Pony Pros Lesson Policies and Agreement

Thank you for choosing Pony Pros to help you or your child learn to ride and care for horses. We’re excited to welcome you into our community! Please take a few moments to review our updated lesson policies and agreement.

 

1. Enrollment and Tuition

Enrollment:
Enrollment is open year-round. You may begin lessons at any time, pending availability. Your first month is prorated based on when you start.

Tuition and Billing:

• Tuition is billed monthly and automatically charged to the credit or debit card on file on the date you select for your billing date.
   

• Your first month’s tuition will be prorated based on your start date.
   

• After your first month, the same tuition amount is billed each month, regardless of holidays or the number of weeks in the month.
   

• Declined cards must be updated within 2 weeks to avoid losing your lesson spot.
   

Tuition Rates:

• Tot/Preschool Group: $300/month Once per week riding lesson. Option to participate in 1 fun barn day per month where kids learn horse management with friends

• Once per week lessons: $350/month Once per week riding lesson on a school horse plus 2 horsemanship classes per month

• Twice per week lessons: $700/month Twice per week riding lesson on a school horse plus 2 horsemanship classes per month.
   

Additional services such as schooling at a show, extra lessons, or lease rides will be billed separately at published rates.

 

2. Annual Schedule and Holidays

Pony Pros operates on a 48-week annual lesson schedule. We close for approximately 4 weeks per year, aligning with Bend-La Pine School District breaks:

• 1 week over Thanksgiving
   

• 2 weeks for Winter Break
   

• 1 week for Spring Break
   

We may also close for single-day holidays (Memorial Day, 4th of July, etc). If your lesson falls on a one-day holiday closure, you’ll be eligible for one make-up lesson within 30 days.

In the event of smoke, extreme weather, or other unforeseen conditions, an unmounted horsemanship class will be substituted. These sessions are valuable and considered equal to mounted instruction. Expect 2–4 cancellations per year for wind or snow, and up to 2 weeks per year for smoke.

 

3. Attendance, Make-Ups, and Scheduling

• Each rider is assigned a dedicated day and time with a suitable lesson horse and a group of riders of similar level.
   

• Tuition is due in full regardless of missed lessons.
   

• One make-up lesson per month may be scheduled, based on availability. Make-up lessons must be used within 30 days.
   

• Unexplained no-shows are considered a withdrawal from the program.
   

• Riders may request a permanent schedule change once every 90 days by contacting the main line.
   

To get the most out of your lessons:
Make attendance a priority—consistent riding is the key to progress and safety.

 

4. Rider Requirements and Conduct

Riders must:

• Arrive on time (no more than 5 minutes early unless tacking up, in which case up to 25 minutes early).
   

• Wear proper attire:
   

  • English: riding breeches and boots
     

  • Western: jeans and boots
     

  • Vaulting: stretch pants and soft shoes
     

  • No shorts.
     

• Purchase a certified riding helmet within 30 days of starting lessons.
   

• Riders who canter off the lungeline must wear a riding vest.
   

All riders must be coachable, kind, and maintain a positive attitude.
Parents are expected to be supportive of their child’s sport through both successes and setbacks—falling off is a natural part of learning to ride.

Safety Note: Riders who wish to lope/canter of the lungeline must be enrolled in two lessons per week.

 

5. Dropping or Pausing Enrollment

You may drop your enrollment at any time by emailing us at info@ponyprofessionals.com 

• Drop requests must be submitted by the 15th of the month prior to your intended final month.
   

• Requests received after the 15th will still incur the following month’s tuition.
   

Important:
Drop requests must be made through email. Verbal, text, or email requests will not be processed. Re-enrollment after withdrawal is subject to availability, and current students on the waitlist receive priority.

 

6. Communication

• All scheduling changes should be discussed directly with your instructor.
   

• For other concerns or questions, please contact the barn line or email: info@ponyprofessionals.com
   

• If your current instructor or horse doesn’t feel like the best match, let us know—we’re happy to reassign you to a better fit.
   

 

7. Additional Services and Fees

Additional services outside the scope of this agreement (such as horse shows, lease rides, or clinics) will be automatically charged to the card on file at the time of service.

 

8. Program Philosophy and Grouping

Riders are automatically grouped by ability and level. This supports our barn culture of camaraderie, teamwork, and encouragement, which leads to better learning and a more enjoyable experience for everyone.

 

9. No Guarantee and Rider Progress

Pony Pros does not guarantee specific results.
Progress depends on the rider’s consistency, effort, and attitude.

As a general guide:

• Beginner: <20 hours
   

• Novice: 21–80 hours
   

• Intermediate: 81–200 hours
   

• Advanced: 201–400 hours
   

• Experienced: 400–1,000 hours
   

• Amateur: 1,000–10,000 hours
   

• Professional: 10,000+ hours
   

It typically takes about 2.5 years of twice-weekly lessons to reach confident, independent cantering suitable for shows or trail riding. Progress is made faster, though, if the rider is 10 or older.

 

10. Acknowledgment

By enrolling in Pony Pros lessons, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to the above policies. These policies ensure safety, fairness, and a positive learning environment for all riders.