Policies & FAQs

Welcome to the UC Davis Equestrian Center

The UC Davis Equestrian Center offers a variety of programs and services for students, faculty, staff, and the general public. Whether you’re registering for riding lessons, seeking financial assistance through the Well-Being Fee Waiver, or looking for information on policies and facility guidelines, this page provides everything you need to know. Below, you will find details on registration, policies, frequently asked questions about lessons, and general facility information to help you make the most of your experience at the Equestrian Center. 

If you have any additional questions, please contact us at equestriancenter@campusrec.ucdavis.edu

Registration & Fee Waiver

How to Register

Registration is only available online at rec.ucdavis.edu. Our Riding Lessons and Guardian Angel programs are open to students, staff, faculty, and the general public. Participants must be at least 18 years old to enroll. 

Due to high demand, lessons fill quickly, often within minutes of registration opening. To secure a spot, log in a few minutes before 7:00am, review class offerings in advance, and reach out with any questions beforehand. View our lesson registration calendar here.

Well-Being Fee Waiver

Campus Recreation offers the Well-Being Fee Waiver to make recreation and wellness programs more accessible for UC Davis students. This waiver provides financial assistance for eligible activities. Students may apply for one program per quarter, and awards are granted on a rolling basis until funds are depleted. Approved applicants will receive a promo code valid for only the quarter it was awarded in. Applications may take up to seven business days to process. The fee waiver functions as a discount and does not reimburse past purchases. More information and the application can be found through Campus Recreation’s Well-Being Fee Waiver page.

Weight Capacity Policy

For the safety of our horses, we follow veterinarian-recommended guidelines, limiting riders to a maximum of 20% of a horse’s carrying capacity. Most of our lesson horses can accommodate up to 180 lbs, with two horses available for riders up to 210 lbs. If you exceed these limits, we encourage participation in our Guardian Angel program or Horse Seminars, which provide hands-on, non-riding experiences. Visitors are also welcome to spend time at the facility and interact with lesson horses wearing plastic collars. Please email us for more information on weight capacity, available horses, and alternative programs.

Accessibility

We are committed to ensuring accessibility for all participants. If you require accommodations, please email us at least one week before your activity so we can discuss options to safely accommodate your needs.

Policies

Refund Policy

Refunds are granted only in the following cases:

  • Medical or Military Leave: A full refund will be provided if a doctor's note or military orders are submitted at least two business days before the first lesson.
    • If a refund is requested less than two business days before the first lesson, the cost of the first lesson will be deducted from the refund unless we can fill your spot before the lesson starts.
    • If a refund is requested after the first lesson, only a partial refund for remaining lessons will be issued.

For all other refund requests, we can only issue a refund if we are able to fill your spot from the waitlist. A $10 administrative fee will be deducted from the refunded amount.

Weather & Cancellation Policy

  • Heat: If the heat index (temperature + humidity) is forecasted to exceed 130°F at the scheduled lesson time, all Rec Riding lessons will be canceled. Participants will be notified via email at least 24 hours in advance. If rescheduling is not possible, a partial refund will be issued for the canceled lesson.
  • Rain: Lessons will continue in the Covered Arena. Refunds or rescheduled lessons will not be issued for rain.
  • Storms & Lightning: In cases of severe storms, high winds, thunder, or lightning, lessons may be rescheduled or partially refunded.
  • University Closures: If UC Davis cancels academic classes due to health or safety concerns, recreation programs may also be canceled. If rescheduling is not possible, participants will receive a partial refund for the canceled lesson.

Participant & Visitor Expectations

All participants and visitors must treat staff, horses, and other guests with respect. Abusive behavior, including but not limited to: verbal aggression, disruptive behavior, failure to follow staff instructions, or mistreatment of horses will not be tolerated.

For non-violent offenses, we follow this procedure:

  1. First offense: Verbal (if possible) and written warning via email.
  2. Second offense: Meeting with program managers, which may result in removal from the program. No refunds will be issued.
  3. Continued issues: Removal from the program and possible ban from the facility. No refunds will be issued.

For violent offenses or threats against staff, horses, or participants, immediate removal from the program and a potential facility ban will be enforced. These incidents may be escalated to law enforcement, and if the offender is a UC Davis student or affiliate, they may be reported to OSSJA. No refunds will be issued.

Biosecurity Policy

All new or incoming horses must provide:

  • Proof of vaccination within the last 12 months
  • Negative Coggins Test (if coming from out of state)

Valid vaccination records must be emailed to our office before the horse’s arrival. Horses without proper documentation will not be permitted entry.

