Safety Center

Youth / Adults / Families Contact Policy

La Fleur Stables / Madison Riding Academy is looking forward to your visit.  We understand that sometimes schedules change, so we request that you contact us by email at Neva@Lstables.com a minimum of 24 hours before your scheduled appointment when changing or canceling your appointment.  Works that are "No Show"  will incur a charge of 100% of the service amount. 4 Lesson Package expires within 30 days from your start dates—no missed or make-up session in the session time on lessons. No refund or credit will be given for failure to cancel or complete a horse session. 8 Lesson Package expires within 365 days from the start date.

 If the City of Madison declarations a Snow Emergency, power outages, health mandates, or other unforeseen events, our stables follow the city of Madison protocols.  We will try to inform you prior too. Our team values your time and feels that it is fair to honor the same policies we hold for our customers. 

Fees/Payments are due before the Horse Programs STARTS.  Checks, Cash, and Credit Cards are accepted. 

If you are ILL, please contact your Instructor via email before noon; if possible, on the lesson day, the onset of illness occurs while at the stables; we will separate you from others and ask for your departure. 

Keeping Us and You Informed.  The best to do is face-to-face commutation. The other way is to email neva@lstables.com. 

The stable is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal property, including clothing.  Participants are discouraged from bringing personal items beyond what is needed for the day. Please DO NOT bring cell/mobile devices.  If you get those items, they will be used on your breaks.  
 

Registration; Waiver and Liability form filled out online or at the stables. Returning customers have it on file.  

If you have a certificate that is expired, ITS expires. Best to use the certificate at the time you bought it. 

Code of Conduct

We want everyone at the stables to feel safe, confident, and accepted for their unique qualities.  All members of the barn family must treat each other with respect and support each other during our interactions at the barn.  Our code of conduct serves as a guideline for positive behavior.

Horse Lover

• Allergies and dandruff can happen around the horses.  Make sure your child is healthy. 
• Each Horse Lover learns new skills at their own pace.
• You must wear the proper attire for the Riding Program that you are in.
• Respect trainers, instructors, and other stall members.
• Persons under 17 may not ride unsupervised without the trainer's and parent's permission. Approved helmets with chin harnesses must be worn for riders under 17 while mounted.  
• Children under 17 “Daycare” are not to be left unattended at any time at the barn unless PRIOR arrangements have been made.  This includes lessons or barn time.
• In 2019, the Stables policies will go into effect. The new guidelines are part of a congressional requirement mandating the United State Equestrian Federation (USEF) your sports organizations and governing bodies to implement policies and procedures limiting one-on-one interactions between minor athletes and adults who are not their parent/legal guardians. We designed these policies to work for equestrian sports. Still, please recognize that they are based on the uniform policies developed by the U.S. Center for SafeSport that will further protect minor athletes under federal law.
• Communication through Texting/Email must be done with all parties -- Parent/Guardian, child, and trainer/instructor. These policies are designed to protect minors and adults, and other sports governing bodies nationwide enact similar measures. 
• Scheduling makes sure you understand what you need to do. If you are new to the stables, check the Horse Programs link. 
• Please use your equipment and respect other people’s property.
• Each person is responsible for cleaning up after themselves and their horses.
• Clean up manure immediately. Do not wait until after your ride.
• Treat others the way you want to be treated. (Would you want someone to criticize your appearance, clothes, or how you ride?)
• Refrain from the loud, boisterous talk, inappropriate language, and other unbecoming conduct.  (Profanity will not be tolerated at the stables.)
• Demonstrate sportsmanship in the show ring, contests, lessons, and meetings. (Be modest in winning and generous in defeat.)
• If a rider gets hurt while grooming, tacking, or horse adventure.  We have first aid with band-aids on the property.  If the rider needs more help, the family/guardian will be notified.    
• Check the Lesson Horse list on the whiteboard to ensure specific instructions.
• Sweaty saddle pads are to be placed wet-‐side up on the metal saddle racks to air out or can go into the laundry basket. 
• At the end of the lesson day, all manure must be cleaned out of all the stalls, all equipment put away correctly, water buckets are to be dumped out, and the tack room is to be straightened up. 
• Wash your bit and figure-8 your bridle when you are done

When riding, you must always

• Be supervised. 

