To ensure an optimal riding experience for all riders, with a primary focus on the safety of our staff, riders, and equine companions, we kindly request your review of our Policies and Procedures at Meadows of Mendon Stables, LLC.
Lesson Monies:
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Payment is due on the 1st of each month and considered late after the 6th of the month.
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Alternatively, pay in full from January to June, as per the provided schedule. To qualify as a package, registration for a program is required, and riding lessons must be utilized during the program dates without carryovers to another season.
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We accept payment in check or VENMO (with an additional 2.29% fee for VENMO transactions).
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Kindly mail checks and forms to the specified address. A mailbox is available in the parking lot for your convenience. Please refrain from handing payments or forms directly.
Horseback riding is a significant investment, considering the expenses associated with feeding, caring, and maintaining these animals. Timely payment of riding fees is crucial. Special arrangements can be discussed if needed.
Late Payment/Bounced Check Fees:
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A $25 processing fee will be added to riding costs for the 2nd bill requesting payment.
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The 3rd bill requesting payment will have a $50 processing fee.
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Bounced checks will incur a $75 processing fee, plus the bank fee, in addition to riding costs and any accrued late fees.
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A $25 late fee may be added at MOMS' discretion for consistently late payments.
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For payment issues, contact Ms. Amy to discuss arrangements and prevent repetitive billing or involving an accountant.
Receipts:
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Receipts are available upon request.
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Requests must be made in writing (place in an envelope with payment in the payment box) or via email.
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Verbal requests for receipts cannot be accommodated due to the busy nature of the stables; kindly send an email.
Cancellations:
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Provide a 24-hour advance notice for cancellations via email or phone, leaving a voicemail. Emails and voicemails record communication date/time.
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Emergency situations/illness may arise, and while we understand and appreciate these circumstances, repeat offenders will be subject to our policy to ensure proper staffing.
Client Cancellations:
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Give a 24-hour notice for cancellations to allow adequate preparation.
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Same-day cancellations result in a full lesson charge. Forgetting to communicate an absence may incur a fee.
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No show/no cancel warrants a full lesson charge.
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Ms. Amy may decide on allowing a make-up lesson.
MOMS Cancellations:
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MOMS may cancel lessons due to extreme weather conditions.
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Extreme weather criteria include temperatures exceeding 90 degrees or feeling like 95 or above, or temperatures below 15 degrees or feeling like 10 degrees or colder.
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If challenging driving conditions are expected due to snow, MOMS will email and cancel.
Illness/Injury/Surgery:
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Stay home if positive for COVID, RSV, flu, or displaying active symptoms. Return to riding when negative and symptom-free.
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Surgical procedures require a signed release for a safe return to riding.
Lesson Etiquette:
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Avoid dropping off at the gate to minimize issues.
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Follow parking instructions, ring the doorbell, and wear masks as per personal choice.
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Punctuality is crucial, and riders on lease/full-day programs should bring lunch and snacks. Failure to send snacks/lunch may result in a fee.
Safety Measures:
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No smoking or e-cigarettes on stables property.
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Avoid bringing electronic devices, and volunteers and riders should refrain from using cell phones, tablets, MP3 players, or laptops.
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Only animals residing at the stables are allowed, with the exception of dogs in vehicles.
Horse Interaction:
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Seek permission before feeding horses, respecting their special diets.
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Do not hand-feed horses, and if permitted, place treats in feeding bowls on the floor.
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Maintain a safe distance from horses, especially avoiding standing directly behind them.
Behavior and Environment:
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Refrain from speaking with instructors during lesson time about scheduling or billing.
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Avoid loud, unexpected noises that could startle horses/riders.
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Do not stand in entrance ways, lift night bars, or open/close doors without instructor permission.
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Encourage a respectful and family-friendly atmosphere; meanness, bragging, or gossiping is not tolerated.
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Treat volunteers with respect, and family/marital problems should be resolved outside the stables.
Show-off Rides:
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The focus is on developing horsemanship skills, not on being a show barn.
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Large groups of observers are not accommodated during regular riding sessions; schedule a show-off ride to share achievements with family and friends.
Scheduling of Horses:
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Horse assignments, unless part of a full-time lease, are at the instructor's discretion considering horse rotation, other riders, and rider abilities.
Stables Attire:
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Dress appropriately for safety; inappropriate attire may prevent riding.
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Boots with heels are strongly recommended, and sneakers are acceptable for specific situations.
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Sandals or slide-on shoes without backs are not permitted.
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Follow weather-appropriate attire guidelines for both warm and cold weather.
Photography/Videotaping:
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Obtain permission before taking any pictures or videos. Respect the privacy of those who cannot be photographed or videotaped.
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Non-compliance may result in the deletion of unauthorized content.
Stables Visits/Security:
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Electric fences are in place to prevent horses from leaving their paddocks.
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Attend to all family members, and avoid leaving children unattended to prevent injury from electrified fences.
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Visits are allowed by appointment or scheduled lessons only.
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Contact Ms. Amy for any visits outside scheduled times.
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Security measures, including cameras and a locked gate, are in place for the safety of the lesson program.
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Authorities may be called in case of doubt or discomfort with security measures.
Meadows of Mendon Stables Social Media:
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No individual or group may open social media accounts for the stables.
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The stables have an official website and Instagram; contact Ms. Amy if you wish to contribute content.
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Unauthorized social media accounts may face legal consequences.