All clients must take a half-hour private Introductory lesson.  A release form must be signed by all clients or their parents if under 18 years of age.

It is New York law, that all riders under the age of 18 wear an ASTM-SEI approved helmet.  It is our policy that adults do the same.  The chin straps on helmets should fit snugly for a safe fit.  We strongly suggest that riders purchase their own helmets, but we do have helmets for first time riders and short term usage.   A shoe with a heel about one inch in size is required.  As a rider becomes more proficient, proper riding boots should be purchased.

Payment is expected at the time of the lesson.  Prepaid packages are available for Southlands members participating in group lessons.  There is a payment box in the Main Barn just outside the office.  Please place cash or checks in an envelope with your name on it.  There is a $25.00 charge for returned checks.  An office fee of $5.00 per lesson will be charged for any lesson billed.   Generating and mailing bills is very costly!

We have a 24 hour cancellation policy.  Students who cancel with less than 24 hours notice will be charged $20.00 for the missed lesson.  If we are given more than 24 hours notice, you will not be charged.  Students who do not keep a regular riding schedule may lose their time slot.  Cancellations may also be written on the green chalk board outside the office.  Please call the office in cases of inclement weather.  We are only closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Days.

The bulletin board outside the office has information regarding upcoming clinics and shows as well as rate and other important information.  Please check it regularly.

The daily riding schedule is posted outside the school tack room in the Main Barn.  Locate your name and your mount.  Inside the tack room is a list of school horses and the equipment they require.  If your horse or pony needs polo wraps, please ask a staff member for assistance in putting them on.

The Southlands Foundation is first and foremost a school.  Students will be taught proper grooming and tacking as part of the lesson.  Students should arrive at least 20 minutes before the scheduled lesson in order to groom and tack their mount.  Additionally, students should expect to spend 20-30 minutes after the lesson to properly care for their horse and equipment.

Barn Rules

There is NO SMOKING in or around the barns.  Cigarette butts should be placed in appropriate containers and not left on the ground.

No running in the barns or around the rings.

Always dismount and walk your horse through doorways.  Never ride horses into the barn.

Please ask for assistance when passing horses on cross-ties with your horse.

Before leaving the barn for your lesson, please be sure not leave any halters, lead ropes or grooming equipment on the floor of the aisles.

After your lesson:

All tack should be returned to the tack room.  Bridles should be cleaned and returned to the proper hook.

Polo wraps should be put in the laundry bin or re-rolled and returned to the cabinet.  Please ask a staff member if you are unsure about how to re-roll; there is a proper way!

In the summer months, horses should be cool and sponged off before returning them to their stall.  In the winter months, horses should be cool, dry and groomed before blanketing and returning to their stall.  Feet should always be picked following a lesson too.

Please pick up after your horse:  hair, manure, and hoof pickings.

Dogs must be on a leash in and around the barns and rings.

Please observe the 10 m.p.h. speed limit on driveways and parking lot.

For safety reasons, all children under 10 years old must be supervised by a parent.