Academy Program Expectations 

Cancellation Policy: We adhere to a strict 24-hour cancellation policy. If you are feeling ill please call us as soon as possible to cancel your lesson. We will contact you if lessons are cancelled by the barn due to weather, instructor illness or other issue that may arise.

Cancelled lessons should be rescheduled with your instructor. Lesson packages expire at the end of each month and missed lessons do not carry over to the next month unless the cancellation occurred in the last week of the month.

For Riders

● Proper attire for riding lessons includes long pants (breeches or jods), paddock boots or boots with a heel, and a form fitting top. Please, no loose or baggy clothing, be prepared to wear layers during colder weather and bring drinking water during hot weather.

● Riders are encouraged to acquire their own helmet and riding crop; however, these items are available to borrow for first-timers and beginners just starting. 

● Always treat Rushton Stables and Courtship Ranch staff and borders, horses, facility and equipment with kindness and respect. 

● Listen to the instructions given by your instructor and staff at all times. Horses are large animals and the safety of all people and animals in the facility depends on riders listening to instructions carefully. 

● Accept the decisions and recommendations of instructors as fair and in the best interest of your riding and development. 

For Parents 

● Parents are asked to be engaged in their child’s interest in horses. We kindly ask that parents remain present during riding lessons, ask questions of the instructor as they arise, and maintain an open line of communication regarding the goals and interests of the rider. 

● Please respect signage posted at the ranch in order to maintain order and safety during lessons for all people and animals within the facility. 

● Parents and family members are kindly asked to remain observers in all aspects of the lesson. Do not instruct, criticize or coach your child. Leave the job of coaching to the instructors.

• Parents and family members are kindly asked to refrain from petting and feeding treats to horses on the ranch. These are privately owned animals each with their own training and feeding program, we ask that you respect their owner’s wishes.

Payment, Fees and Cancelation Policy

Effective January 1, 2023

• Lessons are pre-paid on a monthly basis. 
• Tuition is due by the 25th of the month for the upcoming month. 
• Rushton Stables, LA has the right to remove any client from the schedule who has a balance that is past due. 
• $15 late fee will apply to lessons if payment is not received by the 3rd.

●  Scheduling

• Schooling sessions occur on a month-to-month basis and each session begins on the first day of every month.
• Registration for new riders can be done by emailing RushtonStablesLA@aol.com or calling/texting 323-365-2035 . Riders enrolling in subsequent sessions can register with their current Riding Instructor.
• Single riding lessons can be scheduled with your instructor.
  

●  Pricing 

• Kids 12+ and Adults: Monthly sessions are $380 per session and include one one-hour-long lesson per week. Two one-hour long lessons per week is $760 per month.

• Short Stirrup Kids 7-11 years old: Monthly sessions are $350 per session and include one 45-minute-long lessons per week. Two 45-minute-long lessons per week is $700 per month.

• Payment for each session is due by the 3rd day of each month. We gladly accept the following forms of payment: Cash, Check, Credit Card, PayPal, Zelle and Venmo.

• Single Lessons –  hour-long lessons can be scheduled for $85 per lesson or $75 for Short Stirrup riders (45 minute lesson). Single lessons are only available as add ons for students already enrolled in a regular lesson program.

• Tiny tot lessons (for ages 6 and under) $590 for 12 week program for Children 3-6 years old. Upon completion of the program, based on the recommendation of the instructor, the child will move up to the Short-Stirrup Program or may repeat the 12 week program until the child is physically and emotionally mature enough to start the Short Stirrup Program.

• Half Leases – $820 per month. Include rides per week, may be any combination of lessons and practice rides up to 3 per week.

●  Makeup Classes and Absences 

• Make-up lessons do not carry over to the next month, with the exception of a proper cancellation within the last week of classes, at which point the student will have thirty days to reschedule. It is the student’s responsibility to arrange any makeup lessons carried over into the subsequent session.
• Make-up lessons are only valid for current, enrolled students. Make-up lessons cannot be banked and all previous make-up lessons will expire immediately upon non-payment of tuition.
• If you are planning to stop riding for a month or longer, please email us at RushtonStablesLA@aol.com know by the 25th of the previous month.
  

●  Holidays/Stable Closures 

• 2023 Holiday Closures: July 29 – August 6, Thanksgiving Day, December 23 – January 1 (Classes resume on January 2). Our monthly rates are based on a yearly calendar of 50 weeks of lessons, so the full tuition is due during the months that we have scheduled breaks.

• Lessons for Minors

Riding horses is a dangerous activity and guardians are asked to remain on the premises during any lesson involving a minor. Any guardian that chooses to leave the premises during a lesson for a minor should be prepared to sign-out.