What to wear while participating in the Horse Program

• Must wear long pants (jeans)
• Closed toes shoes (tennis)
• Stables have helmets to RENT. Helmets are SEI-approved safety horseback riding helmets for $10.- for each rider.
• Dress according to the weather. The stables are heated!
• You must wear a shirt
• Hair pulled back neatly to fit under a helmet

When around the horses, you must

• NEVER enter a horse’s stall without permission – even if he is your horse! 
• NEVER enter the standing stalls where horses are tied without permission 
• Never walk behind a horse. 
• Wear shoes that protect your feet. No open-toe or open-heel shoes. 
• Handle, feed (including treats), or pet horses only under supervision by the instructor. 
• NEVER enter a pasture containing horses only if accompanied by the instructor, another staffer, or a volunteer who has received permission and safety training. 
• Avoid carrying loose items that may fall, blow away, flap in the wind, bounce, or make sharp or loud noises. 
• Use hand sanitizer or wash your hands with soap after handling the horses and pets. 
• Before approaching a horse, be sure they are aware of your presence. Approach from the left side at a three-quarter angle to the horse's shoulder, then halter the horse. Always talk to the horse as you approach. Be aware of their blind spots in front of and behind the horse.
• Never stand directly in front or behind your horse.
• If you must walk behind the horse, walk close to the hindquarters and talk to and pet the horse.
• Never sit down when holding a horse.
• Never tie a horse by the reins (it can hurt its mouth). Put the halter over the bridle or take the harness off.
• Always use a lead line when leading. Never lead by the halter alone.
• *When leading, always position yourself on the horse’s left, at the shoulder of the horse.
• *NEVER RIDE ALONE!
• Never kneel on the ground next to the horse.
• Best to feed treats to the horse in their buckets. If you feed by hand, make sure your hand is flat.  

Family

• Spectators, we enjoy having you in the arena; when you are in the arena best place to watch your horse lover is from the center. If you like your own time, the lobby has chairs to relax. 
• Remember, this is a working show stable; there is dirt and dust. 
• Respect trainers, instructors, and other stall members.
• “Active” — we recommend parents and guardians stay with their child under 17. We see children excel when parents remain. You get your money's worth.
• Children under 17 “Daycare” are not to be left unattended at any time at the barn unless PRIOR arrangements have been made.  This includes lessons or barn time.
• Parents, sitters, or family members must keep siblings in their care while watching lessons.

Programs

• Scheduling for a horse program, check the link or ask when you are at the stables. 
• If a rider arrives late for a program will receive a shortened time but will still be responsible for the total cost.

Social Media

• Use social media responsibly: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Text Messaging, Etc. (The Stables will not tolerate inappropriate posts such as profanity, negative comments about other barns, references to the use of illegal substances or alcohol or tobacco, etc.)
  • Social media
    • Facebook will post happenings and dates of events.  
    • Consequences for Breaking La Fleur Stables / Madison Riding Academy Code of Conduct First Offense: Conference with the rider, parents, and Instructors. Second Offense: One-week suspension from the barn. Third Offense: Two-week suspension from the barn. Fourth Offense: Again, Conference with the rider, parents, and Instructors.   I have carefully read the rules and agree to obey them.  We appreciate your time and business. 

Property

• Drive slowly when entering the driveway
• No smoking anywhere on the property at any time.
• Use of illegal substances or underage use of alcohol or tobacco will not be tolerated.
• While the farm carries insurance, it will NOT cover damage or theft of saddle and equipment, so please make sure you have communicated with your insurance company. 
• Cell phones are best to leave with your items. We want you to be aware of your surroundings. 
• The property; has a home on the property. Most horse-related issues will be addressed at the barn or by phone during business hours.
• Respect and adequately care for all horses.  

