Documents, Procedures and Rules

Priory Place Equestrian Centre will provide horse riding instruction to the above-named individual under the following terms:

You will be undertaking lessons at their own risk. You Will behave responsibly at all times both in the yard, riding in the ménage and whilst handling horses. Wear the correct safety recognised apparel including riding hat, body protector, gloves and riding boots with small heel. You will arrange their own rider insurance. You will replace any damaged items including jumps, poles, tack that may have been damaged due to your own personal negligence. You will not smoke cigarettes or e-cigarettes on the premises. You will keep the tack room and yard tidy after use, this includes putting items away.

We do not guarantee that you will have the same instructor as you have booked your session with or be able to ride the same horse / pony for each lesson, although we do consider client requests when finalising the lesson plan. If an instructor is unwell or absent, we will replace your instructor with another coach to ensure your booking may proceed. If you decline this, you will still be charged.

Priory Place Equestrian Centre reserves the right to cancel any lessons on safety grounds, especially in uncontrollable conditions and circumstances such as:Extreme, dangerous weather conditions, Injured horses, Damage to the premises or ménage.EC Pro (Wow Design Solutions Limited) does not issue refunds. Any refunds or account credits are subject to the refund and cancellation policy of the Yard, School or Livery using the EC Pro system.

Please contact the Yard, School or Livery directly. Priory Place EC is the Merchant of record for all transactions and is responsible for refunds and chargebacks. If dissatisfied with their complaints or refund procedure, you may seek further action.

Payments are required in full to ensure that teaching slots are not lost, to keep the classes running and to ensure competitive lesson prices can be maintained.We do not offer refunds unless the cancellation is caused by our inability to provide a lesson due to the absence of an instructor or suitable horse at the time of the lesson.

Although it is understood that some cancellations may be unavoidable, cancelling lessons at short notice is disruptive to teaching schedules and is unfair on the horses.

Lessons can be cancelled up to 24 hours before the day of the lesson. However, lessons cancelled without the required 24 hours’ notice will include a cancellation feeTo cancel or re-arrange a lesson please call or text Joely on 07879335545.

For your safety and our staff, we ask that you follow the safety rules listed below whilst at Priory Place Equestrian Centre. Even the calmest of horses can be unpredictable. Everybody entering the Centre must take care and follow our guidance when given.

The Rules:

* Young children must not be left unsupervised on the yard.

* A riding hat of the current safety standard MUST always be worn when mounted, riding and when working with horses and ponies.

* Suitable footwear must be worn when you are on the yard, you are advised to wear closed-toe shoes such as boots or trainers, we reserve the right to ask you to leave the premises or change footwear if it could cause you any potential risks. No Flip-Flops to be worn at any time.

* No open umbrellas on the yard please.

* Smoking is not permitted anywhere within the centre or on the yard.

* Do not feed the horses, you are unaware of health issues or allergies; it can also lead to them acting aggressively and biting.

* There are dogs kept at the yard do not attend the yard or have visitors accompany you to the yard if they are uncomfortable around dog and familiar with dog behaviour.

* Do not approach or touch the yard dogs without permission.

* Do not bring a dog on the premises without asking for permission.

* Do not enter any stable or tack up any horse or pony unless given permission to do so by staff.

* Priory Place has always been a sanctuary, it is also a family home, and we want to ensure that everybody that enters the property, riding school clients, as well as liveries respect each other and treat everybody with dignity, courtesy and kindness.

* We reserve the right to decline our services at any time.

* Do not shout, scream or run about on the yard.

* Respect all equipment provided and ensure if using equipment, it is placed back where you found it.

* When leaving the premises for hacking Hi-Visibility must be always worn.

* Riders must not use their mobile phones whilst on the horses.

* You must not enter any arena whilst a lesson is in progress unless granted permission.

* Whilst watching a lesson please keep noise and sudden movement to a minimum. Do not try and communicate with a rider whilst a lesson is in progress.  It is important they concentrate fully on riding their horse for their own safety.

* Photography and video recording of any kind is not permitted without the prior permission of the Centre staff. If you wish to take photographs of your child on horseback, please speak to the riding instructor who will arrange for you to take photographs at the end of the lesson. 

* For child protection, social and religious reasons we do not allow any photography or video recording of any of our group lessons without prior discussion.

* Any social media posts must be pre-approved by the centre to ensure that they do not contain any defamatory remarks regarding staff or clients.

