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SAFETY & DRESS CODE
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For your safety and comfort, we ask that you adhere to the following dress code:
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- Helmet: All riders are required to wear an ASTM/SEI certified equestrian helmet. Helmets used for other sports will not be allowed. If you do not have your own, we have a wide selection of helmets for you to borrow.
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- Pants: All riders must wear full length pants. Shorts or skirts are not acceptable attire. Cultural/religious accommodations can be made - please notify us when booking the lesson.
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- Shoes: All riders must wear a boot with a small defined heel (i.e. Hiking boot, work boot, rain boot). Sneakers, "Ugg" style boots, open toes, or flat soles are not acceptable footwear.
FITNESS LEVEL AND WEIGHT LIMIT REQUIRED FOR HORSE RIDING LESSONS
Horseback riding is a sport, an athletic activity and we need to make sure everyone who rides horses at our facility are in good physical condition. The following is what is recommended for horseback riding. Academy programs, including lessons, often have different guidelines than trail riding facilities. We will be following these guidelines at Cougar Mountain Stables.
FITNESS LEVEL GUIDELINES
Riders need to be strong and flexible enough to mount the horse unassisted from a mounting block. This requires lifting your foot at least 30" off the ground to get it in the stirrup and pulling yourself up into the saddle with reasonable effort. (Exception is riders in our therapy program)
WEIGHT GUIDELINES
We have found that riders whose weight is not in proportion to their height often have less balance and, therefore, are more likely to fall off. Overweight riders without the accompanying overall strength are not able to regain their balance if they tip forward or fall sideways. For the comfort and safety of both horse and rider, weight limitations are in effect. For rider safety and the safety and well being of the horses, we have a maximum rider weight limit of 200 pounds plus the saddle and tack.
* Management and our instructors reserve the right to request verification of the information given. Exceptions will be made at our * discretion. We reserve the right to terminate a horseback riding session for safety reasons.