Thank you for choosing Valkyrie Sporthorses to help you further you and your horse’s education. We are excited to work with you! Please take a moment to give us your information and agree to our terms and conditions, and complete our rider release form.
Step 1: Rider Information
By providing my phone number, I agree to receive text messages from the business.
Step 2: Services Provided
Tailored program supervision for you and your horse
Weekly haul in, online lesson, or video review of your rides
Quarterly Progress Meeting, virtual or in-person to track your trajectory
Members-only horse shows and scrimmages at Valkyrie
Online training portal with video tutorials, homework exercises, competition tips
Discounted training and lessons, with a weekly day/time reserved for you
Continuing education on topics related to riding and horse ownership
All the Academy activities to include weekly unmounted classes, fitness classes, field trips, Valkyrie Levels program enrollment, monthly newsletter and Valkyrie parties and activities
Services
Valkyrie Sporthorses will provide rider with access to a weekly private or group lesson, quarterly progress meeting, and membership perks listed above. Tuition is $300 per month.
Additional Lessons and Training Ride Options: prices reflect per-session discount price should you add on to your once-weekly session. One session per week is included in your membership (excluding the Train and Ride, which counts as two sessions)
30 min. Private Lesson: $75 (public rate is $85)
45 min. Semi-Private Lesson (2 riders) $75 each rider
60 min. Group Lesson: (2-4 riders) $75 each rider
30 min. Training ride, owner haul in/tack/untack: $75
60 min. Train and Ride super lesson: Trainer rides and warms up the horse while discussion with rider for the first 30 min, then rider does a 30 min. lesson: $150
Day Coaching at local Competition: $100 (public rate is $125)
Sometimes horses need time off for the vet or trailer service appointments conflict. We have planned educational activity options in place of a haul-in Riding Lesson:
Virtual Riding Lesson: your coach is in your ear and watching you ride through a screen in real time at your farm, no need to haul
Review of riding video
Homework/exercises/competition video analysis (at Valkyrie or virtually)
Dressage scoresheet and video analysis of test
Connection and balance work on model horse form at the Valkyrie gym
Tack fitting/nutrition/farrier advice
Respond Magnetic Therapy Blanket Session at Valkyrie
Horsemanship skills: bandaging, course walking, braiding, studs, boots and more
Reserve a self-schedule haul-in school credit (instruction not included, access to arenas, trails, cross country course)
Riders will be automatically grouped together with riders of similar ability and level if riding in a group. This is paramount to our barn culture and philosophy of creating a community that encourages camaraderie, friendship and support. We feel this leads to higher quality riding, lessons, and just plain more fun.
Riders will start with a 30 minute private lesson until their instructor recommends they are ready to join an appropriate group lesson.
No Guarantee: The company does not warrant or guarantee any specific level of performance or results. The results of your riding program are largely based on the efforts of the student.
Trainer Assignment: Whitney Weston as head trainer may give lesson plans to assistant trainers to teach classes in her absence. We find this is a positive opportunity for the rider to hear the same great information from a different trainer. Assistant trainers may also exercise the horses, with supervision of head trainer.
Step 3: Terms and Conditions
Our monthly tuition price is based on the annual value. Client will put a credit or debit card on file, and it will be automatically charged $300 tuition per month. Charges will begin on the first day of the month of enrollment and continue every month thereafter. If client needs to change the credit card on file, please call/text 910-246-2056 and leave the new credit card number, expiration date, and CVC on the voicemail/text.
Client must be ready and mounted by their lesson time, warmed up at the walk, trot, and canter with equipment properly fitted and ready to train! Plan to mount 20-30 minutes prior to ride time. You are welcome to stay after your lesson to cool out on our trails and water jump. Feel free to use the wash racks, restrooms, and lounge before returning to the trailer.
Client must park in grass parking lot. Horses are not allowed in barn or stalls unless cleared by staff.
Client must be wearing proper riding attire - boots with heels, breeches, and an ASTM/ SEI certified helmet. Safety vest if schooling Cross-country.
Client must be coachable, positive, and have a good attitude!
