Note: Horse covers pony or horse as appropriate.
This is less relevant for Dressage classes.

1.    Before a lesson starts, horses will be allocated to riders taking into account the type of lesson, rider experience and suitability of the horse.

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If the Instructor feels an animal is not suitable for that rider, they can re-allocate the horse or request another horse be provided.

 

If the Instructor thinks that any other conditions are not suitable, they can pause or cancel the lesson eg: severe weather conditions, adjacent noisy activity, an incident which diverts attention or upsets riders, loose dog etc.

 

2.    Where people and horses are together in restricted space, there is a risk of being kicked.

 

Signs say No Pedestrians, dogs or push chairs are allowed in the area which stretches roughly from the access path to the Indoor School around to the stables office area of the stable top stable block.

 

An exception is made for a parent/carer of young/vulnerable riders.

 

3.    All riders to mount horses in the mounting area.

 

Riding hats are essential (some available for loan)
Body protectors are strongly recommended (some available for loan)

 

Mounting block to help get on horse. Instructor to check that rider can get on and that girth is tight –

 

instructor to demonstrate how girth can be tightened.

 

Instructor to check stirrup length.

 

When satisfied Instructor to lead riders to school.

 

4.    If riders have to pass rising barrier, instructor to make sure barrier is raised before riders reach it and closed when last rider passes.

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5.    If using an out-door school, the entrance drive has to be crossed– cars, pedestrians and horses use the same drive. Risk of accident in drive. 

sign on entrance warns drivers
Sign in drive tells drivers max speed is 10 mph.

Instructor to check drive before leading riders across.

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6.    The objective of the lesson is to teach riders to ride better, and, if the rider is so inclined, to develop riding and jumping skills to a higher level.

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7.    The Instructor will have a lesson plan for the lesson.
They will normally have some warm up activities, during which the Instructor will check rider’s position, attitude etc.

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8.    The stages in the lesson will be decided by the Instructor in general terms. After warm-up, the typical stages (after Tiny Tots or Lead Rein classes) will be walk, trot, canter, jump, depending on the ability and confidence of the riders. Not all stages will take place in each lesson – it depends on the specific circumstances of the riders, horses and conditions. Risks increase as riders move through those stages.

9.    During the lesson, the risks include:

horses being distracted
riders being distracted
horses colliding
Horses veering off course
Horses refusing a jump
Horses tripping falling.

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10.    Instructor to ensure that any spectators are in a suitable location where they will not distract riders/horses.

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11.    Spectators to be reminded that they should not try to give instructions to riders

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12.    If a spectator raises a concern during the lesson, the Instructor must pause the lesson safely and consider what is said and if necessary request assistance.

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13.    If a rider raises any concerns during the lesson, the Instructor must pause the lesson safely and consider them and respond as thought fit.

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14.    The Instructor may at times encourage a rider to impulse the horse a little more, change rein, or to have another attempt at a manoeuvre. In doing do, the Instructor will take account of the rider and of any comments or signs to avoid pushing the rider/horse beyond their capability.

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15.    If a horse veers or refuses a jump. The Instructor will take into account: 
Is the jump within the capability of the rider.
If so, should the rider be helped to make another attempt and should the Instructor position themself and/or other riders in a suitable place to encourage the rider/horse.

In all cases, the Instructor will check with the rider and take into account any comments etc.
If the jump is to be terminated, or lowered, the Instructor should try to avoid affecting the riders confidence.

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16.    In the event of an accident, the Instructor must pause the lesson, make sure other riders are in a safe position, if necessary call for help (by phone or tell someone to fetch another Instructor etc) and check the rider who has had the accident, ensuring any loose horse is under control/not causing further problems.

Subsequent action depends on the apparent severity of the accident. It may be a period of calm, local on-the-spot treatment, or arranging for a visit to hospital.

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17.    An accident sheet should be completed and if necessary (eg a fracture) a Partner should be asked to complete a  RIDDOR report online.