ENROLLMENT INFORMATION & PROCESS
- Carlisle Academy operates year-round with scheduled break weeks. Please see annual calendar for details. Participants may opt out of certain months of the year, however scheduling preference will be given to annually enrolled participants.
- The first step in enrollment is to contact the Carlisle Academy office to discuss space availability and program suitability (207-985-0374, info@carlisleacademymaine.com).
- If there is an opening in the schedule, Carlisle staff will schedule a farm tour.
- Participants in the Riding Academy, Equine-Assisted Services, and Farm & Nature Programs must all complete the Participant Form & Liability Release.
- For participants in Equine-Assisted Learning Programs, please ask a health care professional to fill out this Medical Clearance Form.
- Please find a medical form for mounted riding academy programs here (only needed for para-dressage or traditional lessons returning after an injury).
- All required documents will need to be received by the office prior to starting lessons/programs.
RIDING ACADEMY RESTRICTIONS & ATTIRE
- Participants are required to wear riding helmets during all mounted portions of their lessons. Carlisle Academy can provide participants with a properly fitted ASTM-SEI approved riding helmet. Those who wish to use their own helmet must present it to a staff member for approval. The helmet cannot be more than 5 years old and must bear the ASTM- SEI certified seal.
- All participants should wear long pants and riding boots or hard-soled shoes with a heel. No sneakers or open-toed shoes are allowed.
- The Academy has a collection of boots and breeches to lend out to students for a season.
- We are unable to accommodate riders in excess of 185 pounds for mounted lessons
Equine-Assisted Services RESTRICTIONS & ATTIRE
- All participants should wear long pants and closed toed shoes, preferably with coverage at the ankles for safety around livestock.
- There are no weight restrictions for unmounted programs.
- Helmets are not required for unmounted programs.
- Participants in Equine-Assisted Learning must:
- Be at least 12 years of age
- Be able to navigate uneven terrain
- Be able to tolerate the sounds and smells of the farm environment
FARM & NATURE PROGRAMS RESTRICTIONS & ATTIRE
- Participants are encouraged to be proactive with tick prevention through attire. Long pants which can be tucked into socks, and shirts tucked into pants, are recommended along with light colored clothing. Participants may choose to wear tick repellent.
- Closed-toed shoes with secure backing are required. Sneakers and hiking boots are recommended.
- Participants are encouraged to bring water bottles. There is a sink with potable water to refill water bottles.
- Participants are encouraged to bring and apply sunscreen.
- Some nature-based programs utilize tools such as knives and saws. Participants are only allowed to use instructor-provided tools during programs and are required to follow all safety procedures. Participants may be dismissed from nature-based programs for improper tool use at lead instructor’s discretion.
- Participants who have balance challenges may be asked to wear a gait belt, provided by the Academy, when interacting with horses to ensure safety.
Payment Policy
- Lesson fees are based on per diem rates or a pre-paid block of lessons, due at the time of service or the start of a new lesson block.
- A student may not enroll in another session until their balance is paid in full, or it is established that their payment plan extends beyond this time frame.
Discounts/Credits/Refunds
- Riders who provide their own mount receive a 15% discount on lessons.
- Volunteers/Service-Learning Participants receive a lesson discount according to their tier and time given. See SLP information for more details.
- No further discounts are applied to pre-paid lesson packages, as these arealready discounted (with the exception of the 15% discount for using one’s own mount).
- Participants who sign up for a weekly group time or private lesson are reserving that scheduled time and therefore will be responsible for payment in full without 24-hour notice, unless there is an excused absence. Excused absences must be cleared by the Head of School or Program Director and may involve medical emergencies and transportation issues.
- If a cancellation is initiated by Carlisle Academy due to weather, staff illness, or equine illness, a credit or refund is applied to a participant’s balance.
General Information & CODE OF CONDUCT
- Smoking is not allowed on the farm property.
- Alcohol may not be consumed on the farm’s property, except as specifically approved farm/program function.
- A unisex, handicapped accessible public toilet is located on the farm property.
- Handicapped parking signs are located near the arenas and lesson barn.
- Please do not bring your dog to the farm unless it’s a service dog or you have spoken to Carlisle staff first.
- When you arrive, go to the arena where your lesson/program is taking place, established during the site visit or inquire in the farm office if unsure.
- Your child (and additional friends/siblings) must be supervised at all times, outside of lesson times. If your child is dropped off/picked up, please communicate with staff regarding their arrival and departure.
- No one other than Carlisle Academy staff are allowed into horse pastures.
- Equine vision is unique and items such as umbrellas, balloons, kites, or quick and sudden movements outside of the ring can frighten our horses.
- Normal voices must be used around our horses.
- Please do not hand feed our horses. You can ask permission to feed an occasional treat in a feed pan.
- The Academy is also a working farm, which means there is often heavy equipment in use and other livestock (sheep, chickens, draft horses) kept on the property. Please be cognizant of these activities when moving about the farm.
- Carlisle Academy follows the Maine State CDC recommendations for safety and prevention of viruses/pathogens/pandemics. Participants should not attend programs if they feel sick.
- Participants should be able to manage allergies to horse hair, hay, dust, pollen, and insect bites.
- Anti-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy: True to our values and equity statement, Carlisle Academy is committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive environment that is free of any form of discrimination or harassment that is based upon a person’s actual or perceived race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, citizenship, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.
PARTICIPANT Dismissal & Discharge Policy
It is at the discretion of Carlisle Academy’s Head of School to remove a participant from the program. Possible grounds for dismissal or discharge may include, but are not limited to:
- Conduct endangering another participant, staff, horse, or themselves orfailure to follow safety procedures with respect to the horses, facility, grounds, and activities being taught.
- Exceeding rider weight restrictions for mounted lessons of approximately 185 pounds, impacting equine welfare.
- A change in medical condition should it be determined that it is no longer safe or beneficial for a rider to continue.
- Continued failure to show up for scheduled time or excessive lateness.
- A participant may be discharged from a program or service if it has been determined that the participant has met stated goals.
- A participant of any Carlisle Academy programs who knowingly violates ourAnti-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy will be dismissed from programs.