Ballyleigh Riding School

BALLYLEIGH RIDING SCHOOL

RULES & REGULATIONS

Please read these rules carefully before booking or attending Ballyleigh Riding School.

These rules are in place for the safety and welfare of our riders, children, staff, visitors and horses and ponies.

By making a booking or attending Ballyleigh Riding School, you confirm that you have read and agree to comply with these rules, our Terms & Conditions and any reasonable instructions given by Ballyleigh staff or instructors.

RIDER AGE, SIZE & SUITABILITY

• Minimum riding age is 5 years.

• Our current maximum rider weight is 13 stone, subject to horse and pony suitability.

• Our current maximum height is 6 ft 2, subject to horse and pony suitability.

• Height and weight limits may vary according to the individual horse or pony, the rider's ability and the activity.

• Ballyleigh reserves the right to refuse or restrict participation where a rider is not suitable for the available horse, pony, activity or conditions.

• Riders must provide accurate information regarding their age, height, weight, riding ability, experience and any relevant medical or emergency information.

• Parents/guardians are responsible for ensuring information relating to children is accurate and kept up to date.

RIDER REGISTRATION

• All riders must complete the required Rider Registration information before riding.

• Rider information must be updated whenever relevant details change.

• Parents/guardians are responsible for updating information for riders under 18.

• Ballyleigh may refuse participation where required information has not been provided or is no longer accurate.

NEW RIDERS & ASSESSMENTS

• New riders must book the appropriate Private Lesson or Semi-Private Assessment before joining regular lessons, unless Ballyleigh has specifically advised otherwise.

• This assessment allows our instructors to establish the rider's current ability, confidence and suitability for different horses, ponies and lesson groups.

• Children joining our designated mini-lesson programme may follow the assessment arrangements applicable to that programme.

• Riders who have not ridden at Ballyleigh for 12 months or more may be required to complete another assessment before returning to regular lessons.

• Ballyleigh reserves the right to move a rider to a more suitable lesson or activity where necessary.

HORSE & PONY ALLOCATION

• Horse and pony allocation is decided by Ballyleigh instructors and management.

• Allocation may take account of rider age, height, weight, ability, experience, confidence, behaviour, lesson objectives, horse suitability, horse welfare and current workload.

• No particular horse or pony is guaranteed.

• Ballyleigh may change a horse or pony allocation at any time where this is considered necessary for rider safety or horse welfare.

• Customers must respect the instructor's decision regarding horse and pony allocation.

BOOKINGS & PAYMENTS

• All lessons, camps, courses and activities must be booked in advance.

• Please do not arrive at the stables without a booking or prior agreement.

• Bookings must be paid for in accordance with the booking terms.

• Customers must read and accept Ballyleigh's current Terms & Conditions before booking.

• If a booking has not been paid for as required, Ballyleigh reserves the right to cancel or remove the booking.

CANCELLATIONS, CREDITS & REFUNDS

• Ballyleigh's current cancellation, credit and refund terms apply to every booking.

• Customers should check the cancellation terms applicable to their booking before purchasing.

• Where Ballyleigh cancels or changes an activity, the applicable current booking arrangements will apply.

• Where a lesson is cancelled because of circumstances outside the customer's control, Ballyleigh will deal with the booking in accordance with the applicable current cancellation/weather policy.

• These rules should always be read together with Ballyleigh's full Terms & Conditions.

ARRIVAL & PUNCTUALITY

• Please arrive no earlier than approximately 10 minutes before the start of your lesson or pony activity unless otherwise instructed.

• This allows time for parking, preparation and helmet fitting without causing congestion.

• If you arrive late, the lost riding time may not be made up because other lessons may already be scheduled.

• If Ballyleigh is responsible for a delay, reasonable arrangements will be made regarding the lost lesson time.

• Parents/guardians must collect children promptly at the agreed collection time.

INSTRUCTOR INSTRUCTIONS

• All riders must follow instructions given by Ballyleigh instructors and authorised staff.

• Safety instructions must be followed immediately.

• This includes instructions regarding mounting, dismounting, stopping, horse movement, riding position, jumping, emergencies and changes to activities.

• Refusal to follow reasonable safety instructions may result in the rider being removed from the activity.

• Instructors reserve the right to refuse to teach a client where they consider this necessary for safety, welfare or appropriate conduct.

HORSE & PONY WELFARE

Horse and pony welfare is a priority at Ballyleigh Riding School.

• Horses and ponies must always be treated calmly, kindly and respectfully.

• Rough handling, hitting, kicking, teasing, frightening, deliberately upsetting or otherwise mistreating an animal is strictly prohibited.

• Do not feed horses or ponies unless specifically authorised by Ballyleigh staff.

• Do not give horses or ponies treats or food brought onto the premises.

