For riding and horse handling:

• Long pants that allow you to move comfortably

• Sturdy, closed-toe shoes or riding boots

• A small heel is best for riding

• Weather-appropriate layers

• Clothing you don’t mind getting dirty

Please avoid sandals, flip-flops, loose jewelry, dangling accessories, or clothing that could become caught on equipment.

Bring:

• Water bottle

• Sunscreen

• Weather-appropriate clothing (e.g. hat, etc.)

• Any personal items you may need during your visit

• A certified riding helmet (if you have one)

Horses and necessary equipment are provided unless your specific program says otherwise.

Please arrive about 10 minutes before your scheduled session unless you have been given different instructions.

When you pull into the driveway, drive straight ahead toward the horse paddocks. Park on the gravel area. Walk toward the shed/open arena.

If you’re running late, just let us know via text.

Horses are large animals, and their behavior can be unpredictable. Safety begins with paying attention.

While you’re here:

• Follow your instructor’s directions.

• Ask before approaching or handling a horse.

• Walk—don’t run—around horses.

• Stay aware of where the horse is and where you are, especially your feet in relation to the horse’s hooves.

• Keep your hands and feet where instructed.

• Keep children with their supervising adult.

• Don’t feed a horse unless you are given permission, usually at the end of sessions as a treat, and only feeding approved treats.

• Tell us if you feel nervous, unsure, or uncomfortable.

You never have to pretend you’re comfortable. Ask questions.

At Altar Equestrian, we believe good horsemanship begins with stewardship.

Our horses are partners in the work we do, not equipment. We pay attention to their physical and emotional well-being and may change, shorten, or modify an activity based on the horse’s needs.

Sometimes the best horsemanship decision is to stop, slow down, or do something differently.

All participants must complete the required forms before participating in equine activities.

Required for All Participants

1. Participant Intake Form
Helps us understand your experience, goals, and any relevant considerations before you begin.

[Complete Participant Intake Form]

2. Equine Activity Agreement & Assumption of Risk
Reviews the inherent risks of equine activities, participant responsibilities, and required Tennessee equine activity disclosures.

[Review & Sign Agreement]

For Participants Under 18

A parent or legal guardian must complete the required forms and provide consent before participation.

[Parent/Guardian Forms]

Additional Forms

Some programs may require additional information or agreements based on the nature of the experience.

We will let you know what applies to you during booking.

Tennessee law requires written contracts for certain equine professional services to contain the following notice:

WARNING

Under Tennessee Law, an equine professional is not liable for an injury to or the death of a participant in equine activities resulting from the inherent risks of equine activities, pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated, title 44, chapter 20.

This notice does not eliminate the responsibility of participants to follow safety instructions or the responsibilities and exceptions established under Tennessee law.

https://capitol.tn.gov/bills/105/Bill/SB2097.PDF

We work with horses and spend significant time outdoors, so weather can affect our schedule.

If conditions make an activity unsafe or impractical, we may modify or reschedule the session. We will contact you if a change is necessary.

We take the heat index into consideration when determining if it is too hot to ride outside. We may ride in light rain, but not when lightning is present.

Please don’t assume a session is cancelled because of rain or cold. Wait for communication from Altar Equestrian.

You are welcome to take pictures, but please be conscious that you are capturing images with the permission of others. If you wish to video or audio record, do that with permission.

We encourage you to post and process your experience in the way that makes the most sense to you, sharing with friends, social media, etc. You may also tag us.

Please do not take photos of minors who are not under your guardianship.

Altar Equestrian reserves the right to ask you to take down images/videos of others and/or personal information, at our discretion.

Arrive ready to participate.
You’ll be around horses, hay, dirt, and the elements. Comfortable is better than fancy.

Put your phone away when appropriate.
There will be plenty to pay attention to.

Ask questions.
Learning good horsemanship starts with learning to observe and listen.

Respect the space.
The arena, land, horses, equipment, and other participants all deserve care.

And most importantly—be present.

You don’t have to perform here. You don’t have to know everything.