Riding Lesson FAQBeth Hartka

Please read the information below to answer common questions about riding lessons at GEC:

What to Wear:

Proper attire is extremely important to ensure safety of both horse and rider. We provide ASTM approved helmets of various sizes and require all students wear one at all times when mounted.  You are welcome to bring your own helmet as long as it is ATSM approved.

What you will need:

  • Long pants – Not baggy or loose
  • Closed toe shoes with a slight heel (like a western boot, english riding style boot, or rubber rain boot). Tennis shoes are not permitted.

Your instructor may regulate activities in a lesson based on attire for safety reasons. Safety is the top priority at GEC.

Paperwork: 

All new students must complete both our liability waiver and the student welcome package – both can be found here.  If you have attended camp here in the past you do not have to complete the liability waiver again.

Where do I go:

Lessons begin at the tack up area – follow the gravel/grass lane to two small sheds that are facing each other.

Parking:

There is ample parking available in the parking lot.  Please do not park outside of the designated parking places.  Also please do not stop along the driveway to drop off or pick up students.  Two-way traffic flow must be maintained along the driveway at all times.

Cancellation Policy:

Weather Cancellations:
GEC may cancel due to wind gusts over 35 MPH, temperatures below 20 degrees, rain (depending on the conditions at the farm) or if the temperature+humidity is over 180 at the hour of your lesson, see below table.

If you cancel due to weather and GEC did not cancel, you are responsible for the lesson fee.

GEC has a 24 hour cancellation policy. If you cancel your lesson less than 24 hours in advance you will not be refunded or you will still owe the balance due. In the event that GEC needs to cancel your lesson you will be refunded or that amount can be applied to your next lesson.

Each student has one opportunity, per calendar year, to appeal for a refund from a lesson cancelled outside of the cancellation window by emailing [email protected].

When should I arrive for my lesson?

Please arrive promptly for your lesson as lateness impacts the instructors schedule for the rest of the day.  Please arrive ideally about 5 minutes before your lesson is scheduled.

Students who have completed the Safe Horse Handling Class may arrive earlier to bring in their horse and tack up.  If you have not completed this class the instructor will bring in your horse for you when it is time for your lesson.  Speak to your instructor about taking this class.

Weather:

See the cancellation policy with regard to weather (above).  However please note that wind speed, lighting in the vicinity, and extreme heat can all cause lessons to be cancelled by GEC.  You will be notified by the instructor if lessons are cancelled.

Barn Rules:

Copies of the barn rules are posted in both the main barn and the lesson barn, please make yourself familiar with them. Unruly or out of control children cannot be tolerated on the property due to safety reasons.  Dogs must be kept on leashes at all times.  Students are expected to clean up after themselves and treat the property and equipment with respect.  All family members or persons providing transportation to students are also expected to treat the property and equipment with respect.  Parking/stopping/standing/drop off and pickup is absolutely not allowed along the driveway, students are to walk to and from the parking lot.

GEC reserves the right to expel anyone from the property due to unsafe, disrespectful behaviour or refusal to follow direction, including students and their companions.

Please DO NOT FEED the horses.