Step 4: Scheduling and Makeup Policy
Rider will receive a dedicated time and a day of the week where there will be an appropriate group of riders with similar ability reserved each week or available time for a private lesson. The best way to get the most value out of the program is to make it a priority and a commitment not to miss your dedicated lesson time(s).
Please remember that Valkyrie Sporthorses will be closed 4 weeks per year; that is factored into tuition. We do our best to forecast and provide as much notice as possible, however, time off is subject to change. During trainer absences homework will be given and discussed upon return. This provides an opportunity to problem solve and become a rider who can think, feel, and train independently.
If rider cannot make their time during a week- Valkyrie Sporthorses will do their best to get you rescheduled. If we are unable to find a time that fits both schedules, we offer substitution options. Absences must be communicated at least 24 hours in advance unless of emergency.
In the event that the weather prevents riding, Valkyrie will attempt to reschedule. Substitutions may be offered during regular lesson time either online or in person, or rider may choose from educational activities listed above.
Step 5: Cancellation or Lesson Change
Riders must agree to a 3 month minimum term. In order to make any meaningful progress in any sport- there must be a minimum commitment level. This is a financial commitment of at least 3 months.
Valkyrie Sporthorses operates on a quarterly basis. Upon enrollment, students understand they will continue in the monthly recurring program for the entire quarter. Students will be considered to be enrolled for the entire following quarter if we do not receive notice that you wish to cancel prior to the 1st day of the last month of the quarter. December-January-February is considered Q1/Winter. March-April-May is considered Q2/Spring. June-July-August is Q3/Summer, and September-October-November is Q4/Fall. So if you do not let us know in writing prior to February 1st-then you are automatically enrolled for all of Q2. If you wish to no longer ride, you will still be charged for tuition for the reminder of the quarter. Please see attached calendar for drop date deadlines.
If rider wishes to end their commitment early, only a veterinarian’s note from a licensed veterinarian who is actively treating client’s horse will be accepted as grounds for early termination of agreement.
Riders whose horse is off due to veterinary concerns:
May substitute another horse, or may have the option to change to a school horse (if available) for the duration of the agreement term or until their horse is able to return to work (whichever comes first).
OR
Rider may choose from educational activities listed above
Step 6: Equine Activity Liability Agreement and Risk Acknowledgement
1. Parties. The parties to this document are Whitney Weston Eventing, LLC, d/b/a Valkyrie Sporthorses, a North Carolina limited liability company, (hereinafter “Whitney Weston Eventing”) and the rider (hereinafter “Equestrian”).
2. Activities with Whitney Weston Eventing. Whitney Weston Eventing is in the business of providing instruction in horseback riding and related activities and training horses. Equestrian executes and agrees to abide by this document, as consideration for being permitted to ride, or be around or near Whitney Weston Eventing’s equines, receive instruction or training services or lease or buy an equine (“Activities” or “Whitney Weston Eventing activities”), or be present on property used for Whitney Weston Eventing activities. Equestrian believes that participating in such activities will be of benefit to him or her and affirmatively desires and requests that Equestrian be permitted to do so.
3. Representations of Equestrian. Equestrian represents that she/he understands the nature of the Activities in which he or she will be participating and is familiar with his or her own health, abilities, and maturity level and represents that he or she can safely participate in those Activities. Equestrian has inspected the Whitney Weston Eventing premises and facilities and/or has in some other way satisfied him/herself that the condition of the premises and the facilities will provide an adequate and reasonable level of safety for Equestrian and any visitors he/she may bring onto the premises.
4. Responsibilities of Equestrian. Equestrian agrees to be aware of and follow such rules for safety as are attached or are subsequently provided to her/him, or posted. Equestrian acknowledges that his/her failure to follow safety rules or the directions of Whitney Weston Eventing or other staff may put her/him at risk of, or increase the risk of personal injury.
