Rules and Regulations

Regular Riding – Ages, Weight Limits and Responsibilities

• Please note that children under 11 may only participate in polo if they can safely handle the mallet, assessed on an individual basis. Otherwise, they will be placed in a pre‑polo programme focusing on riding and horsemanship fundamentals before progressing to mallet use.

• Our standard maximum rider weight limit is 90 kg. Riders above this limit are welcome to enquire whether special arrangements can be made. In such cases we will assess whether any of our horses can safely and comfortably carry the rider, adhering strictly to the guideline that a horse should not carry more than 20% of its total bodyweight.

Riding

• While the instructor may inspect riding equipment from time to time, riders are ultimately responsible for checking their own equipment, including the saddle. If any equipment appears unsafe or becomes loose, riders must inform the instructor immediately.

• Riders must follow the instructor’s instructions at all times.

• Riders must wear an approved protective helmet (Shenzhen Polo Academy can supply helmets for beginners) and appropriate footwear, in accordance with Shenzhen Polo Academy regulations.

• Riders are responsible for any injuries to horses, damage to property or facilities, and any harm caused to other riders or pedestrians resulting from their own negligent, reckless, or irresponsible behaviour.

Cancellations

• Cancellations made less than 72 hours before the scheduled lesson will be charged in full unless a doctor’s note is provided. Any exceptions are at the discretion of Shenzhen Polo Academy. Please do not send replacement riders, as we cannot accommodate them.

• Riders travelling from Hong Kong who are affected by a hosted Black Rainstorm Warning or Typhoon Signal No. 8 (or above) two hours before their lesson will have their session automatically cancelled and/or refunded for safety reasons.

• Lessons will be cancelled and/or refunded if, during the scheduled lesson time, there is a predicted Orange or Red Typhoon Warning, or an Orange or Red Rainstorm Warning. Shenzhen Polo Academy will make official announcements regarding weather procedures; please contact the team if you are uncertain.

• If we determine that riding conditions are unsafe, lessons will be replaced with a stable management class. If you choose not to take this alternative session, the full lesson fee will still apply.

Memberships

• If a package has not been paid for by the date of the first lesson, single‑lesson pricing will apply until payment is received in full.

• Once purchased, packages are non‑transferable.

• In the event of an accident or serious illness preventing riding for more than 21 days, we will suspend the package for up to three months upon receipt of a doctor’s certificate. This does not apply to minor or one‑off illnesses.

• Riders must attend lessons regularly to retain their reserved time slots unless disrupted by long-term injury, illness, or given at least 30 days notice for temporary release of slot.

• Riders are encouraged to arrive 10–15 minutes before their lesson. Riders who are more than 30 minutes late for a private lesson, or 30 minutes late for a 60‑minute group lesson, may not be permitted to ride and will be charged the full lesson fee, regardless of the reason.

Payment

• We accept payment via cash, credit card, Alipay, WeChat Pay, cheque, or direct deposit.

• All invoices are due on the date shown on the invoices. Late payment charges (2% per month on outstanding balances) will be applied to all invoices that are overdue by one week.

• Bounced cheques will receive an automatic administration fee. Please ensure that your cheques are correctly written and that there are sufficient funds in your account.

Medical, Alcohol and Drugs

• Riders must have a zero blood‑alcohol level. Instructors will not permit riding if they believe a rider is under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

• Please inform your instructor if you are taking any medication that may cause drowsiness; you must not ride under these circumstances.

• Shenzhen Polo Academy permits pregnant riders only up to 20 weeks, and only with written approval from a doctor. We do not recommend riding while pregnant and accept no responsibility in the event of an accident.

• In the event of an accident, the attending adult will be required to make decisions on behalf of the child’s parents. Please ensure that whoever accompanies your child understands your preferences in case of emergency and is responsible for contacting you.

Safety & Supervision

• Parents or riders must sign the indemnity form before commencing any lessons.

• Horses are unpredictable animals; when startled, they may attempt to flee, and when stabled, they may bite or kick. It is essential to remain respectful, calm, and aware when working with horses in any capacity.

• Please do not feed horses in the stables. If you wish to offer treats after a lesson, please ask an instructor or staff member for permission.

• Riders under 11 must have an adult present during all lessons, except during camp sessions.

• Visiting children under 11 must be supervised by an adult at all times. Please do not ask staff to supervise your child.

• All riders must wear helmets while in the arena or stables. No jewellery should be worn when riding or handling horses.

Photos and Videos

• We may occasionally use their phones to take videos and/or photos. This is a great visual aid for the rider to learn from and these photos/videos will only be used for educational purposes. Riders will agree with this purpose by signing the indemnity form.

• Photos and videos of riders may occasionally be used for marketing purposes or social media posts. Shenzhen Polo Academy will remove any content upon request and will respect a rider’s wishes in advance should they prefer not to appear in any online or promotional materials.

• We welcome our members and guests to take photos! Please ask for permission before taking photos of any of our other guests or members. Flash photography or sudden sounds from photography/recording are not permitted.