Thomson Equestrian – Booking, Cancellation & Program Policy

1. GENERAL & RISK ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Merindah Thomson is a qualified EA Coach and operates in accordance with Equestrian Australia (EA) guidelines.
All riders, parents, guardians, and supporters are expected to follow EA policies and safety requirements.

By participating in any activities, lessons, clinics, programs, or online education arranged by Thomson Equestrian, you acknowledge that working with horses involves inherent risk.

You:

understand that risks associated with these activities have been explained to you

voluntarily accept those risks

participate at your own risk

A waiver is required once per calendar year.

2. HORSE & HUMAN WELFARE

Abuse of horses or humans will never be tolerated.

Any abusive behaviour will result in:

immediate termination of the lesson, session, or participation

no refund

formal reporting to the relevant authority where appropriate

3. USE OF COACHING CONTENT & MEDIA

Lesson and program content (including exercises, discussions, homework, or frameworks) is specific to individual horses and riders.

Content should not be applied to other situations without appropriate understanding or consultation.
Horses and riders are individuals, and misapplication may be detrimental.

Video or photography taken during lessons is for personal education only and must not be used for print or digital media without prior consent of all parties.
If the subject is under 18, written parental or guardian consent is required.

4. IN-PERSON LESSONS & VENUES

Lessons at Lower Bowerbank, Deloraine

Lessons are subject to strict farm biosecurity requirements, including:

clean vehicles, footwear, equipment, and animals

healthy horses free from contagious conditions

vehicles parked inside the jump paddock with the gate shut before unloading

visitors remaining within designated areas

manure and hoof pickings collected and taken home

all feed brought onto the property to be weed-free

Lessons at Other Venues

Lessons must comply with the venue’s own requirements.
If you book the venue, please forward all relevant information so I can also comply.

Lessons on Your Own Property

You are responsible for the safety of your riding surface, facilities, and equipment.

5. LESSON BOOKINGS & CANCELLATIONS

Casual Lessons

Casual lessons are subject to availability and must be prepaid.
Bookings are secured only once payment has been received.

Cancellations within 14 days of the lesson are non-refundable.

Membership Lessons

Membership inclusions and payment plans are individualised and billed via automated monthly payments.

Missed lessons may be rescheduled within the following month only

Lessons not taken within that month are forfeited

Pricing and inclusions may be amended with two weeks’ notice

Memberships are reviewed every six months due to daylight savings and arena availability

Indoor arena hire pre-booked for winter evenings must be paid unless a replacement booking is secured.

Memberships may be cancelled with two weeks’ notice. Fees are not refundable within that period.

6. CLINICS & EVENTS

All clinics (including guest coaches) must be paid in advance and in full, unless a payment plan has been agreed.

Once an instalment is made, your place is secured.

If you cannot attend:

you are responsible for finding a replacement rider

fees must be arranged directly between riders

no refunds are issued unless the clinic is cancelled in full

7. ONLINE PROGRAMS & EDUCATION

(Including The Classical Jumping Training Framework)

Online programs are educational in nature and designed to support thoughtful, long-term development.

They are not quick-fix solutions and require active participation, reflection, and discretion.

Refund / Exit Policy for Online Programs

If, within 14 days of purchase, you feel an online program is not the right fit, you may request an exit by emailing coach@classicaljumping.com.

Pay-in-full purchases will be refunded (less transaction fees)

Payment plans will have remaining instalments cancelled

After 14 days, no refunds are offered, as access to materials and support has been provided.

This policy exists to ensure fairness for both rider and coach and to support committed participation.

8. WEATHER & CONDITIONS

Riders will never be expected to ride in unsafe conditions.

Safe exposure to varying weather is encouraged for skill development, however:

unpleasant conditions alone are not grounds for a refund

alternative non-ridden education options may be offered

venue changes may be made where possible

If competitions can safely proceed under EA guidelines, lessons will also proceed.

9. OTHER CIRCUMSTANCES

All other situations are assessed case by case.

Where appropriate:

I may ride your horse if you are unwell

alternative horses or non-ridden sessions may be offered

rescheduling may be available

Membership clients always receive priority for lesson times and clinic positions.