5. Risks and Hazards. According to the North American Horsemen's Association, numerous obvious and non-obvious inherent risks are always present in horseback riding and being around horses and ponies, despite all safety precautions. No horse is a completely safe horse. Horses are 5 to 15 times larger, 20 to 40 times more powerful and 3 to 4 times faster than a human. If a rider falls from a horse to the ground it will generally be at a distance of 3 ½ to 5 ½ feet, and the impact may result in injury to the rider. If a horse is frightened or provoked it may divert from its training and act according to its natural instincts which may include, but are not limited to: stopping short, changing direction or speed at will, shifting its weight from side to side, bucking, rearing, biting, kicking or running from danger or with other equines. These risks exist for any person around a horse, whether mounted or on the ground. Additional hazards or noises at Whitney Weston Eventing premises that may frighten an equine include but are not limited to carriages, low flying aircraft, deer, road traffic, and dogs. Equestrian acknowledges these risks and states that he/she is not relying on Whitney Weston Eventing to advise of all the risks.
6. Apportionment of Liability and Indemnity. In consideration of Equestrian being allowed to participate in activities with Whitney Weston Eventing, use Whitney Weston Eventing’s services or facilities or equines, or be present on property used for its activities, Equestrian does agree to the following apportionment of legal liability. Equestrian agrees to hold harmless and release Whitney Weston Eventing, its agents, employees, members, managers, agents, officers, representatives, assigns, affiliated organizations, insurers and others acting on Whitney Weston Eventing's behalf from all claims, demands, causes of action, and legal liability arising out of Equestrian’s activities with Whitney Weston Eventing or Equestrian’s presence on Whitney Weston Eventing property, whether the same be known or unknown, anticipated or unanticipated, and even if due to negligence and/or another Equestrian’s acts or omissions. Equestrian does further agree to waive all rights which may otherwise arise from an injury to Equestrian and shall not bring any claims, demands, legal actions or causes of action, against Whitney Weston Eventing, those persons described above, or any person or entity, for any economic or non-economic losses due to bodily injury, death, or property damage arising out of the activities of Whitney Weston Eventing or Equestrian’s presence on Whitney Weston Eventing property. Equestrian intends that this release shall be a complete and unconditional release of all liability on the part of the above- described parties to the greatest extent allowed by law. Equestrian agrees to accept full responsibility for all damages, injuries, or loss of life to or caused by Equestrian, and to indemnify Whitney Weston Eventing and all related parties described above, for any losses or expenses (including attorney fees) which they incur in connection with any claim related to Equestrian.
7. Acknowledgment and Assumption of Risks. Equestrian acknowledges that he/she bears responsibility for his/her own safety and Equestrian should not participate in any Activity unless he/she is confident that he/she can do so safely. Participation in Activities with or conducted by or at Whitney Weston Eventing constitutes a knowing and voluntary assumption of all risks associated with such activities involving Whitney Weston Eventing or being present on or using Whitney Weston Eventing property (including but not limited to inherent risks and the risk of negligence by Whitney Weston Eventing or others) which is a defense under North Carolina law to any claim for injury or damage, and a bar to recovery.
8. Visitors. Should Equestrian bring to Whitney Weston Eventing premises any person who is not a party to a liability agreement with it, Equestrian agrees to educate him/her as to the risks of being around horses and horse operations, supervise them, be solely responsible for their safety.
9. Helmet Use. Equestrian acknowledges that wearing a properly fitted and secured equestrian riding helmet which meets or exceeds the quality standards of the SEI Certified ASTM Standard F1163 while riding, mounting, dismounting and being near horses may reduce the severity of head injuries or prevent death occurring as the result of a fall or other occurrence. Whitney Weston Eventing makes no representations as to the condition, effectiveness or suitability of any helmet it may allow Equestrian to use. All helmet- related risks are assumed by Equestrian.
10. Other Terms. This document states the entire agreement between the parties as to liability and may not be changed, except in writing and signed by the parties. The benefits to this agreement, including the release of legal liability, waiver of rights, and covenant not to sue are intended to benefit others, including officers, managers, members, employees, and agents of Whitney Weston Eventing. This agreement shall be binding upon Whitney Weston Eventing, Equestrian, and Equestrian’s heirs or estate, when signed by the parties. If any clause, phrase or word is in conflict with North Carolina law, then only that single part is null and void. This agreement and these acknowledgements shall remain in force until terminated by Equestrian through written notice to Whitney Weston Eventing at the address above. The General Court of Justice Hoke County, North Carolina shall be the exclusive venue for any litigation between Equestrian and the parties described above, relating to the activities of Whitney Weston Eventing .