Ok..let's talk lessons. Most of us have taken them and a lot of us give them so we should be familiar with what I want to talk about today, which is CANCELING a lesson. In the last few weeks, I have had several conversations with fellow instructors about last-minute cancellations, and while I rarely teach anymore, this was also a big issue when I did. We all understand emergencies come up, however, calling last minute to cancel because it might rain, or you're tired, or (insert whatever excuse) is just not ok. Being an instructor is a service-based business, and yes it is a business, so when you cancel last minute you are not giving us the opportunity to make up the income we lost by you canceling. This is why many of my instructor friends have started instituting cancellation policies and fees. Here are some tips to help avoid being charged a fee and possibly even being dropped from a lesson program:
If you know you can't make it due to illness or another commitment, call as far in advance as possible - even if it is less than 24 hours in advance, if your instructor can replace your spot they may be willing to waive the fee, if not, then be kind and pay the fee.
Not everyone has the luxury of an indoor or covered arena, but unless it's pouring buckets and lightning, most of us will still ride and teach - if the forecast is calling for bad weather, reschedule well in advance - trust me a little rain won't hurt.
Some instructors offer prepaid packages if they do take advantage of them as they may be more willing to waive a cancellation fee if they have already been paid. But be mindful of expiration dates on these packages - most need to be used within a certain time frame.
Canceling works both ways - so instructors - be mindful of your students' time as well - give them enough notice if you have to reschedule. Now that being said, we all know horses try to kill themselves at a moment's notice so students please be understanding if we forget to call while handling a horse emergency. We will usually do everything in our power to get in touch while handling the emergency but things happen.
Instructors - on the other side of the coin - be mindful if an emergency comes up for your student as well - most aren't of driving age and as such they are at the mercy of an adult to bring them.
All in all, let's just try and be courteous of one another and our time. We all have the same goal and that is to have fun and enjoy spending time with our horses. Let me know if you have any thoughts or tips when it comes to lessons! Until then...
Appy Riding!
Tracy
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