Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What equipment is needed to take lessons?
A. Students must own a riding helmet (first time riders can borrow one from the barn) as well as shoes with a hard heel for the first month of lessons. After that they will need an approved helmet, riding pants, and paddock boots with half-chaps or tall boots. Gloves are recommended.
Q. What age clients does Scattered Acres accept?
A. 5 yrs. old and up.
Q. Where can I purchase riding gear?
A. There are a wide variety of vendors in the area such as Dover Saddlery in Chantilly or Saddlery Liquidators in Haymarket.
Q. Can my child bring a friend?
A. Yes, but they must have a liability release form signed by their parents if they will be near the horses.
Q. How many people are in a group lesson?
A. Group lessons have no more than 7 people in them.
Q. What if it is raining or snowing out?
A. We have a covered arena, so as long as the roads are safe to drive, lessons are held on schedule. If the roads are not safe in our direction, someone will call to let you know.
Q. What if I need to cancel a lesson?
A. Lessons are held in all types of weather. Payment in full is required for lessons canceled without 24 hours’ notice. If you cancel a lesson with more than 24 hours’ notice, a makeup lesson will be made available.
Q. What types of lessons does Scattered Acres provide?
A. We provide introductory through advanced lessons. Beginners start on a lungeline with an assistant instructor in private lessons and can move into semi-private or group lessons when they can successfully walk and trot with good equitation off of the lungeline. Intermediate riders work with an assistant instructor or Autumn in balanced seat equitation lessons. More advanced riders work with Autumn either on their own horse or on one of the well-trained Scattered Acres horses to perfect their skills in dressage, stadium jumping, and xc.
Q. What are the costs of lessons?
A. View current rates here.
Q. What is the Cancellation Policy:
A. Lessons are held in all types of weather. Payment in full is required for lessons canceled without 24 hours notice. If you cancel a lesson with more than 24 hours notice, a makeup lesson will be available.
Q. What forms are required before signing up for lessons?A. There are three forms that require adult signatures prior to a student beginning a lesson program: The Scattered Acres Liability Release Form, The Scattered Acres Emergency Release Contact form, and the Riding Lesson agreement form. All of these forms are located on the Lessons page. Please have them filled out when you arrive for your first lesson.
Q. Do I have to own a horse to compete?
A. No. However, all competitors must either own or lease a horse to compete with the Scattered Acres team.
Q. Do I have to compete to take lessons at Scattered Acres?
A. No. While a number of riders at Scattered Acres do compete, many ride for the personal enjoyment, physical fitness, challenge, and simply because they love being with horses.
Q. What forms need to be filled out to have my horse boarded at Scattered Acres?
A. The form that needs to be filled out is located at the bottom of the Boarding page. Use the navigation menu at the top of this page to find the Boarding page.
Q. What forms need to be filled out to have my horse hauled to another location by Scattered Acres?
A. The form that needs to be filled out is located at the bottom of the Boarding page. Use the navigation menu at the top of this page to find the Boarding page.
Q. I am interested to see what employment opportunities are available at Scattered Acres. Where do I find out more information?
A. On the main menu navigation, there is an Employment tab. Simply click that link and view the opportunities.