I understand and agree to the above terms

• The Livery ménage is available for all Liveries to use at any time whilst the Yard is open at no extra cost, however the ménage needs to be booked as of when you wish to use it privately through yard booking system.

• Free usage is not exclusive usage and other riders may enter the arenas subject to the following rules, unless reserved and booked specifically for sole use.

• No more than 1 horse at a time on lunge rein exercise is allowed.  Each lunge session should not exceed 30 minutes.  When lunging you must move the horse across the arena to prevent rutting and damage to the surface.

• No more than 3 horses at a time on ridden exercise are allowed in the ménage. If more than one rider is riding in the riding arena, wait and ask for permission to enter. They are to pass left shoulder to left shoulder. Riders at walk, work away from the track, halt away from the track so they do not impede other riders, warn other riders if you intend on leaving the school.

• If the ménages are being used by individuals to school their horses, under no circumstances must jumps be put out by other individuals, until the schooling session is finished.

• Private lessons are not permitted in the riding school arenas at any time unless the instructor has booked and reserved a lesson slot.  Private instructors must register with us when they arrive on site. We may require them to provide evidence of their qualifications and insurance.

• Private lessons do not have any priority over the needs of other clients and riders, whilst other riders are using the facility, the private instructor should cease instruction.

• Jumps / poles may be erected for lessons/exercise but must be tidied at the end of the individual session or stored securely.  

• If demand for the arena is high at the time you are riding, you must restrict your riding session to 45 minutes per rider per horse.

• Any droppings left by horses using any of the arenas are to be removed as soon as possible to avoid contamination, we will also incur a fee of £3 if droppings are left, we aim to provide you with clean, well-presented facilities and we wish for you to contribute in maintaining this high quality reputation by ensuring any mess is cleared.

• Those who fail to correctly book the arena in advance for slots they wish to ride alone will not have the opportunity to use available slots unless booked at least 24hours in advance to ensure yard staff can successfully turn and water school etc.

• Riding to and from the arena is not permitted you must lead your horse, please get on in the arena and use the mounting blocks provided and dismount before leaving the arena.

• During times of field closures horses will be turned out in the schools for 2 hours maximum, the yard staff will monitor this on a schedule so please check with a member of staff before turning your horse out in a school as this could interfere with lesson bookings.

• You must notify staff if you notice any equipment such as fencing, jump wings and poles that are damaged and if your horse damages them or yourself are to be replaced.

I understand and agree to the above terms

A first aider to always be present on site.

Yard safety checks to be performed at the start of each week.

Yard health and safety procedures to be adhered to.

Yard rules to be adhered to.

All accidents / incidents to be recorded in accident book.

In the event of a serious accident, the yard first aider should take control, situation to be communicated to all instructors and yard staff onsite and the public areas are to be evacuated following.

Emergency services are to be contacted immediately.

Staff & clients to be gathered at the signed emergency collection points in either the main yard, top yard or garage parking area whichever is the safest depending on the incident/emergency.

Most accessible evacuation route to be chosen depending on the collection point.

All emergency gathering points to be kept well maintained and clear of any hazards.

Staff and clients to be accompanied away from the site by the yard manager or most senior representative on site.

There are three members of full-time staff on site at any one time who are responsible for the evacuation of the horses. Depending on the incident horses are to be led to the sectioned back fields furthest from the incident, or the quarantine/isolation stables in the side fields.

Horses who are turned out together are to be evacuated to the same areas.

Staff or instructors must check the tightness of the girth before mounting. The girth should be so snug that only three fingers can fit between your horse and the girth. Ensure that the saddle cannot slide when mounting or while ridden as this is serious risk to safety.

To be checked before mounting as well as before the rider is to walk forward on the horse they will be riding.

Check that the stirrups are dropped on both sides and in the proper position, appropriate checks such as ensuring the stirrups are level and estimating the holes before mounting to avoid having longer to do this when mounted.

Encourage the use of the mounting block depending on the horse’s temperament. The block is to be placed on flat and level ground, to ensure it is still and stable.  Hold the horse if appropriate, especially for younger/beginner riders.

Mount from the left side of the horse, “near side”. However, for left-handed riders there may be a preference to mount from the right side “off-side” in either event approach the horse from the from other side.

The left hand should be placed on the pommel of the saddle, reins held lightly in the left hand, rider should place left foot in the stirrup and swing right leg over horses back. Ensure rider avoids kicking or striking the horse as they swing your right leg over and refrains from pulling on the reins.

Adjust the stirrup length.

