Parklands RDA/HunnyBeez 

Terms & Conditions 

General Information 

To ensure the safety of both our riders/participants, their families/carers and our staff and animals we ask you read and follow our terms and conditions and our general advice. 

1. Whilst using the facilities at HunnyBeez all children remain the responsibility of the parents/carer.   Adults who are in need of a full time carer must be attended at all times by the carer.

II) The responsibility may be transferred to the members of Parklands RDA/HunnyBeez when the child/adult enters the arena/training area for their session and ends when the ridden/ground session is ended and the child/adult returns to their parent/carer.  During HunnyBeez sessions parents are to remain with under 16s or adults requiring assistance unless autorised with HunnyBeez.

Our Saturday Pony Club, hands – hooves is a parent led activity. Coaches will take over responsibility when a ridden session commences or when the participant is invited by the coach to participate in an activity.  At all other times the participant is the responsibility of the parent/carer

1. The welfare of our horses is paramount our current weight limit is 12.5stone.  This is a guideline dependent on the rider and their ability.  This weight is taken when wearing full riding equipment. Please note each horse has its own weight limit and horses can only be used a certain amount of times in line with animal welfare, so availability is dependent on each horse and its individual weight limit. 

Parklands RDA reserves the right to refuse riding to anyone over the weight limit. If an individual refuses to be weighed it may mean riding cannot continue. 

ii) Our horses welfare is paramount. Injuries and illness do occur and may affect our sessions.  Where possible we will substitute another suitable horse – for ridden sessions it may be replaced by non-ridden activities.  We will not offer refunds if we can offer another activity.

In the event we cannot source another equine and so the sessions cannot be carried out a refund will be given.

1. All relevant paperwork must be completed before any sessions can commence, For horse riding this includes a rider/participant application form and an assessment of the participant.  This is to ensure we use the correct horse and equipment and it is safe to allow sessions to commence.  It is important we are updated on any changes to any conditions/disabilities and we reserve the right to reassess if we feel necessary. 

1. When equine sessions are in progress we ask parents remain outside the riding arena/training area unless asked to enter by the coach in charge of the session.   

1. Riding Hats must be worn when both riding and handling the horses.  Sturdy footwear with a small heel is recommended and gloves. We understand clothing & equipment may need to be adapted for individuals and we will do our best to accommodate but the safety of the horse and rider must not be compromised. We supply riding hats, you can use your own as long as it is up to standard and a own hat form is signed.

1. Violence, Aggression and disrespectful behaviour to any persons or animals will not be tolerated.  We understand that some riders/clients may have behaviour problems which will do our best to accommodate but the clients, staff, public and animals safety must not be compromised. 

1. All our sessions are offered in blocks or terms which must be paid in full before sessions can commence.  In the case of severe weather horse care sessions will take place instead.  If it is not possible to attend a session please let the centre know as it takes time to prepare the horses for each session. We understand extreme situations such as hospitalisation are out of peoples control and if it is possible we will endeavour to offer another session but this is at the discretion of the committee. 

When a session is offered at Parklands RDA/HunnyBeez, to offer stability and continuity, this is a permanent slot for that participant, if the    session is cancelled this slot cannot be filled but the charities still incur the costs. 

If anyone is struggling with payments, please let us know and we will do all we can to help. 

1. HunnyBeez is a working stables and so farm machinery and equipment will be found on site. We ask that our riders/families/carers stay within the stables and charity building where the sensory room is housed. The barns, houses and fields are private areas unless in      specific care farm activities.

1. Not all animals on the stables are for the use of the RDA/care farm and may not be used to children and so behave differently.  We ask you do not approach horses you do not know.  Non RDA horses will generally have signs or bars on their doors.  Please remember when a horse is in its stable it is like yourselves being at home and might want a rest, if the horse does not respond, please respect this. 

1. Please be respectful when sessions are progress. Do not let participants run around and disrupt others sessions. 

1. Any breakages to equipment must be reported to a member of staff.  Costs should be covered in full. 

Our facilities are available for all to enjoy.  Supervision is required at all times.  We ask that you respect both our equipment and others around you. 

Behaviour around our Animals 

All our animals are trained for riding and therapy work, however they are still animals and get scared, worried or stressed so we ask you behave appropriately around them. 

1. Always approach the front of the animal so they know you are there 

1. Try not to run or make fast movements as this may startle the animal if it is not prepared 

1. Do not walk behind the horses or get between their legs 

1. NEVER handle any of the animals unless accompanied by a trained member of staff 

1. DO NOT enter enclosures/stables unless invited with a member of staff/volunteer

1. Please do not feed the animals without permission or supervision, some are on special diets 

1. Do not throw objects into the enclosures/stables and if anything does fall in please report to a member of staff immediately in case of injury/harm to the animal. 

Sensory Room/Activity Room 

1. Please ensure shoes are removed before entering the sensory house/Activity room 
2. Do not hit the fish tanks or throw objects in 
3. No more than 2 children in the sensory house at one time. 

Payment 

As mentioned above all sessions are booked in blocks and should be paid for in advance.  Should this prove difficult please contact us so we can help organise a payment plan.  This is done to allow the stability and continuity of sessions for our participants and parents/carers.

Due to the ever increases charges, payments are preferred by either cash or bank transfer. 

Card Payments & Paypal may be used but they do charge the charity fees. 

We will not tolerate any form of abuse to any staff members, volunteers or other participants.  We understand some participants may have behavioural challenges which of course we do our best to accommodate, but the welfare to all involved is paramount.

Tea and PicNic with our pony or farm sessions.

Food for these sessions is prepared in one kitchen.  Although we try our best to ensure there is no cross contamination this cannot be guaranteed.  The kitchen and farm is not a nut free zone as we process nuts to sell and there is the possibility of nuts in the animals food.  We also have walnut and hazelnut trees on the farm.

Areas open to explore will be explained at each session.  Do not enter paddocks/fields/enclosures.  Please do not feed any animals without prior agreement. Some animals are on special diets. Some animals also become defensive around food which can cause injuries to the animals.

Should we allow you to bring carrots etc you feed the animals at your own risk.

Birthday Parties

 We can hold birthday parties for participants who are registered with us.  These parties will include a mix of pony play and time on the farm.  Other activities can be discussed.  Pony rides are NOT included.

Birthday Parties are 2hrs long for up to 12 participants - £185.  Refreshments for children & parents can be supplied but we do not supply food.

Booking and Cancellation policy is the same as other bookings.  A deposit is required to reserve your party

Cancellations

All regular sessions/block bookings are paid termly.  We will endeavour to make up any missed sessions during the holidays but this cannot be promised.  These sessions are reserved for that particular participant so cannot be re-filled.

For our HunnyBeez Events the cancelleation policy is below.  We need to ensure we have enough staff, the correct animals, enough equipment and food/refreshments etc which takes time to get into place therefore will not offer any refund within 14 days on an event. 

2-4 weeks prior 25% refund

4-6weeks prior 50%

6 weeks before – 100% refund minus any booking/admin fees

Large group bookings – Your booking is only secured with a deposit.  The full amount must be paid within 6 weeks of your secured date.

By commencing sessions with Parklands RDA/HunnyBeez you are agreeing to abide by our terms and conditions. 

Updated March 2024