Frequently Asked Questions for Riders
How do I schedule a session?
Sign-ups for a month of sessions will begin 1 week prior to the first day of each month. Riders may attend a single month, skip a month, or attend all year. Reach out to our program via the contact form here on our website.
How do I register as a new rider?
Each rider must have all necessary paperwork complete and turned in to MBTR+VC along with paid enrollment fee. Please find links to our new rider paperwork below:
Please find forms to share with your rider’s physician downloadable at the following links. Fill out and return in person or via email to mbtrvaultingclub@gmail.com.
Unless an agreement has been worked out with the Executive Director in advance, full payment for each month is required to complete a reservation. If full payment has not been received by the 1st of the month, the reservation will be canceled, and another rider allowed to book that session time.
How much are tuition costs and how do I pay?
Full payment is due at registration, unless arrangements have been made in advance with the Executive Director.
Tuition Schedule:
-45-minute private lessons, 60 minute semi-private lessons, riding small group 3-4 riders 90 minutes: $220 for 4 weeks and $275 for 5 weeks. $55 per session.
- 60 minute semi-private or 90 minute vaulting small group (3-6 vaulters): $180 for 4 weeks or $225 for 5 weeks. $45 per session.
-Barn membership for horse time for 60 minute therapy sessions: $120 for 4 weeks and $150 for 5 weeks. $30 per session.
Payment can be made by Zelle to mbtrvaultingclub@gmail.com, or by cash or check.
How should I prepare for a session?
Please arrive at least 5-10 minutes prior to your scheduled riding time to provide time to put on your helmet, put on boots, or use the restroom.Students arriving late may not be able to ride.
Helmets are required. MBTR+VC has helmets available for first lessons, for continuous sessions riders are recommended to purchase their own helmet. All helmets must be dated within 6 years old and not had a concussive fall. Once helmets are older than 6 years or hit the ground in a rider fall they need to be replaced.
Each rider must wear appropriate riding apparel. Please wear long pants, and shoes that completely cover the foot and enclose the toe. A boot with a 1/2-1-inch heel is ideal. For vaulting, water or dance shoes and flexible fitted gymnastic clothing is recommended. Long hair must be pulled back and secured. Jewelry should be removed.
What if I need to cancel my session?
A pro-rated credit will be made if a rider has a medical emergency that prohibits him/her from completing a riding session. Credits will be refunded if they are not used in 3 months, or upon un-enrolling in the program.
MBTR+VC does not issue credits for lessons canceled due to vacations, illness, or conflicting appointments. Riders are required to notify the staff of any cancellation, whether in advance or last-minute. Lessons canceled more than 24 hours in advance can be re-scheduled at the discretion of the staff. If a lesson cannot be re-scheduled, a credit will not be given. Lessons canceled less than 24 hours in advance cannot be rescheduled for a make-up, and no credit will be issued.
MBTR+VC reserves the right to cancel a lesson at any time for safety/weather related reasons. If lessons are canceled for the day, a message will be texted to you. A credit will be issued if lessons are canceled by MBTR+VC.
Do you offer drop-in lessons?
Drop-in lessons are available as the riding schedule allows, at the posted lesson rate. Drop-in lessons could be in addition to, or in lieu of, a regularly scheduled lesson. Please ask to be on our drop-in list if you are interested in riding on an on-call basis.
What happens in the event of inclement weather?
Lesson activities on hot or wet weather days may focus on ground or indoor work, and may not include mounted work. These indoor lesson activities support valuable horsemanship skills and will include exercises to support riding and horse care skills. We believe it is imperative to nurture a generation of well rounded horsemen that learn about the care and maintenance of healthy horses beyond the saddle. If MBTR+VC staff determines an unmounted lesson is appropriate for a hot or wet day a riding makeup lesson day will not be offered. Unmounted work is valuable time spent for students to learn about their horses and the sport and participation is required. If you choose not to participate in unmounted sessions when necessary and credit will not be given.
On days when the weather makes it unsafe to ride, MBTR+VC instructors may choose to hold lessons from the ground (ground work), or may choose to cancel lessons. If lessons are canceled a text message will be sent. A credit will be issued for lessons canceled by MBTR+VC due to weather.
Are there weight restrictions?
Riders must be 225 pounds or less. Instructor discretion is used for all riders to match horses and volunteers for the safety of all. If volunteers or available horses cannot safely manage the rider’s weight and support needs unmounted activities will be planned at the instructor’s and program director’s discretion. All participants over the weight guideline may participate in unmounted or driving horsemanship and equine assisted learning activities.