Rider to remove both feet from the stirrups and hold reigns lightly in left hand.

Push up from left leg, supporting by holding saddles cantle, swing right leg over horses back avoiding contact with the horse. Avoid pulling on reigns.

After swinging right leg over, rider slowly lowers to the ground, maintaining a hold on the reins and staying close to horse’s shoulder.

Ensuring a bend in the knees upon landing.

Immediately assess rider condition, ask them to remain in position whilst they are checked by the first aider.

If there is any chance of a head injury, they should be observed and/or advised to seek medical assistance.

If the rider is not injured or signs of injury they may remount. However, the horse should be assessed, and it may be necessary to swap horses.

All accidents will be recorded in the yard accident book.

All hacking riders are to be accompanied by a yard instructor (unless livery with their own horse). Groups of over 6 riders require more than one instructor.

Instructor/Escorts must have first aid training and Riding and Road Safety Training

Instructors to carry a first aid kit and a fully charged mobile phone.

Hacking route to be communicated to staff remaining on yard prior to setting out – estimated return time to be recorded.

All hacking to be conducted on pre-approved hacking routes (regular bridle way – road safety checks to be conducted)

If riding on the road Highway Code guidelines should be maintained.

Riding on the road in poor conditions or with limited visibility is not permitted.

In the event of an accident on the road the following procedure should be followed:

·       Find a safe place and halt the ride.

·       Dismount the ride delegate most suitable riders to hand over their horse to remaining riders.

·       Position someone on either side of the accident to slow down and control traffic.

·       Conduct first aid to the injured rider or/and horse.

·       Call emergency services if required.

·       Record details of traffic accident in the accident book should be completed.

All riders to wear Hiz-Viz tabards/jackets and have a fully working mobile phone.

In the case of a serious emergency/accident the What3words app should be used – Priory Place words are: Honey Swinging Shoulders

1. Isolate: Any new horse(s) to the yard will be kept separate from other horses, communal facilities or shared equipment for a minimum of 3 weeks, all equipment is handled with gloves and is often cleaned and disinfected.
2. Preventing direct and indirect contact: Between visiting horses and horses in isolation, no sharing of equipment or tack, all equipment is handled with gloves and is often cleaned and disinfected.
3. Worming: Horses are all entitled to take place in the yard worming programme, twice yearly at the beginning and end of each 'worm season' after 3 month worm count checks, however it is important to understand that not all worms successfully show in this test. Additionally, understand the risks of ‘over-worming’ as this causes resistance, it is advised to use the same wormer which is ‘Equest Pramox’.
4. Documentation: The yard manager needs to view and receive copies of; passport, vaccination record with up to date tetanus and equine influenza vaccination record. If horses is to miss or restart vaccination procedure they will need vaccination 1 and vaccination 2 given between 21 and 92 days apart, 7 days after they are covered. A third injection given between 150 and 215 days (5 and 7 months) after the second injection. Followed by annual boosters are required thereafter (must be given within 365 days of previous injection)

1. Know the signs: Yard managers will check the signs of infectious diseases daily.
2. Rodent Control: Subscription with St Georges Pest Control, every 3 months traps are checked to reduce the risk of rodents in feed stores and facilities. Rodents several diseases transferable by their faeces and urine, contaminating feed with diseases such as salmonella, leptospirosis, and trichinosis. We keep all feed and supplements in rodent-proof containers such as metal feed bins. No lose bags of feed are left out.
3. Disinfectant: Disinfectant and cleaning products are provided and will be used monthly to ensure sanitary tools and equipment. Brushes, sponges and grooming equipment is regularly disinfected, on a monthly basis.
4. Cleanliness and Hygiene: Yard managers have provided handwash, hand sanitisers and additional cleaning products to decrease the spread of disease.  HORSE OWNERS will reduce the risk of cross contamination by; ensuring tack, equipment and grooming tools are not being shared between horses, communal equipment (water tanks, transport) is regularly cleaned and disinfected.
5. Legionnaires’ disease Testing – which is a waterborne form of pneumonia with a threateningly high mortality rate. Our Good maintenance of water systems and proactive caution are vital preventative methods to reduce the risk of Legionella contamination. The Legionella bacteria is found in water and can contaminate various areas and appliances in your building, including water tanks, plumbing systems, spray or sprinkler systems, hoses and water drinkers. We ensure we are protected against an outbreak by having a thorough Risk Assessment and guidance to keep our clients and horses safe.       
6. Record horse movement: On and Offsite movement is to be recorded, visits from professional trainers, vets, physiotherapists, farriery services etc. all to be recorded in registration book, all deliveries to be recorded in addition to this.

