CTR Az and CHP rules and policies

Barn Rules

1. Walk, don’t run, around the horses 

2. Closed-toe boots required 

3. ASTM/SEI-certified helmet required when mounted 

4. Helmets may also be required during certain unmounted activities 

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Respect the Horses 

1. Calm voices and quiet bodies 

2. No running, yelling, or horsing around 

3. Never feed a horse without permission 

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Lesson Policy

1. 24-hour cancellation notice is needed for a makeup to be available. We understand that things happen, please know that our instructors show up to lessons to teach an no-shows will not be eligible for make up sessions.

2. Payment due before lessons unless arranged otherwise 

3. Horse welfare always comes first 

4. Cancellation of lessons due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances will be communicated as timely as possible. Please show up to lessons unless we have communicated with you that they are cancelled.

 

At Community Horse Power, learning happens both in and out of the saddle. While we always look forward to riding when possible, lesson activities may be adjusted based on weather, horse health, horse behavior, facility conditions, or other factors that affect safety.

 

When riding is not the best option, students will enjoy hands-on horsemanship activities designed to build confidence, knowledge, leadership, and strong horse-human partnerships. Ground lessons are an important part of our program and help students become capable, well-rounded horse people.

 

Because these lessons are a planned and valuable part of the learning experience, make-up lessons will not be offered when a ground lesson is provided in place of riding.

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Helmet Policy

1. ASTM/SEI-certified equestrian helmets required when mounted 

2. May be required during groundwork or horse handling 

3. Bicycle helmets are not permitted

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Parent/Sibling/Observing Policy

1. Parents are welcome to observe from lesson viewing areas

2. One of our goals is helping students become confident, independent horse people. For that reason, we ask parents and spectators to leave the coaching to the instructor and simply enjoy watching their student's progress.

3. Children must be supervised at all times and stay in the lesson viewing areas.

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Emergency and Medical Policy

1. Emergency contacts required 

2. Notify CHP of medical conditions, allergies, injuries, or limitations 

3. CHP and Circle T Ranch may seek emergency medical attention when necessary

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Appropriate Attire

1. Closed-toe boots required 

2. Long pants recommended 

3. No loose clothing that creates a safety hazard 

4. Bring a water bottle

 

No sandals, crocs, loose hanging jewelry, or extremely baggy clothes. If any of these items are worn, participation in activities will be prohibited and student will be asked to observe from the lesson viewing area. Makeup lessons will not be available for that lesson if a student has to observe instead of participate due to inappropriate attire.

 

Community Horse Power will do its best to maintain a selection of boots and helmets that students may temporarily borrow if needed. Borrowed equipment availability and sizing cannot always be guaranteed.

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Cell Phone Policy

1. Phones should remain put away and on silent during lessons unless approved by the instructor 

2. While photos and videos can be a great way to track progress, frequent recording during lessons may be distracting. Time will be reserved at each lesson for photos and videos whenever possible.

3. Please have your phone on silent if you are observing a lesson.

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Riding Progression Policy

At CHP, riding opportunities are based on each student's individual progress, safety, lesson goals, horse suitability, and instructor discretion. Every student progresses at their own pace, and advancement is earned through demonstrated skills and good horsemanship—not simply by time spent in the program.

Students are expected to:

1. Prioritize safety at all times.

2. Follow instructor directions respectfully and consistently.

3. Maintain a positive attitude and be open to learning.

4. Demonstrate responsibility both on the ground and in the saddle.

5. Show kindness and respect toward horses, people, and equipment.

6. Participate fully in both riding and groundwork activities.

7. Build skills through consistency, effort, and good horsemanship.

Groundwork is an essential part of becoming a capable horse person and is valued equally with riding. As students demonstrate readiness, responsibility, and safe decision-making, new mounted opportunities  and exciting challenges will be introduced.

 

Why Groundwork Matters

Some of the most important lessons horses teach happen before we ever step into the saddle. Groundwork helps students build confidence, communication skills, leadership, and a deeper understanding of horse behavior while developing a relationship based on trust and respect. I've also learned that horses uniquely help you learn to regulate your own emotions.

 

Learning how to safely catch, lead, groom, tack up, handle, and communicate with a horse creates the foundation for everything that happens under saddle. These skills help keep both horses and people safe and often improve riding success as well.

 

At Community Horse Power, our goal is not just to create riders—we strive to develop knowledgeable horse people, confident leaders, responsible caretakers, and compassionate community members. Over the years, I've met many horse owners that have wished they learned these fundamental skills a lot sooner, they are some of the most important lessons for staying safe and building a positive partnership with a horse.

 

Some lessons may include more groundwork than riding, and occasionally a lesson may be entirely unmounted. These opportunities are not a step backward—they are an important part of becoming a safe, capable, and confident horse person. We fully understand that some of these techniques and skills may require practice before mastering them, but we will encourage you to just keep on going! 

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Weather Condition Policy

 We will communicate when lessons are canceled due to weather. Ability to ride at each lesson is dependent on weather, horse health and behavior, and other possible unforeseen circumstances. Ground lessons or other educational opportunities will be offered on days that weather or other circumstances does not permit safe riding conditions. Ground lessons are an important and necessary part of horsemanship so it's an expectation that ground lessons will happen on occasion.  Unless a lesson is cancelled by the instructor, please be prepared as you normally would to show up and participate.

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Billing Policy

Classes are auto-invoiced on a monthly basis for the upcoming month. You will be invoiced for the reoccurring class spot Invoices must be paid by the date stated on the invoice/before first lesson of the month. If the invoice is not paid by the specified date your spot is at risk of being released. Please communicate if there is an issue with paying your invoice.

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Cancellation Policy

Lessons are pre-paid monthly for the set amount of lessons you’re signed up for. If you need to cancel a lesson please do so with at least 24hrs notice. Make up lessons are unlimited but need to be scheduled within 30 days. No-shows will not be allowed makeups, or it will be at the discretion of the instructor. There is no monetary refund for cancelled lessons as you are paying to hold the limited spot on a monthly basis. If you want to cancel your lessons and release your lesson spot all together, please notify us asap. The remaining lessons for the month will stay active and the auto billing will be canceled for the next billing cycle.

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ESA

Students using ESA funds can chose to be invoiced monthly or quarterly. Circle T Ranch Arizona LLC is the billing party and is listed as a vendor on ClassWallet for your convenience. Quarterly invoicing will be in accordance with the corresponding ESA quarterly funding calendar. PLEASE NOTE:  If you are paying quarterly you are reserving your students spot for the entire quarter and the same policy applies as the monthly billing. As spots are limited, you are pre-paying for your spot for 3 months. 

 

Tack Policy​

Only tack provided by Circle T Ranch Arizona and Community Horse Power may be used on the horses, including but not limited to: saddle pads, saddles, halters, bridles, bit, reins, horse boots etc. If you have a special piece of tack you would like to bring, please check with your instructor.

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Student and Observer Behavior Policy

Please respect your instructors and volunteers. Their decisions regarding lesson activities and safety are final, and students and observers are expected to follow all instructions. The safety and well-being of both clients and horses are our highest priorities. Repeated issues involving unsafe behavior, disrespect, or failure to follow instructor directions may result in suspension or termination of lessons at the discretion of Circle T Ranch Arizona and Community Horse Power. We reserve the right to refuse or discontinue lessons to any student or observer whose behavior negatively impacts the safety, learning environment, or welfare of others or the animals. 

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