News & Informaion

Barn Rules

  • Payment for lessons is due in advance and on the 1st of each month. (Please note the number of your lesson days in that month.)
  • No smoking in or near the barn!!
  • Never take a horse for granted. They are not dumb or stupid and they need your constant awareness.
  • Please do not hand-feed treats to your horse. Place them inside a bucket.
  • Use your tone of voice to discipline a horse if necessary.
  • Never shout or scream around horses.
  • Never run in or around the barn.
  • Do not run or trot your horse in the barn or in the walkways.
  • Mount and dismount your horse in the riding arenas only.
  • Be a good example and always pick up after yourself. Pick up after others if they are untidy.
  • Put away all tack properly and facing in the proper direction.
  • Pick up any unsafe items that may be lying around and put them away.
  • Never borrow anything without permission.
  • Remember, your relationship with a particular horse is unique and will differ from what someone else will have. Do not listen to negative talk.
  • Our horses, instructors, staff and working students are thoroughly trained to help you learn all aspects of good horsemanship. Don't hesitate to ask for help or to ask questions.

Before and Arriving for Your Lesson
  • Check the lesson schedule on the Yahoo calendar to find out what lesson horse you are riding.
  • Do not bring your dog or other pets to the farm.
  • Dress appropriately for your lesson (see What To Expect For Your First Lesson).
  • Do not wear jewelry or rings to the barn, especially in your lessons.
  • Bring a bottle of water to drink during your lesson.
  • Speed Limit: Please keep your vehicle under 5 mph. Watch especially for children, dogs, poultry and horses and riders that may run unexpectedly into the street.
  • Arrive 15 to 30 minutes before your lesson to allow time to groom, tack and lunge your lesson horse.
  • Always check in with the instructor upon your arrival for your lesson and ask in which riding ring you will be having your lesson.
  • Allow enough time in your schedule to cool down (hand walk) your lesson horse if necessary.

Safety Around Horses

Safety in the Stall / Pasture

  • Gather all of your tack & grooming supplies first before bringing your horse to the cross-tie area.
  • Be certain that the irons (stirrups) on the English saddle are properly run up.
  • Helmets are mandatory whenever you are working around a horse or riding it.
  • Read the name cards above the bridle for any special instructions or equipment needs for your lesson horse.
  • Always talk to your horse, calling him/her by name to get his/her attention before entering the stall or when approaching a turned-out horse in pasture. Let him/her know you're there.
  • Enter the stall calmly and do not slam the stall door.
  • Always approach a horse at his shoulder, never from behind. Make the horse turn around to face you before you enter the stall.
  • Always put a halter on your horse, no matter how well you know him. Never let the lead shank drag on the ground.
  • Never lock yourself in the stall.
  • No more than two people in a stall at a time and one must have horse experience.
  • When working around horses, keep your gestures and movements gentle and quiet. Sudden movement or loud noises can "spook" a horse.
  • Never tie a horse by the reins.

Safety While Grooming

  • Always secure the horse to the cross-ties at both sides at the cheek rings of the halter.
  • Always tie a horse fairly short and with a slip knot-if you need help please ask.
  • Do not leave a haltered horse unattended tied or in the cross-ties.
  • Keep your feet away from the horse's feet. Do not put your hands on the ground.
  • Never kneel down next to your horse when grooming him. Either crouch or squat.
  • Tell a working student about any cuts on the horse, or anything else that may pose a threat to the horse.
  • Do not leave grooming tools out always put them back in the basket when done.
  • Never wrap the reins or lead-shank around your hand.
  • Never stick your fingers or thumbs in the rings or buckles of the halter.
  • Avoid letting reins/lead ropes drag on the ground at anytime.
  • When grooming a tied horse, do not walk under the lead rope to get to the other side. Go behind and around the horse instead, sliding your hand along the side and hindquarters for reassurance. Keep your hand on the horse's tail as you pass to the other side from the rear.
  • Never go under the horse's neck, instead go around the front or rear of the horse.
  • Saddle your lesson horse first then bridle.
  • Always tighten your girth/cinch gradually. Quickly tightened girths may cause a horse to bite at you. Tightening of the girth should be done in at least four stages.
  • With a cross-tied horse that you are ready to bridle, remember to release the horse from the left cross-ties (the horse's left) and slide the halter down onto the neck of the horse and rebuckle the halter to the tightest notch. Then place the reins over the horse's head and bridle the horse.
  • Always clean the hooves before and after every lesson with the hoof pick.

Please read Proper Grooming and Tacking Procedures.

Helmets must be warn by all students. To minimize the risk of head injury, riding instructors require that each rider wear a protective helmet when riding a horse. The American Medical Equestrian Association (AMEA) strongly recommends the use of helmets to minimize or prevent injuries associated with horse riding activities. Helmets used by riders must meet certain standards for retention, chin straps, impact, absorption and penetration tolerances for sharp objects. Our company offers such helmets, each of which bears the seal of the Safety Equipment Institute (SEI)-ASTM.

STUDENTS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO RIDE UNLESS SONDA OR TINA ARE PRESENT, UNLESS YOU OWN YOUR OWN OR ARE LEASING A HORSE!!!!

All lessons are by appointment only-That time is arranged for you.

Payment for lessons is due in advance and on the 1st of each month. (Please note the number of your lesson days in that month.)

Credit towards a future lesson(s) will be given if canceling is due to illness or bad weather. Two attempts will be made to reschedule a makeup lesson at a convenient time for both student and teacher. If student is unable to come to that makeup lesson, money for that lesson will be forfeited. All other cancellations must be made 24 hours in advance of lesson time to receive makeup lesson or you will be charged for the lesson.

Teachers and Azgard Farm have the right to refuse service to anyone.

No Refunds will be given, lesson credit only. There is a $25 Service charge on all returned (NSF) checks.

WARNING

UNDER TEXAS LAW (CHAPTER 87, CIVIL PRACTICE AND REMEDIES CODE), AN EQUINE PROFESSIONAL IS NOT LIABLE FOR AN INJURY TO OR THE DEATH OF A PARTICIPANT IN EQUINE ACTIVITIES RESULTING FROM THE INHERENT RISKS OF EQUINE ACTIVITIES.

Read the law here.