Thank you for your interest in riding with Pioneer Valley Therapeutic Riding Association, Inc.

Eligibility for participation in the PVTRA riding program is based upon an individual’s ability to participate meaningfully and safely provided that the necessary resources are available including: an instructor, a horse, the volunteers and a class that meet an individual’s needs.

New participants are required to provide current (within 1 year) forms. Please complete the Rider Release and have your child.s/your physician complete the Physician.s Referral and mail them to P.O. Box 944, Belchertown, MA 01007. Click on the link for the required forms.

Returning participants are required to complete an Annual Update Form. Significant change in medical status will require renewal of pertinent forms.

Lessons are prepaid on a session basis. The tuition for each session is due by the first day of class unless a pre-arranged payment plan has been established.

Current fees are as follows:

PVTRA expects consistent attendance by all participants. If you are unable to attend a regularly scheduled session, notification must be made by calling PVTRA at 413-668-8260. Please leave a message so that sufficient notice may be provided to staff and volunteers. If you are calling the day of a lesson, you may also call the barn number at 413-283-9912.

Make-up lessons are not available unless PVTRA needs to cancel due to inclement weather. All reasonable attempts will be made to notify participants at least 2 hours prior to the change and every effort will be made to reschedule.

All participants must wear an ASTM/SEI approved riding helmet with the chin strap secured when working with or around horses. PVTRA does provide approved riding helmets. If you/your child continue to ride long term, we encourage you to purchase an ASTM/SEI approved riding helmet. No barrettes. Keep long hair in a low ponytail.

PVTRA saddles are equipped with safety stirrups. Closed-toed, sturdy shoes such as sneakers, that tie or velcro shut can be worn. For additional safety, participants are encouraged to wear a sturdy-soled boot with a heel.

All participants must wear long pants regardless of the weather. Appropriate pants include: jeans, heavy cotton trousers, cotton/spandex leggings or riding breeches. Nylon and loose-fitting or stretchy materials are discouraged as they are slippery on a saddle. Wear weather appropriate jackets and gloves; layer for warmth during colder weather.

Safety and conduct for Participants and Visitors
PVTRA supports all efforts to promote safe conditions at its program. Working with horses is a high risk activity. The following rules must be adhered to at all times:

• Running, yelling, abusive or aggressive actions are not allowed.
• Appropriate attire and footwear (no sandals) are required in the barn.
• Hand-feeding of the horses is not allowed.
• Photography and video are not allowed without permission from staff.
• Children must be supervised by an adult at all times.
• Parents, siblings and visitors may view lessons but must not speak to the participant during the lesson. This is distracting to everyone in the ring.
• Smoking, alcohol or illegal substances are not allowed on the premises.
• No pets are allowed on the grounds.

Pioneer Valley Therapeutic Riding Association, Inc. and all staff, volunteers, participants and visitors are guests at Wild Barry Ridge Farm. Please respect the privacy of the owners.

Under Massachusetts law, an equine professional is not liable for an injury to, or the death of, a participant in equine activities resulting from the inherent risks of equine activities, pursuant to section 2D of chapter 128 of the General Laws.

Required Rider Forms

• Rider Release Form
• Physician Referral