Idlehurst Student Handbook
Effective June 2025
At Idlehurst, our mission is to provide a safe, supportive, and enriching environment for both our riders and horses. This commitment includes not only meaningful, fun, and rewarding lessons—but also the physical and emotional well-being of our students, instructors, and equine partners.
This handbook outlines the policies and expectations that allow us to maintain a consistent, high-quality experience for every family in our program. By participating in lessons, students and families agree to follow all policies outlined below.
Attendance & Cancellation Policy
• Consistency is Key: To retain your lesson spot, students must attend lessons regularly. If absent more than two consecutive weeks, a $20 per week retainer fee will apply to support instructor salaries and horse care.
• Cancellations: Cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance will require full payment before the next lesson. Cancellations made between 24-48 hours in advance will require 1/2 payment prior to the next lesson.
• Medical Emergencies: With a doctor’s note or proof of visit, cancellation fees may be waived.
• Planned Absences: Notify instructors early about vacations or work conflicts to explore rescheduling.
Weather Policy
• Lessons proceed unless weather is deemed unsafe by your instructor.
• If a lesson is missed due to weather without instructor cancellation, it may be counted as a no-show.
• Waitlists may be used to reschedule weather-canceled lessons, but availability is not guaranteed.
Payment Policy
• Payment is accepted by cash, check, or card (card payments incur a $2 fee).
• Venmo is no longer accepted for non-therapeutic lessons due to tax reporting differences.
• Payments are due on the day of the lesson or within 24 hours of invoicing.
• Invoices unpaid after 7 days are subject to a $10 late fee.
Equestrian & Safety Policy
• Riders will be paired with horses suitable for their level. Requests are considered but final decisions are made for safety.
• Riders must wear: Closed-toe shoes (required for all), ½” heel boots (required for intermediate/advanced). Helmets are required; farm helmets are available, or we can assist you in purchasing your own. Long pants and weather-appropriate attire are recommended for all students.
Social Media Policy
• Any post containing an Idlehurst-owned horse must be pre-approved by the instructor or farm owner.
• Sharing photos, videos, or content without permission is a violation of this policy.
• Failure to comply will result in immediate removal from the program.
• Idlehurst is committed to an inclusive and respectful learning environment. We have a 0 tolerance policy for bullying.
• Bullying—verbal, physical, social, or online—will not be tolerated, whether on or off the property.
• Any confirmed incident of bullying will result in immediate removal from the program without refund. This includes bullying of current and/or past students as well as bullying of others within the community.
Farm Rules & Safety Reminders
• Idlehurst is by appointment only. Do not visit without a scheduled lesson or event.
• NO SMOKING may occure on-property. This is for the safety and health of the horses, students and instructors
• Do not enter pastures or barns without staff permission.
• Do not feed horses without approval.
• Do not climb fences, gates, or arena rails.
• Supervise siblings and younger children at all times when not in lessons.
• Respect all signage, equipment, animals, and staff.
Barn Etiquette
• No running, yelling, or roughhousing in barn or arena areas.
• Use a calm voice and steady movements around horses.
• Clean up after yourself and your horse (grooming tools, manure, tack).
• Always return items to their proper storage place.
Emergency Contact & First Aid
• We keep emergency contact info on file. Please ensure yours is up to date.
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• In the event of injury or incident, instructors will follow an established safety protocol and notify guardians as soon as possible.
Assumption of Risk
• All participants (or parents/guardians) must sign a liability waiver before engaging in mounted or unmounted activities.
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• Horseback riding is an inherently risky activity. While we prioritize safety, Idlehurst is not liable for injuries unless due to gross negligence.
Photography & Media Consent
• Idlehurst occasionally uses lesson photos or videos for promotional or social media use.
• You may opt out of this by notifying us in writing. Otherwise, participation constitutes consent.
Rider Progress & Evaluation
• Riders progress at their own pace, with safety and confidence as priorities.
• Instructors may recommend level-ups, special clinics, or practice outside lessons.
• We encourage students and families to share goals and communicate openly about progress.
Communication Expectations
• Instructors may be reached via text or email for scheduling.
• Please allow up to 24 hours for a response, and avoid non-urgent communication outside of business hours.
• Lesson changes or cancellations must go through instructors directly.
Conflict Resolution Policy
• Idlehurst believes most conflicts can be resolved through respectful, honest communication. In the event of a dispute:
• Both parties agree to make a good-faith effort to resolve the matter through informal discussion.
• If resolution is not reached, the parties agree to seek mediation with a neutral third party before pursuing legal action.
• This policy promotes problem-solving while preserving the integrity of our small, community-based program.
Respect Toward Staff
• At Idlehurst, we hold our instructors and staff to high standards of professionalism, and we expect the same courtesy in return.
• Disrespectful behavior toward any staff member—whether verbal, written, or online—will not be tolerated.
• This includes, but is not limited to:
• Speaking negatively about instructors to others in the barn, online, or in the community
• Gossip, rude or undermining comments, or attempts to discredit farm leadership
• Confrontations that bypass appropriate channels of communication
• If concerns arise, we encourage you to bring them directly and respectfully to the farm owner or instructor.
Acknowledgment & Agreement
• All students and their families are expected to abide by the guidelines in this handbook. By participating in the Idlehurst riding program, you acknowledge that:
• You have read and understand these policies.
• You agree to follow these rules for the duration of your involvement.
• Repeated or serious violations may result in dismissal from the program