Required Vaccines (administered within 12 months of arrival):

  • Tetanus
  • Flu/Rhino
  • West Nile Virus (WNV)
  • Eastern & Western Equine Encephalomyelitis (EEE/WEE)
  • Rabies

Frequently Asked Questions

Lesson FAQs

How do I prepare for my first lesson?

  • We recommend arriving 15 minutes early to allow time to find our location. 
  • If you are unsure about what to wear or if your clothing and footwear is appropriate, please email us in advance to avoid delays or possible disqualification from participation. 
    • Long pants and comfortable clothing are highly recommended.
      • Skirts/dresses are not allowed without pants underneath.
      • Shorts are highly discouraged as this may cause chafing and discomfort on your thighs/legs
    • Closed toed boots/shoes with a 1/2 inch heel and smooth sole (to avoid your shoe getting stuck on the stirrup) are required.
      • We have a limited selection of boots available for participants to borrow during their lesson. We recommend coming ahead of your lesson to ensure we have boots that comfortably fit you otherwise you will be responsible for acquiring appropriate footwear.
      • Please bring your own socks if you plan to borrow boots

What can I expect for my first lesson?

  • Group lessons consist of four riders with two student riding instructors and include 45 minutes of riding plus 30 minutes of grooming/tacking. Instructors will guide you through the process. Instructors will typically recommend a western saddle for your first 2 lessons if you are new to riding and english saddle for your last 2 lessons. You can request specific tack in following lessons or in advance if you have prior experience.
  • Guardian Angel program consists of 4-5 participants with and is taught by our Head Barn Supervisor. The first lesson is primarily focused on familiarizing yourself with our facility, rules and meeting our horses. 

What is included in my lesson purchase?

All riding lessons include the use of our lesson horses and all horse tack/equipment. We have riding helmets and boots available for participants to borrow. Our boot selection is limited so we recommend you check our boot selection ahead of your lesson to ensure we have boots that comfortably fit you otherwise you will be responsible for acquiring appropriate closed toed boots/shoes with a 1/2 inch heel and smooth sole to avoid your shoe getting stuck on the stirrup. Please bring your own socks if you plan to borrow boots.
 

Facility FAQs

Are visitors allowed?

Yes! Visitors must check in at the office and are welcome to explore open areas around the facility. 

  • Visitors are not allowed to enter barns or inside horse pens. 
  • Lesson horses wearing plastic collars can be petted from outside the fence.
  •  Petting or feeding other horses (not wearing collars) is not allowed, these horses are privately owned. 
  • Visitors who do not follow facility rules or cause disruptions to programming may be asked to leave.

Do you offer facility tours?

Yes! To schedule a guided tour, please email equestriancenter@campusrec.ucdavis.edu. Self-guided tours can be done anytime during our open hours. Please follow the above rules regarding interacting with our horses.

Do you host events or group activities?

We only host riding events for the ICA Women’s Equestrian Team (NCEA) and Campus Recreation Equestrian Sport Clubs (IHSA). Public groups are welcome to visit and use picnic tables, but cannot reserve the facility. 

If you are UC Davis-affiliated student groups or departments and are interested in collaborating or planning an activity for your group, please reach out!

Are dogs allowed?

Yes, leashed and well-behaved dogs are allowed. Loose, aggressive, or disruptive dogs will be asked to leave. Owners must clean up after their pets. Staff reserves the right to request the removal of any dog that poses a risk.

Can I trailer in my horse to ride for the day?

No, trailering in for leisure riding is not permitted. Trailered horses are only allowed for pre-approved competitions and shows with valid vaccination records (Tetanus, Flu/Rhino, WNV, EEE/WEE, Rabies, and a Negative Coggins Test if coming from out of state).

Can I park my trailer at the facility?

Yes, current UC Davis students may park their trailers for $25/month. To register your trailer, please email equestriancenter@campusrec.ucdavis.edu.

Facility Accessibility

Our facility is located in a semi-rural area of campus, with dirt pathways rather than paved roads. The ground may be uneven, which can make navigation challenging for individuals using mobility devices such as wheelchairs or walkers, particularly in wet or muddy conditions after rain.

Due to the nature of our programming and the type of facility (horse barn), we are unable to offer the same level of accessibility as an indoor facility. However, we are committed to finding ways to assist our visitors and participants to limit barriers to participation wherever possible.

Our facility includes:

  • Two accessible parking spots located directly in front of our Covered Arena
  • A cement walkway leading from the accessible parking area to the seating around the Covered Arena
  • An ADA-compliant porta-potty on the cement pad next to the accessible parking spots

If you have any questions about accessibility or need assistance during your visit, please email us.