Safety
Safety is something we take very seriously at Stourport Riding Centre. We pride ourselves on the high standards we require right through from horse selection and behaviour to the training of our staff. Our excellent facilities provide people of all ages and abilities to be involved and enjoy the sport in the safest environment possible. We also have our
- Riders Risk Assessment covering riding and Pony Care
- Child Protection Policy
- Our Health and Safety Policy and Policy Statement
- Risk Assessment for Facility Hire
- Fire Risk Assessment
- These are all available for viewing on request and we are happy to help any visiting groups • with any supporting paperwork you may need for your visit.
Policies and Procedures
Payments & bookings
We require all bookings to be made in advance. Group lessons can be paid for on arrival. Private lessons cannot be booked without payment in full to secure the lesson. We operate a strict 24 hour cancellation policy for all private lessons without exception. If a lesson is cancelled within 24 hours, the payment is non-refundable. If the lesson is cancelled with more than 24 hours’ notice we can either re book straight away, transfer the money onto your account which you can use at a later date or ask for a refund.
Methods of Payment
We accept cash and cheques and card payments. We are also able to take payment over the phone.
Beginner Riders/ Ability Grouping
Lead rein may be required for beginner riders for safety reasons. This is provided usually by the centre. The Instructor will advise when lead rein is no longer required. All of our groups are organised so that riders of the same ability ride together. This is assessed by our Instructors and you will be advised which is the most suitable lesson for your ability.
Instructors
We hope you will be happy with all of our Instructors but if you feel you are not getting the best from the lesson please discuss your concerns with them or the Management Team. You are more than welcome to transfer to another Instructor if you wish.
Horses
We have a wonderful selection of horses and ponies for all abilities and levels. They also have individual weight limits. We will match you with an appropriate horse and if you find a horse which you particularly like, the Reception Team is more than happy to add this ‘request’ to your details. We try to meet all horse ‘requests’ but we cannot guarantee this for all lessons as we limit their work loads and they require days off.
Equipment & Safety
All riders are required to wear:
- A riding hat. This must be BSEN1384 Kite marked as a minimum and we strongly recommend a PAS015 Kite mark or above. This can be your own riding hat or you can hire one from Reception at no extra cost. The Reception Team will assist you in fitting your hat. We can also order hats in if you if you would like to purchase one.
- Appropriate foot wear; boots or wellingtons- something with a slights heel (roughly half and inch) Trainers are unsuitable for riding in.
We strongly recommend wearing:
- Long sleeved tops
- Gloves
- Back protectors
- Loose trousers; jodhpurs or leggings as they give you more movement.
And that you do not wear:
- Strappy Tops
- Trainers
- Jeans or Shorts
- Skirts of any description
The Reception Team are happy to advise you further and order any equipment which you may require.
Accident Forms
Horses can sometimes be unpredictable and accidents occasionally happen. If you should have any kind of accident an Instructor will be on hand to assist you, implement First Aid if: needed and/or get you back into your lesson. With any accident, however small, you will be required to complete an accident form. The Reception Team will assist you with this. We follow strict Health & Safety guidelines and you may receive a call after the lesson to see how you are.
Shop
We have a wide range of clothing and equipment which you may require including Hats, Jodhpurs, Boots, Coats and Tops. We are more than happy to order in other sizes and colours where applicable.
Social Media & Website
You can follow us on Facebook. We use these to update our clients and to advertise Events, Special Offers or Discounts. Special Offers and Discounts are on a first come first served bases so early booking is recommended. Our 24 hour Cancellation policy will still apply to last minute bookings.
Compliments and Complaints
If you would like to put forward a compliment please speak to Reception who will pass it onto the relevant member of staff. We would also like to encourage you to put it in writing which we would then like to use in our ‘Customer Testimonials’ on our website. If you have any complaints please speak with Reception straight away and we will assist in resolving your concerns as quickly as possible, keeping you informed every step of the way.
Contact Details
Please try to keep your details up to date with us. There are times when we may need to contact you or return your call and this is difficult to do if telephone numbers have changed. An email address is a great way for us to communicate as this rarely changes.