Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Apollo Equestrian?
Apollo Equestrian is located at a brand new facility developing in Fort Collins, CO! Some amenities are still under construction, but Sarah can't wait to share this beautiful piece of Northern Colorado with you as it grows!
Please contact us for information about our new home.
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What should I bring to every lesson?
Come to every lesson prepared to learn and ready to be challenged! Students must provide their own helmets and riding attire. ASTM certified helmets are required for all students while mounted- no exceptions! Fitted pants and boots with a heel are also required for your safety. Make sure what you’re wearing is weather appropriate, and no matter the weather bring a water bottle! Colorado is very dry and riding is a physical activity, so stay hydrated. Please also remember to bring payment for lessons if not paid in advance.
How long before every lesson should I arrive, and how long can I expect to stay after a lesson? What are my responsibilities as a student?
Sarah wants every student to get the most out of their time with horses, both in the saddle and on the ground. It takes most students 20-30 minutes to tack up and about 30 minutes to untack, so expect to spend approximately two hours at the barn. Please allow enough time before and after the lesson to care for horses. Lessons that start late because the student is not ready will still end on time.
Apollo Equestrian shares the facility with Stonestreet Stables boarders and other students, so please be respectful of others in shared spaces. Remove any manure from your lesson horse from the grooming areas and please sweep the space where you groomed your horse after your ride if you groom inside. Remember that this facility is a learning space, and when handling and caring for horses, always do so to the best of your ability. Please lead by example when it comes to horsemanship- you never know if a new student or horse owner is watching!
For beginner students, the lesson time will be 90 minutes. This includes 20-30 minutes grooming and tack up instruction, 40-50 minutes ride time, and 20-30 minutes grooming and untacking instruction. Once the student and Sarah agree they can comfortably handle horses, tack up and untack by themselves, they will be expected to be tacked up and ready to ride at their scheduled lesson time.
What payment methods does Apollo Equestrian accept?
Apollo Equestrian currently accepts cash, check (made out to Apollo Equestrian), Venmo (@apolloequestrian), and Zelle (apolloequestrianllc@gmail.com).
What is Apollo Equestrian’s cancellation policy?
Lessons canceled by the client within 24 hours of lesson start time will are billed to the client. Any other cancellations with less than 24-hour notice are billed in full. If you have a prepaid lesson package the canceled lesson will be deducted from the lesson package, if lessons are paid individually payment is due within 24 hours of cancellation. Cancellation fees may be waived at Apollo Equestrian's sole discretion.
If a client-owned or leased horse has an illness, soundness concern, or if the client/ owner or Apollo Equestrian are otherwise concerned for the horse’s wellbeing, the lesson will be rescheduled. The client will not be billed for this lesson. A lesson horse may be made available to the client based on availability.
Why might my lesson be canceled or rescheduled?
If Apollo Equestrian may reschedule or cancel a lesson for a few reasons, never at any charge to the client. The most common reason is weather. We love Colorado, but the weather is not always compatible with riding horses! If the temperature is below 20F or above 90F, the lesson may be rescheduled for the sake of horse and rider. High winds, thunderstorms and unsafe driving conditions may also lead to rescheduling lessons.
The instructor may also reschedule due to an illness or personal emergency. If a horse has an illness, soundness concern or if Apollo Equestrian is otherwise concerned for the horse’s well-being, the lesson will be rescheduled.
When rescheduling Apollo Equestrian will do their best to accommodate clients within the next five to seven business days.
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Is Apollo Equestrian a competitive program?
Showing is not (and never will be) a requirement for students. Sarah will never treat a student differently based on the Showing is not (and never will be) a requirement for students. Sarah wants every student to learn and become skilled and strong rider. This goes for all students- those with a competitive spirit and students who want to challenge themselves at home.
Based on client interest as well as her own competitive interests, Sarah attends shows, clinics, and other events to help riders of all levels reach their competitive goals! Please contact her for more details.
What can I expect from my lessons with Apollo Equestrian?
Sarah’s priority is to create a safe and supportive learning environment for every student and every horse. She provides custom lesson programs tailored to each client’s current level and goals. She does her best to bring new exercises to the table every lesson, and make sure each lesson builds on the last. For new clients who already have horse experience, the first few lessons may involve a review of acquired skills. As Sarah gets to know the student she puts together a more detailed plan based on how the student’s level and how the student learns best. For every student that is new the program Sarah sets aside time to help with tacking up and cooling down (at no additional cost to the student). This ensures that the new client knows where everything is and horse and rider will be safe. For students new to riding, Sarah has created a unique beginner program that includes instruction on the ground and in the saddle. Sarah takes great pride in the fact that her students are not only skilled riders but also proficient horsewomen and men.
I already love Apollo Equestrian! How can I support them?
First and foremost- thank you for your support!
Please follow us on Facebook and Instagram and comment and like our posts if you are inclined- this increases our online presence and visibility. If you would like to submit a testimonial to be on Apollo Equestrian’s website, please send it by email to apolloequestrianllc@gmail.com. These contributions mean more than you know!
Much of our new business comes from referrals. If you refer a friend who becomes a client, you receive 20% off your next service. We want to show our appreciation!
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