Barn Rules & Facility Use Policy

These Barn Rules & Facility Use Policy ("Rules") apply to every boarder, rider, student, family member, guest, and visitor at [FACILITY NAME], located at [FACILITY ADDRESS] ("Facility"). The Rules exist to keep people and horses safe. They are incorporated into every boarding, lesson, and training agreement, and the Facility may update them at any time by posting a revised copy. If you do not understand a rule, ask the barn manager before you act.

1. General Access and Hours

• Barn hours are [OPEN TIME] to [CLOSE TIME], [DAYS]. Do not enter or ride outside posted hours without prior permission.
• Sign in at [LOCATION] on arrival if required, and let someone know if you will be riding alone.
• Park only in designated areas; keep the driveway, gates, and fire lanes clear at all times.
• Drive at a walking pace, no more than [SPEED] mph, anywhere on Facility grounds; horses always have the right of way.
• The tack room, feed room, and office are for authorized persons only; keep them closed and locked as posted.

2. Safety Gear and Riding

• An ASTM/SEI-certified equestrian helmet, properly fitted and fastened, is required for all mounted riders [under 18 / at all times] and is strongly recommended for everyone who rides.
• Wear boots with a defined heel — no sneakers, sandals, or open-toed shoes — whenever handling or riding horses.
• Do not ride alone without notifying someone, and do not begin any mounted activity before or after posted hours without permission.
• Ride at a level appropriate to your ability and follow the directions of instructors and staff.
• No phone use, no earbuds in both ears, and no horseplay while mounted.

3. Horse Handling and Barn Aisle Conduct

• No running, shouting, or sudden movements in the barn or near horses.
• Always let a horse know you are approaching; approach from the shoulder, never directly from behind.
• Lead horses with a proper halter and lead rope; never wrap a lead rope or reins around your hand or body.
• Cross-tie or hold horses only in designated areas, and never leave a tied horse unattended.
• Give other horses space — at least one horse-length — when leading or riding, and ask before passing.
• Handle only the horses you have permission to handle.

4. Arena and Facility Use

• Follow posted arena schedules and right-of-way rules, including left-shoulder-to-left-shoulder passing and yielding the rail to faster gaits.
• Announce yourself before entering or leaving an arena by calling "Door!" or "Gate!"
• Clean up manure in arenas, aisles, and wash racks after use.
• Return jumps, poles, and other equipment to their proper place; ask before altering any arena setup.
• Arena lights, drags, and other equipment are operated only by staff or authorized persons.

5. Children and Supervision

• Children must be supervised by an adult at all times and are never permitted in stalls, paddocks, or around horses unattended.
• No climbing on fences, gates, jumps, or hay, and no playing in the barn aisle, feed room, or on equipment.
• Children may handle or ride horses only with staff or a parent present and while wearing appropriate safety gear.

6. Guests and Visitors