Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Please read on for some of our regularly asked questions and their answers. If you don't find the answer to your question, please feel free to contact us and we would be delighted to help you.
WET WEATHER POLICY
We do not cancel lessons for rain. If it is too heavy to ride in, we will continue with off-horse horsemanship lessons under cover. Please note if you decide not to attend a wet-weather lesson you will be forfeiting that lesson and will NOT be refunded.
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If there is thunder and lightning around and is therefore unsafe to drive and ride, we will notify all clients via text message of cancellation. We will try to do this with sufficient time, however we do wait until there is 100% chance of the storm hitting us before we cancel as a lot of the time they go around us!
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NO DOGS allowed on the property at ANY time - including inside cars.
If you bring a dog with you, you will be asked to wait outside the front gate.
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Q: Where can I be updated on weather cancellations, lesson availability, term start and finish dates, etc?
A: We diligently update our facebook and instagram pages with all this information, plus other fun facts and posts.
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Q: It's a public holiday, is my lesson still on?
A: YES. We do not cancel lessons for public holidays.
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Q: Can I bring treats for the school horses?
A: Yes! Our horses love getting fed tasty treats like carrots and apples. However, please make sure you ask an instructor before feeding them.
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Q: Can I pat the horses in the paddocks?
A: No. The horses in the paddocks are often not owned by the school and we cannot guarantee their temperament or your safety. Please do not go near these horses or feed them anything.
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Q: Can I request a specific horse for my/my child's lesson?
A: Whilst we encourage parents and riders to discuss their favourite horses and preferences for horses with the instructors, you cannot demand a specific horse. All of our horses have days off where they are not available, may be needed in other lessons, or the instructor may have an excellent reason for putting you on a different horse. Please trust their judgement.
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Q: What do I wear for horse riding?
A: All riders must wear closed in shoes and long pants. This is for their own safety and comfort. We will refuse to teach you if you fail to wear appropriate attire.
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Q: Can I pay cash for my lesson?
A: As a business we prefer not to deal in cash. Your payment secures your booking, so if you have not paid for your lesson before your lesson time, you may lose that spot. We encourage all students to pay for the term upfront, or if you need to pay week to week we ask that you pay well in advance for your weekly lesson to ensure you don't lose your spot!
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Q: What if I have to cancel my lesson?
A: We require 24 hours notice for cancellation or else you will be charged for the lesson. If you are not coming to your lesson please message us so that we know not to expect you, our instructors spend a lot of time planning lessons and bringing in specific horses for each student each week, please don't leave them waiting wondering where you are!
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Q: Can I have a makeup lesson if I miss one?
A: We require 24 hours notice of any cancellations. If you abide by this rule and can reschedule your appointment at the timedof cancellation, yes you can do a makeup. Please note that we do not guarantee makeup lessons will be available that suit your schedule so it is best to attend your original lesson time if possible.
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Q: What if I'm running late for my lesson?
A: Please do your best to be a few minutes early for you lesson, as we are tightly scheduled and being late for your lesson will result in a shorter lesson for you. If you are running late, please send us a text to let us know. If we are running late, rest assured you will receive your full lesson time.
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Q: My child has a running nose, can they still come to lessons?
A: If you, your child or their siblings are sick in any way, please do not attend your riding lesson. We will refuse to teach you. Our health and the health of our students and community is of the utmost importance. Please note this is not ONLY in relation to COVID 19, but all illness.
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Q: Where do I park?
A: We have a gravel carpark area near the round yard. Please do not continue to drive past the round yard. Entry is through the gate next to the round yard and carpark. Please do not park on the grass. Please shut all gates behind you.
Q: I'm early for my lesson, can I come into the tack up area and get ready?
A: No. No one is allowed into the tack up area without the permission of an instructor.
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Q: If I'm unhappy about something, what can I do?
A: Rudeness, bullying or aggression toward our staff will absolutely not be tolerated, by either parents or children. You will be asked to leave and a refund will not be offered. With that said, we welcome questions, queries and constructive criticism, but we expect all issues to be presented with respect. Smacking, kicking and physical abuse towards the horses will not be tolerated. You will be asked to leave and a refund will not be offered.
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Q: Can I come in to ask about lessons?
A: No. Entry to Ravens Park Equestrian Centre is by appointment only, pleased not drop in to visit without an appointment FOR ANY REASON.
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Please Note: All children (including siblings) MUST be under the control and supervision of their parents or guardians AT ALL TIMES. Please do not allow your children to climb on the gates, run up to the ponies, disturb other lessons or clients etc. The safety of your children is YOUR responsibility. Whilst our horses have excellent manners, they are still animals and may bite or kick at any moment, please don’t let your children around them unsupervised.
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Even though our horses are superstars, they are not robots and may still react to things such as children running, umbrellas, soccer balls, screaming children, etc. Please think.