1. Precautionary isolation: Only professional run events where vaccinations are checked are to be attended, only BSJA registered shows etc which follow correct precautions. Keep distance between unknown horses and owners to reduce risk.
2. Use high levels of cleanliness and hygiene: Contact with unscreened or unknown horses should ALWAYS be avoided. Yards own buckets and equipment shall be used only and avoid the use of communal buckets/troughs and grazing areas where possible (obviously this cannot always be avoided with horses with separation anxiety).
3. Transport: Transport should never be shared with unscreened or unknown horses and the vehicle used should always be disinfected after use. If using a Transport company, use trusted business and check that they regularly sanitise their horseboxes. Always travel with passports for proof of vaccinations.

1. Isolate suspected horses immediately and stop any other movement: Clients/staff who notice any signs of an infectious disease such as strangles (fever, nasal discharge, abscessation around the head or neck) will immediately inform yard management and isolate the horse. Horse movements will be immediately suspended and will continue until the risk of spreading disease has been assessed and eliminated. No Horses to leave the yard unless veterinary emergency.
2. Outbreak management: Yard managers will immediately contact the Vet and will check all routes possible contact with infection. If in doubt all horses will need to be put into isolation and tested. All visitors or client lessons at the yard will be ceased and all individuals must avoid contact with horses on other yards. No movement of horses off-site will be permitted for the duration of the outbreak.
3. Veterinary advice: Paton & Lee are our leading veterinary practice and they will be utilised to support outbreak management and testing protocols required until the last quarantine is lifted (all infected horses are cleared of becoming a carrier). The YARD MANAGER is the point of contact during an outbreak.
4. Changes to services: The YARD MANAGER will decide on any changes or procedures with regards to horse welfare. This may involve changes to turnout, herds, or stabling in order to contain an outbreak while continuing the day-to-day running of the yard in the best interests of the yard with as minimal disruption possible. It should be advised only one person handles with contagious horses using only tools designated to that horse, clothing (overalls, disposable gloves, protective foot covers) which is removed before going near any other horses.Exercise during an outbreak: Exercise for horses in isolation will only be permitted with the vets’ instruction and advice, preferably the horse will begin a strict and detailed training programme.
5. Essential visitors: ONLY essential visitors; feed deliveries, vets and farriers are entitled to visit the yard during an outbreak. The yard manager is responsible for ensuring any visitors are aware of an outbreak prior to their visit and are required to follow the procedures outlined in this agreement should they need to attend either accompanied or unaccompanied. All visitors should wear protective plastic footwear, protective plastic gloves. Hands are to be washed prior to attending the horses and leaving the yard.
6. Communication: The YARD MANAGER shall communicate openly with nearby equestrian establishments and businesses and keep such persons updated throughout.
7. Carrier Clear: Any horse owner whose horse has contacted strangles will be tested by a vet after their recovery to confirm they do not contaminate or become a potential carrier with potential to cause future outbreaks.

• All horses must be vaccinated against equine flu and tetanus.
• You may only turn out horses into fields designated by Yard Manager, in order to maintain field rotation schedule (please note some fields may have been seeded or rested so it is important to follow schedule).
• Unless expressly agreed with the Owner, no horse must be left alone in the paddock or any of the fields at any point of the day.  If you see a lone horse and you are not able to contact the owner, please advise the yard manager or one of the staff.
• Geldings and mares will be maintained in appropriate herds.
• The Yard reserves the right in consultation with owners to plan and manage herd size and composition together with paddock allocation governed by field conditions.
• Unless the weather dictates otherwise, the following “rules of thumb” will apply:
• Summer day turnout – turned out after 8.00am and brought in by 5.00pm
• (possible) Summer overnight turnout – turned out by 8.00pm or before sunset if earlier and brought in by 9.00am. ONLY if Yard Manager has agreed to overnight turnout. (24/7 can also be arranged)
• Reduced hours – Winter turnout.  Max of 5 hours turnout – with turnout being between daybreak and sunset, in a turnout area.
• Please note that winter turnout will be weather dependant.  If poor weather prevails, we reserve the right to close the fields completely until the weather improves, overly wet or waterlogged fields are out of bounds and cause a danger to horses if turned out in them, we will however try to allow school turnout on these days if possible.
• It is not recommended that owners turn out or bring in other than in daylight hours and staff will only turn out and bring in during daylight hours, always inform a member of staff when you intend on bringing in a horse during daytime hours to prevent any uncertainty as to the whereabouts of a horse/pony.
• It is advised that Owners / Riders should wear their riding hat and gloves as well as suitable footwear when turning out and bringing in their horses.
• During times of field closures horses will be turned out in the schools for 2 hours maximum, the yard staff will monitor this on a schedule so please check with a member of staff before turning your horse out in a school as this could interfere with lesson bookings.

