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Frequently Asked Questions: Members

Have questions about how things work at Cevalo? You've come to the right place! If you're looking for more information about our lesson program, check out the Lesson FAQ. If you can't find the information you need, send a message to info @ cevalo.org!

• Do we ride if it's raining?
• Who do I make my checks out to?
• Do I have to pay the membership dues?
• What is the work requirement?
• What do I do if I can't make it to my lesson?
• If I miss a lesson, can I make it up?
• How do I find out if there are other students interested in carpooling?
• If I quit, can I get a refund?
• Can I ride outside of lessons?

Do we ride if it's raining?

We normally ride rain or shine year-round. However, lessons are sometimes cancelled if the weather forecast is especially nasty or the arena conditions are poor.

If the weather is iffy or it's been raining for several days, please check the Cevalo Yahoo Group before heading out to the barn. If lessons are cancelled, a message will be posted to the group 1 hour before the first lesson of the day.

We're also starting to post notices of schedule changes to Facebook and Twitter. If you don't use either service, you can check the message feed on our home page.

Who do I make my checks out to?

Membership and horse fees should be made payable to Cevalo Riding Academy. Instructor fees are paid separately and should be made payable directly to your instructor. Here is the current break-down:

• Membership Fees: $25/quarter, payable to Cevalo Riding Academy. (Family membership is $50/quarter for 2 or more riders.)
• Horse Fees (1 hour lessons): $119/month, payable to Cevalo Riding Academy
• Horse Fees (1/2 hour lessons): $56/month
• Instructor Fees, Group Lesson: $80/month, payable to Diana Disney
• Instructor Fees, Semi-Private Lesson: $130/month, payable to Diana Disney
• Instructor Fees, Private Lesson (8 and up): $230/month, payable to Diana Disney
• Instructor Fees, Private Lesson (6 & 7 year olds): $60/month, payable to your instructor (Lyndsey Gordy, Jennifer Hernandez)

Payments are due on the 1st of the month! A $20 late fee will be charged for all payments received after the 5th of the month.

Do I have to pay the membership dues?

All students riding in lessons need to pay the quarterly membership fees, due 1/1, 4/1, 7/1, and 10/1. Membership entitles you to use of Cevalo facilities and equipment and enables participation in lessons schooling shows, lectures, and special events.

What is the work requirement?

All students are asked to complete at least two hours of volunteer work at Cevalo each month. You can spend extra time helping out before or after your lesson, or come on another day to fulfill your work requirement. For more information about what needs to be done, talk to your instructor.

What do I do if I can't make it to my lesson?

If you know in advance you won't be able to ride due to a vacation or business trip, let your instructor know as far in advance as possible. In the event of a sudden illness or family emergency, call or send an email to let your instructor know you won't be at your lesson. Knowing that you won't be there helps us make sure the horses get the exercise they need, and enables us to give horses a break when they could use it.

If I miss a lesson, can I make it up?

Makeups are granted at the instructor's discretion and are normally permitted if you give at least 24 hours notice. However, YOU are responsible for keeping track and scheduling your make-ups with your instructor. Make-ups should be scheduled within 30 days of the missed lesson and MUST be taken in addition to your regularly-scheduled lesson. You may not apply accrued make-ups toward lesson fees.

How do I find out if there are other students interested in carpooling?

Talk to your instructor and post a message to Cevalo's Yahoo group with the day & time you ride and where you are traveling from. There are several convenient places to meet up along Almaden Expressway or near Calero reservoir.

If I quit, can I get a refund?

All membership fees, horse fees, and instructor fees are non-refundable. You can reschedule make-ups or apply the fees toward lessons or camp for another family member.

Can I ride outside of lessons?

Select school horses are available for partial lease by qualified students. The lease fee is $100 for four rides per month (one per week). Students can also trade additional work hours for extra ride time. Generally, 4 work hours earns 1 hour of additional ride time. If you're interested in leasing or earning extra ride time, talk to your instructor.