does not seem to work very well for you, feel free to voice this to your instructor. SUGGESTION: Don't tell us you don't like a horse. These are like our own kids, and we get a little miffed when someone doesn't like our kids. Just let us know that you and that particular horse don't seem to communicate... we'll know what you mean (grin!).
Timing is Everything
Riders will be allotted 45 minutes instruction "in the saddle" for group lessons, 30 minutes instruction for private lessons. Grooming, tacking and untacking time is in addition to the riding time, however riders should be "in the saddle" no later than 15 minutes past the hour. If more than 15 minutes grooming time is desired (and lots of us LOVE to brush our horses), students are welcome to arrive early for their lesson. "Untacking" time after a lesson is not considered part of the time you "pay" for, but it is considered the rider's responsibility. Therefore, please allow up to 1 1/2 hours for your total time at the stable unless prior arrangements are made.
Arriving Late
Riders arriving more than 15 minutes late without prior arrangement with the instructor on duty, will not be able to ride. Riders arriving late, with prior arrangement with the instructor on duty will have shortened riding time.
Thank YOU
Thank you for your help in organizing this program. If you have any suggestions to make this run smoother, PLEASE, see me! We’re always improving and changing.
Horsefully ... Ruthanna
Read more about our Training Philosophy