At Twin Lakes Farm, our policies protect our horses, respect our instructors’ time, and ensure a safe, consistent learning environment for every rider.

Scheduling & Attendance

• Recurring lessons: After your Introductory Lesson and placement, lessons are scheduled on a recurring weekly basis through the office.

• Arrival time: Please arrive 10–20 minutes early (30–40 minutes if you have 30x30 barn access) to check in, borrow gear if needed, and reach the ring on time.

• Late arrivals: Lessons end at the scheduled time; late arrivals receive the remaining time.

• Unmounted lessons: At times (weather/ring space), lessons may be unmounted horsemanship; these count the same as mounted lessons.

 

Cancellations & No-Shows

• 24-hour policy: Lessons canceled within 24 hours, or no-shows, are charged in full. This allows us to manage staff, ring space, and horse workloads responsibly. Please provide at least 24-hours notice prior to cancelling.

 

Payments & Card on File

• Card on file (required): A valid card must remain on file at all times for security and to uphold the cancellation policy.

• Accepted payments: You may pay by card, cash, check, or Zelle. Late cancellations and no-shows will be processed to the card on file if another payment isn’t made promptly.

 

Safety, Eligibility & Age

• Age: Riders 6+ years old.

• Weight limit: 180 lb maximum for rider safety and horse welfare.

• Trail rides & pony rides: We do not offer public trail rides, rental rides, or pony rides.

 

Riding Format & Progression

• Discipline: Hunt seat equitation, with structured, level-based progression.

• Group lessons: Our standard format once riders can steer independently at walk/trot.

• Jump frequency: One jump lesson per week maximum.

• Jump height on lesson horses: Up to crossrails–2' within the academy program; higher fences require appropriate leasing/ownership pathways and approval.

 

Weather & Temperature

• Lessons run year-round. If lessons must be canceled, the office will notify you by phone/email.

• Temperature limits (feel-like):

  • No jumping below 20°F or above 80°F.

  • Lessons canceled below 12°F or above 95°F.

  • If you haven’t heard from the office, your lesson is running as scheduled.

 

Equipment & Attire

• Helmets: ASTM/SEI-approved riding helmets are required while mounted (recommended when handling horses).

• Footwear: Paddock boots with a heel are required for riding. No fashion boots, sneakers, sandals, crocs, or flip-flops.

• Safety Vests: Safety vests are required for jump riders under the age of 18. These vests are required to be ASTM-certified. Please ask for assistance with finding the right size.

• Turnout: Clean, tidy attire; hair secured (low ponytail or hairnet). See our “Dress for Success in the Saddle” guide for details.

 

Barn & Arena Etiquette

• General conduct: Drive slowly in the lot; no running or shouting near horses; no umbrellas on property.

• Where to go: Visitors are not permitted in barns/stalls/paddocks without staff. Ask before passing a horse on cross-ties; never duck under cross-ties.

• Arena rules: Call “Door” before entering the indoor; ride left shoulder to left shoulder; call “Inside/Outside/Circle.”

• Horse care: Pick hooves before and after rides. Do not feed treats without verbal permission from the Riding Director, as some horses have a special diet.

• Supervision: Children must be supervised at all times. Siblings of riders should have parent/caretaker supervision at all times.

 

Instruction & Trainers

• Outside trainers: Not permitted. All instruction is provided by Twin Lakes Farm staff to ensure safety and program consistency.

• Communication: Teaching schedules are maintained by the office staff—please email for non-urgent questions. Formal progress updates are provided at trimester end.

 

Leasing & Showing (Overview)

• Leasing: Weekly, summer, and full-lease options are available based on level and horse availability.

• Academy shows: On-property shows offer supportive, educational competition experiences.

 

Social Media & Community Standards

• We celebrate our riders and horses online; we do not tolerate bullying, negativity, or content that conflicts with our barn rules or values. Repeated violations may result in suspension from programs.

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