Frequently Asked Questions
Little Harbour Stables reserves the right to modify this policy at any time or without notice.
Last update: May 26, 2009
1) When is Little Harbour Stables open? What is the best way to contact Little Harbour Stables?
We're open Tuesday to Sunday, closed Mondays. Yearly we're open spring, summer and fall. Some lessons may be available throughout the winter months, depending both on footing and weather conditions. If you do choose to continue riding into the winter, proper gloves, boots, jacket and leg protection are essential.
To get in contact with Little Harbour Stables quickly, phone and e-mail are the preferred methods. Keep in mind, we are a small scale operation and there may not always be someone present to take your call. If this is the case, leaving a message on the answering machine will ensure that someone gets back to you ASAP.
2) What happens if it rains/snows the that day that I'm scheduled to have a lesson/trail ride? What if I have to cancel for other reasons?
It is always best to check the weather forecast ahead of time when booking a trail ride, as all lessons/trail rides take place outdoors and are therefore weather permitting. If it happens to be raining/snowing 30 mins before the scheduled trail ride it will be canceled. Little Harbour Stables will call you to confirm. Riding lesson students will have the option of doing a barn lesson if weather conditions are not suitable for riding.
If for other reasons you choose to cancel or reschedule a lesson/trail ride, we ask that you please call at least 5 hours prior to the scheduled lesson/trail ride.
3) What is your policy for students showing up late, or not at all?
If a student is unable to make it here on time, the lesson/trail ride will begin when the student arrives and will end at the time originally scheduled. The price of the lesson/trail ride will be the same. However, if the student is up to half an hour late, the lesson/trail ride will be considered canceled.
If a student is absent from a lesson/trail ride without proper notification, the student will be charged for the un-notified absence.
4) If two or more students from the same household are attending a lesson/trail ride together, am I obligated to cancel if one or more cannot attend?
Yes, if any student isn't able to attend a lesson/trail ride, it is expected that Little Harbour Stables be notified of the absence prior to the lesson/trail ride. If a student is absent from a lesson/trail ride without proper notification, the student will be charged for the un-notified absence.
5) Are there weight restrictions for riders?
Yes. Due to a limited amount of lesson horses, Little Harbour Stables is unable to accommodate anyone who weighs an excess of 210lbs. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
6) What should I wear to my riding lessons or trail ride? Is there anything I should avoid wearing?
All paying students must wear a helmet, no exceptions. You will have the choice of using your own (a bicycle helmet will do) or using one of ours. If you plan to continue riding, a properly fitted riding helmet is an excellent investment. It is also important to note that fall, winter and early spring can be cold, please dress appropriately!
I SHOULD WEAR...
- Helmet - proper riding helmet (can be provided by LHS, but it is preferred if students have their own)
- Boots with a slight heal - proper riding boots, rubber boots or hiking/paddock boots
- Long pants - jodhpurs, jeans, jogging pants
- For fall, winter, early spring - please wear a hat, gloves, jacket, warm pants
I SHOULDN'T WEAR...
- Sandals, flip flops
- Shorts
- Splash pants
- Mittens
7) Can I claim the cost of lessons/trail rides on my taxes?
Yes, any resident of Nova Scotia under the age of 17 is eligible for the Healthy Living Tax Incentive. Please visit the Healthy Living Tax Incentive web site for more information.
8) For best results, how many lessons should I attend?
You can attend as many or as few lessons as desired. For best results however, a minimum of 1 or 2 lessons are recommended per week. This helps to keep lesson content from being forgotten, and allows the rider adequate time to practice newly learned skills.
9) Am I permitted to visit with the horses after my lesson?
Yes, students are encouraged to spend time with the horses after their lesson. You can learn a great deal from simply observing a horse in it's surroundings. Please note that if students do choose to stay after a lesson, they will not be supervised by Little Harbour Stables, therefore parents may wish to accompany younger students. Under no circumstances are students permitted to enter the fields with any of the horses, unless accompanied by the instructor.
10) What is the age limit for lessons or trail rides?
Lessons are currently provided to anyone 7 years old and up (some exceptions). Trail rides are provided to anyone 10 years old and up (some exceptions).
11) What is the maximum number of students per lesson or trail ride?
Little Harbour Stables takes a maximum of 3 students per lesson (for group lessons), and a maximum of 2 riders per trail ride.
12) Will students be allowed to ride alone?
13) How does learning to ride benefit me?
Learning to work with and ride horses can be an exceptionally rewarding experience for people of all ages.
Young people can benefit a great deal from learning proper horsemanship. They will learn responsibility, since looking after horses is very time-consuming and requires a great deal of dedication; they will build self-confidence, in working with animals much larger and more powerful than themselves; they will also learn to be patient and calm when facing frustrating situations. And of course, horseback riding is an excellent way, for both young people and adults, to get and stay in shape!
|
