FAQ

Is there any long term parking facility for my trailer or horsebox?

Yes, it is possible to park your horsebox/trailer within a designated area at the Equine Centre. A form is provided in your starter pack that needs to be returned before your arrival; the cost is £50 per term payable in advance.

How much hay and bedding is included in the cost of the stable?

Your horse will be weighed using a weigh tape within the first two weeks of term and hay/haylage will be allocated accordingly taking into account the level of work undertaken. This can then be collected daily from the hay barn. Bedding is allocated as required on week days only up to a maximum of 5 bales per week whilst your horse is stabled on-site. Any hay and bedding provision not used, is non-transferable and non-refundable. These current allocations are subject to change dependent upon market costs and availability.

Additional bedding and forage can be collected by purchasing tokens from the Centre Administrator during office hours.

Can I bring my own rubber matting?

Yes, that is no problem. We also have a good supplier who you can purchase matting from. His details can be obtained from the Centre Administrator. Any rubber matting purchased and fitted must be removed during the summer months.

Must everyone, even in a group, wear a reflective tabard when hacking out?

Yes, the safety of you, your horse and other road users is of the utmost importance to us. All DIY students are issued with a Hartpury Equine reflective tabard at the start of term. It is compulsory that the tabard is worn whilst riding around the estate. The tabard must be returned at the end of the academic year as we issue new ones each year.

Does everyone need to sign in/out when hacking out?

Yes, in case of accidents it is best if staff know who is out and where they are at all times. Please ensure you sign in and out, and carry a mobile phone with the yard number safely stored.

Where can I go hacking?

The College recommend you avoid riding on local roads, as they do get very busy. To help you we have installed an all-weather track through the Estate to provide off-road hacking. Please note for safety reasons only walking and trotting is allowed on the estate ride.

What should I wear whilst on the Yard?

As the yard is a working environment, it is important that you wear suitable clothing. Shorts and vest tops are not allowed for safety reasons. No jewellery, trainers, tracksuit bottoms, hoodies, DMs, ripped jeans or brightly coloured clothing. Riding in jeans or casual trousers is forbidden. No earrings or other facial piercings are allowed on the yard. It is compulsory to wear your riding hat (to the correct approved standard) and gloves when leading horses anywhere/lungeing/riding and turning out.

What happens to my horse during half-term, inter-semester breaks and holidays?

Your horse will need to go home with you; in some special circumstances (e.g. if you live abroad) horses may be able to stay on full livery at a cost of £140 per week. This must be arranged with the Equine Resource Manager well in advance of the holiday period to avoid disappointment.

What happens if I am suddenly ill or need to go home?

Please let a member of yard staff know immediately. Try and arrange cover with a friend or someone else on your barn. Please let a staff member have the details of the person looking after your horse before you go. If you need a member of yard staff to care for your horse on a temporary basis there would be a charge made of £15 per day. In addition, any horses not dealt with by 8am or 5pm each day, without prior notification to the yard, will be seen to by yard staff and a charge of £15 invoiced to the student.

Can I ride my own horse in my lessons?

Yes, occasionally; however it is important that you ride a variety of horses. If you do wish to ride your horse in a lesson, please tell the Chief Riding Instructor the day before or you will be allocated a college horse.

Can I soak hay on the yard?

Hay can be soaked on the yard in designated areas or haylage can be provided if required instead.