I understand and agree to the above terms

• The Yard will be available to owners to access from 8.00am to 9.00pm (Unless horses are unwell, or you are returning from an away day etc.)
• The Yard means all areas and facilities used by the Owners/Livery Yard Loans at the EC, which includes the stables, riding schools, ménages and fields.
• Staff will be available for assistance between the hours of 9.00am and 5.00pm Monday to Friday, and weekends contact Yard Manager Joely (07879335545) or Yard Assistant Romy (07879335543), staff will not respond to out of hours messages except for emergencies.
• All Owners handle and manage their horses in accordance with the best practice guidelines at all times.
• Liveries must ensure they have up to date copies of insurance and vaccination records for given horse or horses.
• Children under the age of 12 are not permitted on the yard unless they are under the supervision of an appropriate adult.
• The Yard has a no smoking policy.  You are only permitted to smoke in the designated area, which is the Livery/Church Car Park outside the premises.
• Any injuries, accident or damage must be reported to the Yard Manager as soon as possible.  If the Yard Manager is not available at the time of the accident, please ensure that you write the details in the Yard Book in the Main Yard tack room (kept in the second draw).
• Riding without a riding hat up to date with safety standards and unsuitable footwear is not permitted at any time.
• All vehicles are to be parked in designated parking areas (overnight parking is not permitted unless by prior arrangement).
• Please ensure all lights are switched off, doors are correctly closed, taps are not left running or unattended, and litter is thrown in the bins provided, this is for your own horses’ safety.
• Priory Place has always been a sanctuary, it is also a family home, and we want to ensure that everybody that enters the property, riding school clients, as well as liveries respect each other and treat everybody with dignity, courtesy and kindness.
• Please empty wheelbarrows and skips onto the muck heap and do not leave them for a member of staff, skip buckets are not to be used and left on the yard overnight.
• We will endeavour to keep the Yard clean and tidy, but Owners / Riders and their contractors are responsible for ensuring that the area around their stable, the front of their tack room and other areas used by them are kept clean and tidy.  Please ensure that you put all tools away, clear up droppings / hair and hay nets etc. on the Yard after they have finished grooming, shoeing etc. A cleaning charge of £4.00 may be made if we must clean up any owner’s mess left on the yard.
• Wheelbarrows, tools and other items left in an unsafe or hazardous location or lying outside tack rooms will be removed by staff and made secure.  A handling charge of £2.00 per item may be made for each item removed.
• Riding to and from the arena is not permitted you must lead your horse, please get on in the arena and use the mounting blocks provided.
• Do not help yourself to feed. Hay or bedding unless you have spoken to a member of staff prior. Only on DIY days are owners permitted to do so.
• When leaving the premises for hacking Hi-Visibility must be always worn.
• Riders must not use their mobile phones whilst on the horses.
• This is a private yard, if you have appointments or if you have guests visiting, please make yard owners aware prior.

I understand and agree to the above terms

In an event of a fire:

Exit the building/yard – walk do not run.

Meet on the concrete area directly in front of the Garages, this is the designated Fire Assembly point, and is sign posted ‘Fire Assembly Point’.

Fire Marshalls – Joely Parradine, Jeanette Parradine, Terry Parradine and Romy Parradine, assess the situation. If you think you can contain the fire, tackle it with hoses, buckets of water and fire extinguishers provided on the main yard. If the fire is beyond your control, Dial 999 immediately.

Lead the horses closest to the fire into a secure field furthest away from the scene, the most appropriate field would be ‘Brambles’ the field to the right of the Top Yard which leads furthest away from main estate. A jacket, old sack or a lightweight rug placed over a horse’s head as a blindfold may help to stem away fear. But don’t waste time fitting it.

Working progressively away from the fire, ensure all the horses have been removed and have been released into a secure field away from the scene.

If it is safe to do so and there are no people of animals inside, contain the seat of the fire by shutting all doors and windows.

Shut all stable doors to prevent frightened horses returning to take refuge; and to help contain the fire.

Stand back and await fire service.