Terms and Conditions

Minimum Standards

We regret we cannot accept children aged under 12 or persons who weigh over 14 stone. The minimum riding standard for our open fell rides ( trekking and trail riding ) is shown below. Prior to going out on your ride you will be asked to complete a registration form to confirm your acceptance of the risks involved and to declare your previous riding experience. You may be asked to undergo a short riding assesssment to ensure you meet our minimum standards of riding ability. These are listed below:

Riding Standard	Description of current riding standard
Competent Beginner	I have very limited horseriding experience. I am able to mount and dismount, with our without assistance, and feel confident I can maintain a balanced position at walk.
Novice Rider	I am able to mount and dismount, without assistance. I feel confident I can maintain a balanced position at walk and trot. I have none or limited experience at riding a canter.
Advanced Rider	I consider my riding standard suitable to ride on open fell at varying speeds including canter and gallop. I can ride up and down steep hills and negotiate a small jump to cross ditches etc. I am able to mount and dismount without assistance.

Our Abilities and Aims

Stonetrail Riding, in accordance with the Riding School Establishment Act 1964, is a licenced riding establishment registered with Eden District Council.

Our Ride leaders are BHS qualified and competent in their abilities to provide a safe and enjoyable riding experience. We have established a number of procedures designed to ensure the safety and welfare of our customers, staff and horses and we like to spend time before each ride providing each rider with a basic understanding of how to ride and how to safely conduct yourself whilst you are in charge of your horse. We aim to provide a friendly and high quality riding experience and encourage all our customers to provide feedback at the end of their ride.

Duration of Rides

All rides will last at least as long as the time specified. However, whilst we always aim to return on time, the actual return time may be longer. This is usually because we have spent too long admiring the views or the ride mutually agreeing to "take a longer route back". Sometimes we just like to take our time !

What to Wear

For both the safety and comfort of riders, we adopt a strict standard of dress. The following items are suitable for riding and are acceptable:

Full length trousers
Zipped or buttoned coats
Gloves (not mittens)
Boots with a small heel and flat sole
Stout shoes (as above)
Trainers
Wellingtons

The following items are not suitable and will not be acceptable:

Cropped trousers, shorts or spared kirts
Vest tops or cropped tops
Slip-on shoes, Mules, Open toed sandals or shoes or boots with higher heels

We will provide a selection of riding helmets which meet current european union standards. You are also welcome to bring your own. Riding crops and whips are not necessary or permitted.

Please note that for safety reasons you will be asked to switch your mobile phone OFF for the duration of your ride.

Time of arrival

Please arrive at least 30 minutes before the time of your ride to allow us sufficiant time to prepare you for your ride. Failure to arrive on time may result in your ride being cancelled and in these circumstances the full amount will charged.

How to Pay

For bookings taken more than 7 days in advance we will require a deposit equalling £15.00 per person. This can be paid by cheque or by internet banking. Details will be given when booking. The remainder of the cost is due on arrival before the start of your ride. We welcome cash or cheques.

If you decide to cancel or change your booking:

Please advise us if you wish to cancel or change any details of your booking. Cancellations made within 24 hours of the time of the ride will be due for a full charge.

Liability

Whilst we take every care to provide suitable horses, they can be unpredictable and we cannot accept any responsibility for injury to riders.

Standards of Conduct

For safety reasons we will refuse anyone who in our opinion is unsafe or who acts in a reckless manner.

Refunds

Refunds will not be given except when we have to cancel your booking.

Adverse weather conditions

Rides will go ahead in all weather conditions except when Stonetrail considers it unsafe to do so and in these circumstances a full refund will be made.

Stonetrail Holidays

Terms and Conditions