Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to White Fences Equestrian Center's FAQs! Here you'll find answers to common questions about horse boarding, riding lessons, barn policies, and more services offered in Austin, TX. Still have questions feel free to fill out our contact form, email us info@whitefencesaustin.com or call/text us: 512.865.8281
Horseback Riding Lessons
No, we provide helmets for your first couple of lessons but we recommend if you are going to ride regularly that you purchase one. All our horses have their own individualized tack for lessons. If you have your own, we’re happy to check that it meets our safety standards.
Yes! We work with adult beginners as well as experienced riders returning to the sport.
New riders can fill out our Lesson Inquiry Form – https://whitefencesaustin.com/contact/ You can also visit our Trainer Bios to choose the right instructor. https://whitefencesaustin.com/our-team/ Once you’ve selected a trainer, create a user profile on our Online Calendar to view availability and book lessons. Returning riders can log in and manage their lesson schedule from the same link. For more information on our lesson program- check out https://whitefencesaustin.com/dressage-lessons/
We welcome young riders starting at age 8. Our beginner program is designed to be safe, fun, and confidence-building.
Yes, an assessment lesson is required for all new riders at White Fences. It is the first lesson everyone must take. This session is 1 hour and 15 minutes long and is designed to evaluate a rider’s current skill level, comfort around horses, and readiness for ongoing lessons. It also allows our trainers to recommend the best program, trainer match, and horse type if applicable. This ensures a safe and supportive start for each rider.
Long pants (leggings or breeches, no jeans please), a fitted shirt, and boots with a heel are ideal. Please note open toed shoes or sneakers. We provide helmets for new riders, but recommend you purchase one.
Boarding
White Fences works with a trusted team of veterinarians and a regular farrier to ensure consistent, high-quality care. We also have experienced in-house trainers, and all boarded horses are required to be part of an active training program with our team. Outside trainers are not permitted, and all veterinary and farrier care is coordinated through our staff to maintain continuity of care and barn safety.
Yes. Horses that are boarded in stalls are turned out daily in individual paddocks based on their needs. Horses in natural board, pasture board, or private paddock setups are turned out 24/7. We provide blanketing from November through March, following owner instructions to ensure each horse receives the right level of care and comfort throughout the season. Please note: Owners provide the actual blankets
Yes! White Fences offers full-care boarding. Our program includes daily turnout, custom feed programs, blanketing, stall cleaning, and daily wellness checks. For more details check out: https://whitefencesaustin.com/boarding/
Boarding includes grain fed 2x a day, supplements supplied by owner, coastal, horse quality hay, twice daily stall cleaning, fresh water, blanketing as needed, and turnout. Staff also monitor horses daily for signs of injury or illness. For more details please check out this page: https://whitefencesaustin.com/boarding/
Horse Reservation and Leasing
Yes — horses can be reserved for approved riders participating in shows, clinics, or special events. Reservation requests must be made in advance and approved by the barn owner. An additional fee may apply.
Yes. All riders participating in a lease must be enrolled in a training program with a White Fences instructor. This ensures consistency, safety, and the well-being of both horse and rider.
Yes. All leased horses remain on-site at White Fences and continue to receive full-care boarding, professional oversight, and regular training.
Yes, we offer both partial and full leases depending on rider level, horse availability, and training goals. Leasing gives riders more saddle time and helps build a consistent relationship with their assigned horse. Rider must be in a riding program.
We offer a Horse Fee Reservation option that allows riders to reserve their preferred mount for every lesson. How it works: Choose your favorite horse from our lesson program, and we’ll assign that mount to you for each of your scheduled rides. Horse reservations are subject to trainer approval and availability, and an additional fee applies. Please speak with your trainer or the barn owner to start the reservation process.
Experience the joy of riding without the full commitment of ownership! Our Partial Lease package offers a fantastic opportunity to bond with one of our wonderful horses. Here’s what you get: Four practice rides per month: Dedicated time to develop your skills and connect with your lease horse. Comprehensive care: Cost includes farrier, routine veterinary care, floating, and Coggins testing—all taken care of for you. Structured learning: Requires enrollment in our lesson program consisting of at least four lessons per month or 1 lesson per week with one of our experienced trainers (lesson fees separate).
Barn Policies
For the safety of our horses and guests, dogs and other pets are not permitted on the property. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
Yes! Parents and guests are welcome to observe from our designated viewing areas. For safety reasons, we ask that all non-riders remain outside the arenas, barn aisle, pastures and private paddocks and grooming areas unless invited by staff.
Yes. All new riders (or their guardians, if under 18) must complete a liability waiver, rider program terms and conditiosn forms prior to their first lesson. You can fill this out online electronically.
Lesson payments are due by the 5th of each month and are billed through online invoicing. Each trainer requires a minimum number of lessons per month, which are outlined on our website and our welcome email. Assessment lessons must be prepaid at least 48 hours in advance in order to reserve your spot. If you have questions about billing or trainer requirements, please contact us directly at info@whitefencesaustin.com
We require at least 24 hours’ notice to cancel or reschedule a lesson. Cancellations made under 24 hours may be charged the full lesson payment. No-shows are always responsible for the full payment of the missed lesson. All missed lessons must be made up before the end of the calendar month or the payment is forfeited. Please contact your trainer or the barn manager directly via text or through our online scheduling platform to make changes.
Horse reservation fees are used to guarantee a rider’s preferred mount for scheduled lessons. These fees hold the horse’s spot in the calendar, regardless of whether the rider attends the lesson. Please note: Horse reservation fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. If a lesson is missed or canceled, the reservation fee is still applied and cannot be rolled over or credited.
All riders and visitors must wear closed-toe shoes at the barn. Helmets are required while mounted, and no one may enter a stall or paddock without staff supervision. Please respect quiet zones around the horses and follow all posted barn rules