Safety Center

Stable Rules, Policies, and Guidelines

Welcome to La Fleur Stables! We’re excited to have you here and look forward to creating extraordinary moments with horses together. Please read and understand the following rules, policies, and guidelines to ensure everyone’s safety and enjoyment.

If you have questions, contact Neva La Fleur at neva@lstables.com,               (608) 833-3635,           or visit us in person.

To ensure everyone can enjoy our Stables and Riding Academy, we ask that you thoroughly read, understand, and agree to the Stable Rules. In many ways, these Rules are intended to ensure safety for the Stables, yourself, other riders, and the horses.  

Parental/Guardian Responsibilities for Minors

• Parents or guardians must be present while a minor under 18 is handling or riding a horse, especially during lessons.
• Minors may only ride unsupervised with express permission from the parent/guardian and the trainer.
• Children under 18 may be left unattended at the barn only if prior arrangements are made with the stable.
• All text or email communication with minors must include both the parent/guardian and the child to ensure compliance with United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) and SafeSport policies.

Family/Guardians:

• Parents and guardians are encouraged to stay with their child under 17 during riding lessons. Children under 18 must be supervised with prior arrangements.
• Spectators, we enjoy having you in the arena; when you are in the hall, the 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 stable working show; there is dirt and dust. 
• Respect trainers, instructors, and other stall members.
• Parents, sitters, or family members must keep siblings in their care while watching lessons.
• Adults must be with the child under 14 during the riding lesson.

PROPER ATTIRE:

• Riders must wear long pants (jodhpurs recommended)
• closed-toe shoes, such as paddock boots with a 1-inch heel.
• Shirts should not be revealing; sports bras are recommended if necessary.
• Avoid wearing white or light-colored clothing, as this is a working stable.
• Proper riding attire is required for all intermediate and advanced lessons.
• Approved helmets with chin harnesses are mandatory for riders under 17 and recommended for all riders while mounted.

Helmet Policy

• ASTM/SEI-certified helmets are required for all riders under 18 while riding, mounting, or near horses.
• Wearing a helmet reduces the risk of serious head injury and can prevent death in the event of an accident.

Helmet Opt-Out for Riders Over 18  Initial here: ______

• While helmets are recommended, riders over 18 may opt out of wearing one.
• I acknowledge the risks of not wearing a helmet and voluntarily choose not to wear one, assuming any associated risks.

Personal Responsibility for Headgear Initial here: ______

• I/We will provide my/our protective headgear and accept full responsibility for safety in this decision.

Protective Headgear Offering Initial here: ______I/We request that protective headgear be provided for $10 one day or four times at $30 or that we agree to bring our helmet.

Rider Wellness: Hydration and Nutrition:

• Proper hydration and nutrition are essential for performance. Ensure riders eat well and stay hydrated.
• Preparation Before Riding:
• Riders should use the restroom and have a drink or snack to stay energized before heading to the arena.
• If you are injured while grooming, tacking, or riding, use the first aid kit in the laundry room. If severe injuries occur, notify your family or guardians and call emergency services (911) if necessary. Emergency personnel will be instructed to drive behind the house for faster access.
• Allergies and dandruff can happen around the horses. Please inform us if you have these symptoms. 
• Injuries:
• Use the first aid kit for minor injuries and notify the family or guardian if necessary. In emergencies, inform responders to drive behind the house.

APPOINTMENTS, CANCELLATIONS AND FEES: Cancellations, Missed Sessions, and Make-Ups

• If injured while grooming, tacking, or riding, use the first aid kit in the laundry room. Family/guardians will be notified if severe injuries occur; inform your family or guardians, and call emergency services (911) if necessary. Emergency personnel will be instructed to drive behind the house for faster access.
• No make-up sessions will be provided for missed lessons.
• Cancellations require 72 hours' notice. Please cancel to avoid forfeiture of the session fee, with no refunds or credits provided.
• Attendance is crucial as each lesson builds on the previous one. Missing a session can significantly hinder progress. Please communicate with your instructor if you miss a session.
• If a rider arrives late for a Horse Program or appointment, the session will be shortened, but the total cost will apply.
• If you are infected with COVID-19 or another contagious illness, contact the stable before the 72-hour notice period. After the 72-hour notice has passed, the lesson will be forfeited.

Inclement Weather Policy

• Your safety is our top priority. Suppose La Fleur Stables / Madison Riding Academy must cancel an appointment due to other unforeseen events and cannot provide a 24-hour notice. In the case of unsafe weather, we will adhere to the City of Madison protocols to ensure your safety and convenience.
• Riders will be notified of closures via email from Neva.

Lesson and Show Horse Appointments and Cancellations

• Riders are encouraged to sign up for appointments in the Stable Store lesson schedule book. 
• Changes to ride/lesson appointments within 48 hours of the original time must be communicated by email or phone, and the Lesson Book must be updated.
• Cancellations require 24 hours' notice. Failure to cancel within this time frame will result in forfeiture of the session fee.

Fees

• All fees are listed on the Rate Sheet. Payments for lessons are due at the time of the lesson.
• Cash or checks are preferred payment methods to avoid additional charges. However, credit cards (MasterCard, Visa, Discover) and PayPal are also accepted, with a 3% fee applied to credit card payments.

No-Show Policy

• A charge equivalent to 100% of the service amount will apply if a session is missed without notice.

GENERAL GUIDELINES:

Stable Hours:

Monday: 9 am - 6:30 pm

Tuesday: 9 am - 6:30 pm

Wednesday: 9 am - 6:30 pm

Thursday: 9 am - 6:30 pm

Friday: 9 am- 3 pm

Saturday: 8 am - 3 pm

Sunday: BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

• The stable is closed on Sundays by appointment only. 
• If you plan to visit outside stable hours, notify us 24 hours ahead.

