What safety equipment is required?
Where can I get a helmet?
Helmets can be purchased from your local tack store. The sales agent can ensure the proper fit.
What type of payment do you accept?
We accept cash, credit card (online), cheques or email transfers. Make cheques payable to Brookson Farm and email transfers can be sent to ride@brookson.ca
What is the cancellation policy?
To reschedule a lesson, please submit a cancellation request through the HorseNotes rider portal. If you cancel your lesson for any reason with less than 24-hours notice or fail to attend, the lesson will incur a full charge or can be rescheduled with an additional fee. A missed lesson or cancellation made with less than 24-hours notice will require a $25 fee to be paid in order to reschedule the lesson.
In the event that you provide more than 24-hours notice, we kindly request that you book a new lesson within 30 days of the originally scheduled lesson.
How do I makeup a lesson?
Makeup lessons are self managed in the HorseNotes Rider Portal.
To schedule a makeup lesson, login to your portal. After a lesson is marked as cancelled you will have an option to rebook that lesson within 30 days. Lessons not used before 30 days expire.
When should I arrive for my lesson?
For optimal preparation, tiny riders are encouraged to arrive 5 minutes before their scheduled lesson.
In the case of regular lessons, it is recommended that riders arrive 30 minutes before the lesson start time to groom and tack up their horse. This allows riders to ensure that their horse is properly prepared for the lesson.
Please note that riders who arrive late for tacking up may forfeit their riding lesson time. It is the rider’s responsibility to arrive early enough to prepare their horse before the lesson starts.
New riders will receive instruction on how to groom and tack up a horse during their initial lessons, and they will be expected to gradually assume these responsibilities themselves.
What is the payment policy?
Our lesson program offers a flexible and convenient payment system, allowing riders to purchase blocks of 4, 8, or 12 lessons. Our user-friendly online portal enables riders to easily book and manage their lessons, and payment is required in advance before booking any lessons. Our payment system operates on a pay-as-you-go basis.
Please note that all lessons and packages are non-refundable and non-transferable, so we encourage riders to consider their schedules and commitment level before purchasing a lesson package.
I want to do group lessons but there is not a suitable group. How does that work?
Lesson durations depend on the number of riders and we provide a range of options available during the week and weekends. If you notice a time slot that fits your schedule but is currently unoccupied, please feel free to contact us.
Private and semi-private lessons for two individuals have a duration of 30 minutes. Three-person semi-private lessons are 45 minutes long, while small group lessons for four people last for 60 minutes.
Is there HST?
Who has priority in the rings?
Can I do practice rides on my own time?
Indeed, riders who have reached a certain level of proficiency in horseback riding and are capable of riding independently may opt to lease a horse and engage in practice rides in addition to their regular lessons.
Can I jump and go trail riding during practice rides?
Trail riding is permitted for riders who have achieved a particular level of riding skill that allows them to ride safely on their own outside of enclosed rings. However, the instructor retains the discretion to determine the available trail riding options. Trail riding permissions are at the discretion of instructors. Jumping is also restricted to lessons only. This policy is in place to guarantee your safety and ensure that the horses are well-maintained and properly trained.
Do you offer public trail riding?
We do not provide trail riding services to the general public. Our focus is on providing safe and structured riding lessons. However, riders who take weekly lessons and have reached a level of competency that enables them to ride safely in an open field may purchase practice rides.
Are lessons cancelled in extreme hot or cold conditions?
I have riding experience and want to rent a horse to trail ride. Can I do that.
At Brookson Farm, we do not offer horse rentals for any purpose regardless of your level or experience. However, if you are interested in riding, we offer lessons and practice rides (including trail riding) exclusively to weekly students who have demonstrated their ability to ride safely on their own.
I want to take a break from lessons and return to riding at the same time/day in the future, can my spot be reserved?
Lesson slots are available for anyone to book. In the event of an absence, the slot will become available to other riders.
Can I bring my dog?
We kindly ask that you refrain from bringing dogs to our facility. For the safety and comfort of our riders and horses, we request that all dogs be left at home. Thank you for your cooperation.
Do you take volunteers or working students?
Volunteering at Brookson is an excellent way to expand your horsemanship knowledge and spend more time with horses than you would during a regular weekly lesson. We have three student positions available, each with its own set of requirements:
- Volunteers – Our volunteer program is available to Brookson students who are 11 years of age or older and attend a weekly riding lesson. Volunteers help with stable duties during regular lessons and are supervised by our working students and instructors. Volunteers must be Brookson level 3 riders or higher, able to follow instructions, and exhibit maturity and professionalism. There is no compensation for volunteering, but it provides valuable horsemanship and stable management skills.
- Working Students – Our working student program is available to students who have demonstrated dedication and a strong work ethic by volunteering at the barn. Working students must be 12 years of age or older, attend a weekly lesson, and be a rider level 4 or higher. Working students earn credits for additional lessons or riding opportunities at Brookson, based on a combination of their weekly shifts worked and their experience, abilities, and contribution. Students who work hard, follow instructions, and demonstrate autonomy may be promoted from a Level 1 to a Level 2 working student, becoming eligible for additional credits. Working students are expected to maintain a high standard of work, follow instructions, complete tasks, and maintain a positive attitude. Positions are limited, but volunteers who demonstrate the capability of a working student position will be considered as positions open up.
- Summer Camp Counsellors – Our camp counselor program is available to Brookson riders who are 13 years of age or older, attend a weekly lesson, have a rider level 4 or higher, and have completed at least 20 hours of approved volunteer experience at the barn. Counselors earn credits for additional lessons or riding opportunities at Brookson.
If you’re interested in any of our student positions, please contact us at ride@brookson.ca.
