Policies and Procedures | Meadows of Mendon

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:

Payment is due on the 1st of each month and considered late after the 6th of the month.
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.
We accept payment in check or VENMO (with an additional 2.29% fee for VENMO transactions).
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:

A $25 processing fee will be added to riding costs for the 2nd bill requesting payment.
The 3rd bill requesting payment will have a $50 processing fee.
Bounced checks will incur a $75 processing fee, plus the bank fee, in addition to riding costs and any accrued late fees.
A $25 late fee may be added at MOMS' discretion for consistently late payments.
For payment issues, contact Ms. Amy to discuss arrangements and prevent repetitive billing or involving an accountant.

Receipts:

Receipts are available upon request.
Requests must be made in writing (place in an envelope with payment in the payment box) or via email.
Verbal requests for receipts cannot be accommodated due to the busy nature of the stables; kindly send an email.

Cancellations:

Provide a 24-hour advance notice for cancellations via email or phone, leaving a voicemail. Emails and voicemails record communication date/time.
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:

Give a 24-hour notice for cancellations to allow adequate preparation.
Same-day cancellations result in a full lesson charge. Forgetting to communicate an absence may incur a fee.
No show/no cancel warrants a full lesson charge.
Ms. Amy may decide on allowing a make-up lesson.

MOMS Cancellations:

MOMS may cancel lessons due to extreme weather conditions.
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.
If challenging driving conditions are expected due to snow, MOMS will email and cancel.

Illness/Injury/Surgery:

Stay home if positive for COVID, RSV, flu, or displaying active symptoms. Return to riding when negative and symptom-free.
Surgical procedures require a signed release for a safe return to riding.

Lesson Etiquette:

Avoid dropping off at the gate to minimize issues.
Follow parking instructions, ring the doorbell, and wear masks as per personal choice.
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:

No smoking or e-cigarettes on stables property.
Avoid bringing electronic devices, and volunteers and riders should refrain from using cell phones, tablets, MP3 players, or laptops.
Only animals residing at the stables are allowed, with the exception of dogs in vehicles.

Horse Interaction:

Seek permission before feeding horses, respecting their special diets.
Do not hand-feed horses, and if permitted, place treats in feeding bowls on the floor.
Maintain a safe distance from horses, especially avoiding standing directly behind them.

Behavior and Environment:

Refrain from speaking with instructors during lesson time about scheduling or billing.
Avoid loud, unexpected noises that could startle horses/riders.
Do not stand in entrance ways, lift night bars, or open/close doors without instructor permission.
Encourage a respectful and family-friendly atmosphere; meanness, bragging, or gossiping is not tolerated.
Treat volunteers with respect, and family/marital problems should be resolved outside the stables.

Show-off Rides:

The focus is on developing horsemanship skills, not on being a show barn.
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:

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:

Dress appropriately for safety; inappropriate attire may prevent riding.
Boots with heels are strongly recommended, and sneakers are acceptable for specific situations.
Sandals or slide-on shoes without backs are not permitted.
Follow weather-appropriate attire guidelines for both warm and cold weather.

Photography/Videotaping:

Obtain permission before taking any pictures or videos. Respect the privacy of those who cannot be photographed or videotaped.
Non-compliance may result in the deletion of unauthorized content.

Stables Visits/Security:

Electric fences are in place to prevent horses from leaving their paddocks.
Attend to all family members, and avoid leaving children unattended to prevent injury from electrified fences.
Visits are allowed by appointment or scheduled lessons only.
Contact Ms. Amy for any visits outside scheduled times.
Security measures, including cameras and a locked gate, are in place for the safety of the lesson program.
Authorities may be called in case of doubt or discomfort with security measures.

Meadows of Mendon Stables Social Media:

No individual or group may open social media accounts for the stables.
The stables have an official website and Instagram; contact Ms. Amy if you wish to contribute content.
Unauthorized social media accounts may face legal consequences.