Lesson Policies 

• Please drive slowly (5-10 mph).

• We expect you to arrive ready to immediately begin your lesson so that you can groom and tack up your lesson horse as well as to take care of any administrative tasks such as scheduling or paying for monthly lesson sessions. Late arrival will not result in lessons being extended; you will still be required to prep your horse and this may result in less riding time. Horsemanship is an extremely important aspect of riding and prep time for your lesson is key.

• Locate the tack (saddle, bridle and girth) plus any other extra equipment needed and place it on the hitching post near where you will groom your horse. Bring your horse to the tacking area to tack up your horse or tack your horse in the stall.

• Prepare your horse for your lesson. This includes brushing, grooming, hoof picking, etc. 

• After your lesson, you are expected to untack your horse (unless another student is using your horse in the next lesson). Until you are proficient at tacking and untacking you will not be on your own, someone will assist you. Weather conditions may require you to provide additional horse care, such as sponging down, walking a hot horse or removing mud during the rainy season. Please check in with the instructor or person assisting with tacking/untacking the lessons to ask if your horse has been properly “turned back” (groomed etc) prior to leaving.

• Scheduling Lessons . . . Texting or calling are both options. FB messenger can also be used on the Freedom Acres Farm Facebook page. Unless otherwise noted, lessons should be scheduled on a month-to-month basis to assure continuity and help facilitate scheduling. A sign up genius will be sent you. Lesson slots are first come first served. Unless noted lessons are always private. If you are not signed up on the calendar you are not guaranteed a spot.

CANCELING LESSONS

Since your lesson reserves time with your instructor and a spot on the lesson slot, we require that you cancel any lessons you cannot attend at least 24 hours before the start of the classes. Coming regularly to class is important and will help you grow as a rider. 

• If cancellations must be made best effort will be provided to reschedule a make-up. Make-up lessons are never guaranteed due to weather, scheduling conflicts, horse availability etc. I will always do my best to accommodate make ups but this is not always possible. 

Please do not come to lesson if you are sick. Follow what you would do for school/work. Fever, vomiting, diarrhea etc, please stay home and get well. Cancellations may be made by phone or in person. Please call/text prior to your lesson for any questions. 

• During inclimate weather do not assume that your lesson has been canceled. If unable to make your lesson, it is up to you to call and cancel. We live in the Midwest, dress in layers and have raingear. In icy conditions lessons be moved to the indoor arena but please call/text to confirm. Depending on the amount of snow, we may or may not cancel lessons, please call/text in advance.

• If Freedom Acres needs to cancel a lesson for weather etc. we will typically communicate via text, call, or FB messenger in addition to posting a message on our Facebook group page. When in doubt please reach out. 

PAYMENT

• We bill for our lessons in monthly flat rate increments. Payment is due one week prior to the 1st of the month for the current month’s riding session. A bill will be sent out around the 15th of the month for tuition for the upcoming month’s lessons. 

• If taking an extended vacation we can withdraw the student from lessons, but can’t guarantee the same lesson time slot will be held for when the student is able to return to lessons.

• If you plan to discontinue/take a break from lessons 14 days advance notice is requested or you will be billed for the next month’s session.

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Riding Levels

We currently accept riders as young as 4 years of age.

Natural Horsemanship: All riders will begin their education with an introduction to Natural Horsemanship and the foundational relationship between horse and rider. Safety is essential; riders will only advance in their education as long as they can do so safely. 

Walk/Trot: Riders ride on their own for 60 min. Balance, steering, and safety are the focus for these lessons.

Walk/Trot/Canter: These 60 min lessons are perfect for learning how to canter. 

Intro to Jumping: Hour (60 minute) long group lessons are offered for this riding level. These classes are for those ready to do full courses and are getting ready to move up to the next level. Ground poles, cross rails, and 12” poles will be utilized in these lessons. 

Jump 1: These hour long (60 minute) group classes are perfect for those doing small courses. The focus is mainly the basic foundation of a successful course. Here we also work on getting comfortable cantering to all of our jumps. Jump height is usually between 12"-2'. In an effort to keep our school horses healthy, happy and sound this is the last level offered with the use of school horses. 

Jump 2’ & up : With either a privately leased non-school horse, or personally owned horse. As riders become more confident and capable the jump height can start moving up. These hour long (60 minute) group lessons are for riders comfortable jumping 2'+ courses. 

Adult Classes: These classes are for our riders who are more comfortable riding with other adults instead of children. Many different times are offered throughout the days and evenings. These classes welcome riders at any level for an hour (60 minutes).

Trail Rides: Trail ride classes are offered per an hourly rate for riders who are interested in a more laid-back riding experience. Emphasis is placed on safety, horsemanship, awareness, and fun for rider and horse. Lesson students are permitted to participate in one group trail ride per month as part of their package; the availability of these rides are limited and first come first served. Family members are invited to participate and will be required to pay normal rates. If families wish to attend rides; please contact the barn owner/manager to assist with scheduling the trail ride. 

 

Western Eventing: Western sporting events ie. Gymkhana are also offered. Gymkhana is an equestrian event consisting of speed pattern racing and timed games for riders on horses. These lessons will be between 30-60 minutes focusing on form, speed, safety, and horsemanship. 

Equipment: 

• All riders are required to have a properly fitting equine riding helmet. These can be purchased at the local TSC, Arizona Saddlery, Covered Wagon Saddlery, or Everything Equine Tack Shop. This is non-negotiable. No helmet means no lesson. Helmets can be stored at the barn but must be labeled with blue tape on the back of the helmet with the rider’s last name clearly visible. 

• Helmets are also able to be borrowed from the barn on a first come first served basis.

• Boots: Riders will not be permitted to ride if proper footwear is not on. Western boots, paddock boots, or tall boots are all acceptable options. Boots should have a slight heel. ABSOLTELY no sneakers, muck boots, winter boots, sandals, flip flops etc. 

• Riders may wear jeans, breeches, or riding pants. Absolutely no shorts or leggings. Lessons will not occur if the rider is not properly dressed. 

• Chewing gum is not permitted. Bottled water is highly recommended for the hotter months. 

***Photos are regularly taken and posted on the Farm FB page. If you would like to exclude your child from having their photo taken, please indicate this on the liability waiver form.