Smoking, Alcohol, and Substances:

• No smoking, alcohol, or illegal substances are allowed on the premises.

Liability Waiver:

• All riders and guests must sign a liability release waiver before handling or riding any horse.

Helmet Policy:

• Horse-safe helmets are mandatory for all riders unless previously approved by Stable management.

Riding Approval:

• No horse, including those owned by clients, shall be ridden without Stable management’s approval.
• Horse owners must contact Neva at least 24 hours in advance to ride outside of designated times.
• Riders must be over 18 for staff-supervised riding outside designated hours, with another capable person present and stable management informed.

CODE OF CONDUCT:

Personal Conduct

• Recognize that each rider learns at their own pace.
• Use respectful language towards trainers, staff, riders, and visitors.
• Ask before borrowing equipment, and avoid criticizing others' appearance, clothing, or riding. Refrain from offering unsolicited advice.
• Maintain a polite tone—profanity will not be tolerated.
• Show good sportsmanship in the show ring, lessons, and meetings. Be gracious in both victory and defeat.
• Be thankful for opportunities at the stables and mindful of others who may not have the same experiences.
• Do not gossip or spread rumors about other barn members. Address concerns directly with the individual or management.
• Represent La Fleur Stables positively at horse shows. Avoid unflattering remarks about competitors, as you never know who might overhear.
• Punctuality is key. We prefer you to arrive early rather than late.

Proper Horse Care

• Do not feed any horse other than your own without the owner’s permission.
• Avoid allowing your horse to sniff other horses to prevent injuries.
• Do not feed or pet horses through stall bars for safety reasons.
• Wash hands or use sanitizer frequently to protect yourself and others.
• Secure the chain across stall tailboards when entering or exiting a stall to prevent escape.
• After your ride, groom and cool down your horse thoroughly.

Stable Etiquette

• Show respect to all staff, riders, and horses.
• Ensure all gates and stall doors are properly closed after use.
• Clean your horse’s stall and any aisle manure before or after riding.
• Treats: Check with Neva before treating horses other than your own.
• Arena: Respect yellow tape outside the arena, indicating it is in use.
• Clean up and store all equipment after use.
• If time permits, help with general barn upkeep, such as sweeping the aisle or re-haying stalls.

Pasture Safety and Rules

• Follow procedures for entering and exiting pastures. Never approach horses surrounded by others without an instructor's permission.
• 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, so beware. WE NEVER APPROACH A HORSE THAT IS SURROUNDED BY OTHER HORSES.
• We only approach the gate to leave the pasture once the spotter has cleared the area of ALL horses. 
• All gates must be closed and latched after leaving the pasture. 
• And finally, WE MAY ENTER A PASTURE WITH THE EXPLICIT PERMISSION OF AN INSTRUCTOR. NO HELPERS MAY SEND OTHER HELPERS INTO A PASTURE. OUR HELPERS SHOULD ONLY TAKE DIRECTION FROM AN INSTRUCTOR. 
• Check the Lesson Horse list on the whiteboard to ensure specific instructions for the turn-‐of a horse and the correct field. 

Social Media Policy

• Social media posts should promote the breed, sport, stables, and horse shows in a positive light.
• Harmful comments about other barns, riders, or horses are prohibited.
• Notify Neva immediately if you encounter negative interactions directed at you or anyone associated with La Fleur Stables.

Cell Phone Use

• Cell phones are prohibited in the barn unless necessary.
• Cell phones are only allowed for non-riders to take videos or photos in the arena.
• Store cell phones in your car or check them at the stable store.

Insurance

• La Fleur Stables recommends reviewing homeowner’s insurance policies for tack coverage, as the farm’s insurance does not cover damage or theft of personal equipment.
• Consider equine insurance policies for owning, riding, breeding, and boarding horses, such as Equine Mortality Insurance, Major Medical Coverage, and Emergency Colic Surgery.

Private Property

• Clients should only visit the La Fleur family home with prior approval or in dire emergencies.
• Out-of-town clients should stay at local hotels during inclement weather unless the family offers prior approval for overnight stays.
• Drive Slowly and respect all horses and equipment. 

Pets

• Pets are only allowed at the stable with prior management approval.

TIPPING THE STABLE STAFF:

Tipping is customary and greatly appreciated by the staff for their hard work and care.

Caretakers and Staff

• Respect staff communication preferences and off-time.
• Tipping is customary for those who board, show, or lease a horse.

Communications — We strive to maintain a welcoming and safe environment for all riders and visitors. Any questions or concerns should be addressed directly to the stable's management rather than other clients or riders.

Non-emergency issues, questions, or concerns should be discussed during business hours or when management is available. Please respect staff days off and barn closures to allow for rest.

Preferred methods of communication:

Phone: 608-833-3635 Email: neva@lstables.com

Updating Contact Information:
Owners should notify the stable of any changes to address, emergency contacts, or other essential details. If the owner is unavailable (e.g., on vacation), they should inform the stable of any authorized party who can make decisions regarding their horse's care in their absence.

Disciplinary Actions

1. First offense: Verbal warning.
2. Second offense: Suspension from the barn.
3. Further violations may lead to permanent expulsion.

Acknowledgment:

By participating in our programs, you agree to follow these rules, policies, and guidelines. We appreciate your cooperation and look forward to providing exceptional experiences at La Fleur Stables.

For further information or to discuss concerns, contact Neva La Fleur at neva@lstables.com.

Happy Horsey Around!