• Do not approach, touch, catch, lead, groom, tack up, mount, untack or otherwise handle a horse or pony unless specifically authorised and appropriately supervised.

• Do not enter a stable, field or paddock to approach a horse or pony without permission.

• Do not interfere with horses while they are being moved, fed, treated or handled.

• Do not interfere with a horse's tack, feed, water, medication or equipment.

• Any concern about the health, welfare or behaviour of a horse or pony should be reported to a member of staff immediately.

STABLES, PADDOCKS & RESTRICTED AREAS

The following areas are out of bounds unless specifically authorised by Ballyleigh management or staff:

• Stable boxes

• Stable yards

• Tack rooms

• Feed rooms

• Barns

• Sheds

• Lean-to shelters

• Fields

• Paddocks

• Machinery areas

• Staff-only areas

• Private residential areas

• Locked, closed or enclosed areas

• Any other area identified by staff as restricted

• Only riders participating in an activity and authorised staff may enter the arena when instructed.

• Do not open stable doors, gates, paddock gates, latches or barriers without permission or instruction.

• Do not climb on fences, gates, walls, buildings, jumps, equipment or other structures.

TACK, EQUIPMENT & SCHOOL PROPERTY

• Do not use, remove, alter or interfere with Ballyleigh tack, riding equipment, feed, tools, machinery or other school property without permission.

• Do not adjust tack unless instructed or supervised by an authorised member of staff.

• Report damaged or unsafe equipment immediately.

• Equipment considered unsafe will be removed from use until checked.

• Ballyleigh equipment must be returned to its proper location after use.

RIDING CLOTHING & PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

• Riding hats are mandatory while mounted.

• Riding hats must be correctly fitted, securely fastened and meet the applicable current safety requirements.

• Appropriate riding footwear is mandatory while riding.

• Appropriate clothing suitable for horse riding must be worn.

• Back/body protectors are strongly recommended and may be required for particular activities.

• Additional protective equipment may be required for jumping, cross-country or other activities.

• Riders may be refused participation if their clothing or equipment creates a safety risk.

CHILDREN & PARENT/GUARDIAN RESPONSIBILITIES

• Children must be closely supervised by the person accompanying them while on the premises until they are formally under the instruction and supervision of Ballyleigh staff as part of an organised activity.

• Parents/guardians must not leave children unattended at Ballyleigh outside the period of organised supervision.

• Children must remain in designated areas.

• Children must not run around the yard, viewing areas, car park, stables or other areas where horses or machinery may be present.

• Children must not approach or handle horses without permission and appropriate supervision.

• Parents/guardians must provide accurate emergency and relevant medical information.

• Parents/guardians must inform Ballyleigh of any relevant change to a child's circumstances.

SPECTATORS & VISITORS

• Spectators must remain in designated viewing areas.

• Spectators must remain as quiet as possible and avoid actions that may frighten or distract horses.

• Do not enter the arena while riding activities are taking place unless authorised.

• Visitors must not enter restricted yard areas.

• Visitors must follow instructions given by Ballyleigh staff.

• Staff may ask a spectator or visitor to leave an area where their presence creates or may create a safety risk.

• Umbrellas and other items that may frighten horses may not be permitted in designated areas.

DOGS & OTHER ANIMALS

• No animals other than authorised horses and ponies are permitted on the premises unless specifically approved by Ballyleigh.

• Guide and assistance dogs will be managed in accordance with applicable access requirements and Ballyleigh's safety arrangements.

• Any horse or pony visiting Ballyleigh must meet Ballyleigh's current health and vaccination requirements.

• Ballyleigh reserves the right to restrict access where visiting horses or ponies do not meet the required health arrangements.

• Animals must never interfere with horses, riders, staff or yard activities.

HORSES, MACHINERY & VEHICLES

• Horses, ponies, farm machinery, vehicles and other equipment may move around the yard and surrounding areas.

• Give way to horses, ponies and machinery at all times.

• Never walk directly behind a horse without appropriate awareness and permission.

• Follow staff instructions whenever horses or machinery are being moved.

• Do not approach, touch or interfere with machinery or vehicles.

• Children must be kept away from machinery and operational areas.

SMOKING & VAPING

• Ballyleigh Riding School operates a strict No Smoking / No Vaping policy.

• Anyone found smoking or vaping in prohibited areas may be asked to leave the premises.

BULLYING, HARASSMENT & BEHAVIOUR

• Ballyleigh operates a zero-tolerance approach to bullying.

• Bullying, harassment, intimidation, threatening behaviour, discrimination or abuse will not be tolerated.

• This applies to riders, parents/guardians, spectators, staff, volunteers and visitors.

• Ballyleigh may remove a person from an activity or the premises where behaviour creates a safety, safeguarding or welfare concern.

• Concerns and complaints should be raised respectfully with Ballyleigh management.