Stables

• Year around Riding Programs is given in our Indoor heated arena or one of our unique multiple outdoor riding venues.   We can ride in any weather Wisconsin brings our way!
• WHOA! WHOA! WHOA! Feel free to look for the Health of the Horses, but please refrain from petting or feeding any horses without asking the Stable management first.
• Good Hygiene practices are always recommended.  Washing your hands often or the frequent use of hand sanitizers helps to protect the horses.
• Look both ways before crossing through any doorway.
• The Stables is here to create a welcoming and safe environment for all of our riders and visitors there is a question or concern, it is expected that you will bring it to the attention of the owners and or staff rather than taking it to another border or client.
• Be thankful for all opportunities you can experience at the stables.  Also, be mindful of others who may not be able to share that same type of opportunity.  Refrain from bragging, which could lead to hurting someone’s feelings.
• Take pride in our Stables organization, activities, programs, and exhibits.  
• Getting the horses ready is much more efficient if the tack room is clean and organized. As the day goes on, neatly place equipment correctly, straighten up the room if you see that opiate is an app, and straighten up if you see anything out of business. 
• We ask you only to take pictures of your horse lover.
• Return all barn items to the proper place before leaving. 
• NEVER run or yell.

Information Manager, Trainer, Instructor Neva La Fleur

PASTURE SAFETY AND RULES!

• One helper must hold / the gate and be the spotter. The spotter’s job is to scare away all horses.
• BOTH the spotter and the horse catcher are responsible for watching ALL other horses in the pasture, and beware. WE NEVER APPROACH A HORSE THAT IS SURROUNDED BY OTHER HORSES.
• We never approach the gate to leave the pasture until the spotter has cleared the area of ALL horses. 
• All gates must be closed and latched after leaving the pasture. 
• And finally, WE MAY NEVER ENTER A PASTURE WITHOUT THE EXPLICIT PERMISSION OF A INSTRUCTOR. NO HELPERS MAY SEND OTHER HELPERS INTO A PASTURE. OUR HELPERS SHOULD ONLY TAKE DIRECTION FROM A INSTRUCTOR. 
• Check the Lesson Horse list on the whiteboard to ensure specific instructions for the turn-‐of a horse and the correct field. 

IF YOU UNLOCK IT. LOCK IT BACK

IF YOU OPEN IT. CLOSE IT

IF YOU BORROW IT. RETURN IT

IF YOU DON’T KNOW. ASK

IF YOU LOSE IT. REPLACE IT

IF IT DOESN’T CONCERN YOU… Please DON’T MESS WITH IT

IF YOU TURN IT ON. TURN IT OFF

IF YOU BREAK IT. FIX IT

IF YOU MOVE IT. PUT IT BACK

IF YOU THROW IT DOWN. PICK IT UP

IF YOU RIDE IT. FEED IT

IF IT DRINKS WATER. GIVE IT SOME

IF YOU FALL OFF. GET BACK ON

IF YOU GET FEED, SCOOP OUT. PUT IT BACK

I have carefully read the rules and agree to obey them.  We appreciate your time and business. 

Adults must be with the child under 14 during the riding lesson.

Adult, Please stand in the middle of the ring while watching your child ride.

Treats to horses must be put into the grain bucket.

If a coupon is expired, ITS expires. It must have been used at the time you bought it. 

With the Holidays approaching, check the calendar for Horse Programs. 

Physical Requirements

All students registered in applied riding courses must also meet the following physical

requirements:

Able to stand for over an hour at a time

Able to bend, twist, stretch, and lift to clean stalls, horse's hooves, apply

leg wraps, etc.

Able to push a fully loaded wheelbarrow for distances of over 500 feet

Able to carry and hang a full five-gallon water bucket

Able to vigorously groom a horse for periods longer than 15 minutes

Able to lift and carry and raise above a horse's back up to 50lbs

Able to monitor (watch, listen, and observe) horses and other riders for safety and training issues.

As much as we appreciate our helpers, our primary mission is SAFETY! Helping at the barn is a beautiful learning opportunity – a massive help to us. But we can NEVER, EVER forget that safety comes first. 

Able to stand for over an hour at a time

Able to bend, twist, stretch, and lift to clean stalls, horse's hooves, apply leg wraps, etc.

Able to push a fully loaded wheelbarrow for distances

Able to carry and hang a full five-gallon water bucket

Able to vigorously groom a horse for periods longer than 15 minutes

Able to lift and carry and raise above a horse's back to 50 pounds

Able to monitor (watch, listen, and observe) horses and other riders for safety and training issues.