Clearwater Bay Equestrian Centre - Rules and Regulations

Rules & Regulations

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING LESSONS:

When joining the club, you will be asked to agree to these and other terms so please take time to read these points as it will save us all a lot of grief later on!
Existing members will be asked to sign the form too as this summarises all our restrictions – new and old.

5 years & under riding

Lessons for riders 5 years and under are 20 minutes. Only under exceptional circumstances will we allow children of 5 to have a private 30 minute lesson. Children of this age have a limited concentration span – we consider this the optimum riding time for this age group.
20 minute lessons may not be shared. If for any reason, your child demands to get off early or will not get on the pony, full lesson price will be charged.

Group size, packages and times

At the age of 6, your child will automatically be moved to a private 30 minute lesson or, possibly, a group lesson dependent on their ability.
Group Lessons run for 1 hour if there are 3 or more riders in the group. If there are two riders, the lesson becomes a 45 minute class and if 1 rider, the lesson will run for 30 minutes.
We offer a discounted package of 10 lessons which must be used in a 3 month period. Alternatively, lessons may be paid for on a pay as you go basis. If the package is not paid for on the date of the first lesson, single lesson price will be charged until the package has been paid for in full.
All riders at the club (with the exception of debenture and livery holders), must pay a $500 refundable riding deposit.
If you are 5 minutes (or more) late for a 30 minute lesson or 10 minutes (or more) for any other lesson, you will not be allowed to ride and full lesson price will be charged. This is entirely at the discretion of the instructor but will be strictly adhered to in the case of group lessons for safety reasons. Again, no exceptions – car, train, taxi, rain, snow, hail, husband, wife, dog, cat, hamster, child, helper, driver, plane or bus problems included.
Riders who do not ride for 3 weeks in a row risk the chance of losing their riding spot – this includes school holidays. If you are going to be away for a long period, (3 weeks or more), you may select to pay a spot holding fee of $500 (3-5 weeks), $800 (6-9 weeks), $1,100 (10-12 weeks) – this charge is per rider. This rule is waivered in the event that a medical note is produced showing that the rider is not fit to ride for medical reasons – again this is limited to a 12 week period. Not applicable to debenture holders.
Packages not paid for prior to, or on the day of, the first lesson will be charged at a per lesson price until the 10 lesson package has been paid for. Not applicable to debenture holders as long as account is settled within 30 days from the date of the invoice.

Cancellations

Cancellations made later than 72 hours prior to the lesson will be charged in full whatever the circumstances. We no longer accept sick notes. There are absolutely NO exceptions to this rule so please do not ask the office staff to make one for you.
Please do not bring replacement riders if you or child are sick – we will not be able to accommodate them –sorry.
Lessons are definitely cancelled during a BLACK rainstorm warning and a TYPHOON #8 or above. All riders and lessons will be stopped 60 minutes prior to the Number 8 signal being raised. In all other conditions, lessons will run and no shows will be charged for.
We will call you if we plan to cancel – this will only be done if we deem it unsafe for riders to be at the stables. A decision will be made one hour prior to your lesson.
In the event that we deem it unsafe to ride, all classes will be a combination of simulator & stable management lessons. If you select not to take this option, you will still be charged full lesson price. Again, do not ask to be an exception – there are none. Stable management is a vital part of horse riding – additionally, horses need to be fed and instructors paid - regardless of weather.

Dogs and other pets

Dogs may only be in the outside office area – do not take them inside the office, to any of the paddocks or stable area. If your dog/s is likely to bark through separation anxiety, please don’t bring them.
Please understand that there are stable dogs on site and they are loose – this is their territory. The CEEC takes no responsibility for any scuffles that occur between our dogs and visitors – please be aware of this prior to bringing your dog.
If your dog causes a riding accident or alarms a horse by barking, fighting or running loose, you will be responsible for all vet and medical charges incurred by either horse or rider.
The same applies to all other pets too – Pigs (yes, we have members with them) are not permitted at the centre – horses are extremely scared of pigs and their smell.

General

Drinking and riding is strictly prohibited – blood alcohol level should be zero. The instructors are well within their rights not to permit you to ride if they feel that you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Please let your instructor know if you are on any medication that may cause drowsiness – you must not ride if you are.
All members must own their own riding hat for safety reasons. This must have the correct approval code (PAS015, BSEN1384, EN1384, ASTMF1163).
All riders 16 years and under MUST wear a back protector when jumping at the CEEC. We strongly recommend their use for all riders – this will help prevent long term back damage caused by falls. The current standards are 2010 BETA Level 3 or above.
Horses are unpredictable animals – when alarmed, their natural instinct is to flee. When stabled, horses may bite or kick as they are unable to flee. Parents must ensure that an adult is with their child at all times when at the stable – no child or adult may enter a stable alone.
No riders under the age of 13 may be at the stables unattended unless on a camp or other supervised CEEC activity. Please do not ask the office to mind your kids or be responsible for them if you or another responsible adult are unable to attend.
The CEEC will only permit pregnant ladies to ride up to 20 weeks and they must have written permission from a doctor. We take absolutely no responsibility in the event of an accident – we DO NOT recommend pregnant ladies to ride.
No-one under the age of 16 may enter the stable area without a hard hat. The only exception to this rule are ½ livery holders 13 years or older.
When riding a horse or pony, it is inevitable that you will dismount against your will at some point – i.e. fall off. We are confident that the horses and ponies that we select for you are suitable for your level but we cannot guarantee your safety as you are paired with a live animal with its’ own fears and limits. Riding is a wonderful and exhilarating sport but it is not without its’ dangers – you need to be aware of this prior to signing yourself or child up for lessons.

Livery Rules

(full livery rules are in the livery holder’s contract)

Horses at the CEEC remain the property of club – both full and half livery horses. The club has final decisions on all aspects of the care and wellbeing of the horse.
It is possible for full livery owners to apply to take their HKJC horses overseas should they leave HK. The CEEC requires you to have had the horse on full livery for a minimum of one year prior to making this application. The CEEC actively encourages the export of full livery horses. The final decision of the export of a horse is made by the HKJC.
No ½ livery horses may be exported and applications to do so will not be accepted.
Full liveries are only granted under exceptional circumstances where it is felt that this decision is in the interest of the wellbeing of the horse.
No livery holders may leave the centre or jump (at any height) when riding alone.
Private owners may jump their horses but lessons take priority. If jumping in an empty paddock, please inform a member of the teaching staff that you intend to jump. This is purely for safety reasons.
Full livery holders MUST exercise their horse 6 days per week or arrange for the club to do so. The club will tell you when your livery horse should be on ‘holiday’ – we will always try and coincide this with your holiday and should be a minimum of 7 consecutive days. No more than 3 x 7 day holidays per annum are required unless the centre feels it is necessary for the wellbeing of the horse.
Livery fees are payable, in advance, on the 1st of each month. The debenture 30 day credit does not apply to the basic livery charges.