SAFEGUARDING

• Ballyleigh takes the safety and welfare of children seriously.

• Ballyleigh operates safeguarding procedures appropriate to its activities.

• Adults involved in children's activities are expected to maintain appropriate professional boundaries.

• Safeguarding concerns should be reported promptly to the appropriate Ballyleigh safeguarding person.

• Parents/guardians should familiarise themselves with Ballyleigh's safeguarding information.

PHOTOGRAPHY, VIDEO & SOCIAL MEDIA

• Photography and video recording must comply with Ballyleigh's photography and social-media arrangements.

• Parents/guardians must complete the required photography/social-media consent through the booking system where applicable.

• Consent must be checked before children are included in photographs or videos used by Ballyleigh.

• Customers must not photograph, film or publish identifiable images of other children, riders or staff without appropriate permission.

• Do not record private conversations, incidents or safeguarding matters.

• Ballyleigh may ask a person to stop recording where there is a safety, privacy or safeguarding concern.

MEDICAL & EMERGENCY INFORMATION

• Riders and parents/guardians must provide accurate relevant medical and emergency information.

• Ballyleigh must be informed of any change that could affect safe participation.

• Emergency contact details must be kept current.

• Riders must inform staff immediately if they feel unwell, injured or unable to continue.

• In an emergency, Ballyleigh will take reasonable steps to obtain appropriate assistance and contact emergency services where necessary.

ACCIDENTS, INCIDENTS & HAZARDS

• All accidents, injuries and significant incidents must be reported to Ballyleigh staff.

• Near misses and hazards should also be reported.

• Riders and visitors must follow emergency instructions immediately.

• Ballyleigh may record incidents for safety, insurance, safeguarding and management purposes.

WEATHER & CONDITIONS

• Ballyleigh reserves the right to change, shorten, postpone or cancel activities where weather, ground or other conditions create an unacceptable safety or horse-welfare risk.

• Riding may be replaced by stable-management or another suitable activity where appropriate.

• Customers will be informed of changes as soon as reasonably practicable.

• Riders must follow instructions relating to extreme heat, cold, rain, wind, flooding, lightning, snow or other adverse conditions.

• Horse welfare will always be considered when deciding whether riding can safely proceed.

LESSONS, CAMPS & EVENTS

• Additional rules may apply to pony camps, courses, competitions, jumping, hacking and special events.

• Participants must follow event-specific safety briefings.

• Parents/guardians must comply with collection arrangements for children.

• Participants must follow all instructions regarding helmets, body protectors and other protective equipment.

• Ballyleigh may alter activities where necessary for safety, weather, horse welfare or operational reasons.

PARKING & VEHICLE SAFETY

• Parking is permitted only in designated areas.

• Maximum speed on the premises is 5 mph.

• Drivers must drive with particular caution around horses, pedestrians and children.

• Clients leaving Ballyleigh by car must give way to incoming traffic where required for safety.

• Parking is not permitted in staff-only areas, at the bottom of the house, on the drive or where it obstructs access.

• Do not block gates, emergency access, driveways or operational areas.

• The drive is not a pedestrian route except where access is specifically permitted.

PERSONAL PROPERTY

• Customers are responsible for their personal belongings.

• Valuable items should not be left unattended.

• Ballyleigh should be informed promptly of lost property.

• Ballyleigh's liability is subject to applicable law and the current Terms & Conditions.

COMPLAINTS & CONCERNS

• Complaints should be raised respectfully with Ballyleigh management.

• Safety, safeguarding or horse-welfare concerns should be reported immediately.

• Ballyleigh will deal with complaints in accordance with its complaints procedure.

• Abusive, threatening or harassing behaviour will not be accepted as part of a complaint.

RIDING IS A RISK SPORT

Horse riding and working around horses carries inherent risks.

Horses and ponies are animals and may react unpredictably.

Your decision to ride is voluntary.

Ballyleigh takes reasonable measures to manage foreseeable risks and prioritises rider and horse welfare.

Riding hats and appropriate footwear are mandatory while riding.

Back/body protectors are strongly recommended and may be required for certain activities.

Riders are encouraged to consider appropriate personal accident and insurance cover.

AGREEMENT TO THESE RULES

By booking or attending Ballyleigh Riding School, customers confirm that they have had an opportunity to read the applicable rules and booking conditions.

Anyone who does not comply with Ballyleigh's reasonable safety, welfare, safeguarding and conduct requirements may be refused participation or asked to leave.

These rules should be read together with Ballyleigh Riding School's full Terms & Conditions, Safety Statement, safeguarding information and other applicable policies.

Ballyleigh may update these rules from time to time to reflect changes to activities, safety arrangements, horse welfare, safeguarding, insurance requirements or applicable guidance.

The current version published by Ballyleigh is the applicable version.