Lesson Policies Important   - Please read the following     It is mandatory that you pay special attention to the status of your mount after your ride. Plan to spend some extra time after your lesson to ensure that your horse is properly cooled out. Your instructor will address cooling out procedures, but if you have any questions, feel free to ask any member of our staff. Proper care of your horse is part of good horsemanship, and of course that is what we aim to teach here at Potomac Horse Center. In hot weather, classes will end 10 minutes before the hour to allow the horses to walk and cool down. There will be a cool-out charge of $10.00 if your horse is put away excessively sweaty, hot and panting, to be paid prior to your next ride. Please confirm when you check-in for your lesson on whether your horse is scheduled for another class immediately following and should be left tacked. In cold weather, please check with aisle staff regarding blanketing your horse, especially during evening classes. Class Size: Group classes are restricted to a minimum of four (4) and a maximum of eight (8) students, except when the arena is divided, when the maximum will be six (6) students. Mini-Mite classes are 1/2 hour in length & restricted to four (4) children per group. All Mini-Mite riders are required to have an adult to accompany them to and from their lessons. When no more that three (3) register for a class, Potomac Horse Center reserves the right to offer the class as a semi-private (at semi-private rate). Or, the riders have the option of being re-assigned to another group class. When attendance in a group lesson falls to one rider the lesson will run for 30 minutes, with only two riders the lesson will run for 45 minutes. If your partner drops out of a semi-private lesson, your options are; (1) find another partner, (2) pay the private lesson rate, or (3) join a group at your level. MMW1, ABF1, and CBF1 - The first class will be used to teach all students cooling out procedures,  how to mount and dismount, adjust stirrups, and how to get your horse into and out of its stall. Cancellations and Make-Ups:   Cancellations must be made at least 24 hours in advance in order to be eligible for a make-up lesson. In case of illness, make-ups will be scheduled upon receipt of a doctor's note. No more than two (2) cancellations may be used per full session. Make-ups are the student's responsibility and must be scheduled within thirty (30) days of the cancellation or that lesson is forfeited. Make-up lessons are not guaranteed or refundable - they are subject to availability and must be made up within the current session or no later than 30 days into the next session.. Students arriving more than 15 minutes late (10 minutes for 1/2 hour class) will not be permitted to join the lesson and will not be eligible for a make-up lesson. Riders who show up for a lesson in inappropriate clothing or footwear (shorts, sneakers, etc.) will forfeit that lesson and will not be eligible for a make-up lesson. Registration and Payment: Registration for current clients takes place 2 weeks before the end of the previous session. New clients register the following week. A minimum $100 deposit (by check , cash, or credit card) is required at the time of registration. A 5% discount is available for session payment in full by cash or check prior to the first lesson. Payment on a lesson by lesson basis receives no discount. A late fee of $6 will be added to the first instance of a lesson given without payment & the denial of horse assignment upon the second consecutive instance. Balance due will be subtracted from the $100 registration deposit if account is not returned to good standing. Practice Rides: Practice rides are a privilege allowed for clients who are currently registered for lessons at the intermediate level, who can walk, trot, and canter in a group, and who can mount and adjust their tack themselves, with permission of your instructor. Refunds: Potomac Horse Center does not refund lessons except in the case of medical reasons & only when verified by doctor's note. Late Registration: Allowed only on a "space available" basis with a non-refundable $100 deposit. Full payment discount does not apply & cancellation / make-up policy is reduced to one (1) for the remainder of the session. Safety: Potomac Horse Center reserves the right to refuse service to anyone due to safety issues. ( i.e. incorrect attire, excessive weight, inappropriate behavior to staff or other clients, excessive anxiety or language barrier, etc.) Riders are required to wear an ASTM/SEI approved horseback riding helmet manufactured in the USA. All minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian while on Potomac Horse Center premises. Horse Requests: We will try to accommodate your needs, but we are unable to guarantee horse assignment requests. Please note: Information  provided herein represent an abbreviated version of the terms contained in the actual registration forms.