Keeping safe whilst at Wapley Stables

Things you need to know

Your choice to ride is voluntary. We take care to provide suitable horses and ponies for customers, but all animals are unpredictable

Riding Hat: Please note that if you provide your own riding hat you are responsible for ensuring that it is in good condition and meets the current safety standards. Please see the guide for what standards your hat needs to meet. Furthermore, if your riding hat has sustained a fall / knock it is advisable that you replace it. Please check the latest standards that your hat needs to meet
Due to the inherent risks associated with horse riding, we strongly recommend that you purchase your own properly fitted riding hat.

If you choose to hire one of our Riding hats, our staff can assist with the fitting; however, as they are not qualified hat fitters, the final responsibility for ensuring a correct fit rests with you, the parent or guardian, and therefore We do not accept liability in this regard.

Footwear proper riding boots are recommended if these are not available a boot with smooth sole and small heel is advised. Wellingtons not advised. No open toe footwear

Trainers are prohibited and you will not be allowed to ride in trainers and therefore we reserve the right to refuse your lesson and no credit or refund will be issued
It is advised that Body protectors are worn when jumping or cross country – Please read the latest update on the new
regulations amended 2023/24

All long hair must be tied back in a low ponytail.

We advise you take out your own full personal accident cover.

Health and Safety guidelines are displayed and strictly always adhered to.

We have Policies, Procedures and Risk Assessment in place to minimise risks to all who spend time at Wapley Stables.

Most of our staff are trained in first aid.

An incident book is kept for the recording of minor accidents or falls by staff, trainees and clients.

Children
Please ensure you do not leave your child on the premises unsupervised if they are under the age of 14 years.
If you have to leave the premises it is your responsibility to ensure you advise a member of staff and leave your contact
details. you must return before the end of their lesson.

Riders Online Profile
It is your responsibility to ensure your online profile or that of your child is kept up to date with weight, height, medical
condition and contact telephone numbers. Please also ensure your riding level is kept updated by way of booking an
assessment lesson

Horse Riders Code of Conduct
By riding or attending this riding facility you accept the following:
I understand that riding at any standard has inherent risk and that all horses may react unpredictably on occasions.
I may fall off and could be injured or even death. I accept that risk.
I understand that instructions are given for my safety and agree to follow instructions given to me by staff and instructors of the riding school.
I understand that wearing an appropriate riding hat and body protector may reduce the severity of an injury should an accident happen and agree that I will always wear a riding hat whilst riding and leading horses in the riding school.
I understand I may choose whether to wear a body protector.
I understand that the riding school may refuse my request to ride for safety or operational reasons.
I understand that competing carries enhanced risk over and above general riding and agree that if I choice to participate in any competition, it is up to me to ensure that I have the experience and ability to ride the course including any jumps which form part of it. If I am in any doubt, I will use my judgement and experience and not enter.
I understand that children are at particular risk around horses and agree that I will keep children that I am responsible for, under close supervision when they are not being instructed by the riding school

Helpers
As a helper on these premises you accept the following:
All helpers must be over 12 years old, have completed and assessment, parent has signed a declaration, and they have their own personal insurance.
I agree to follow instructions when at the Stables as a helper and I will be where I am supposed to be, helping, keeping positive and polite, and doing what I have been asked to do by the staff to the best of my ability.
I will Always approach a horse from the side, never from behind.
I will not stand behind a horse or pony or walk close by its back legs. Horses cannot see directly behind and approaching from the rear may spook them.
I will not distract the instructor whilst they are teaching except in the case of an emergency and only enter the arena with the instructor’s permission.
All leaders must wear hats when leading riders and when taking horses to and from the fields

Safety Procedures
There are risks when working around horses and how you behave can help to keep everyone safe. Ensuring you keep calm, confident, quiet and behave sensibly around horses is paramount.
Always be observant in the horse’s body language, some horses may bite or kick, some horses do not like being too close to others, therefore ensure you always follow a member of staff instruction.
For your safety and the safety of others including horses ensure you follow the instructions of the staff and listen to advice when given.
Ensure good communication with other helpers and staff on the yard, passing on information on what you have or have not done, this helps to ensure all horses are cared for properly and everyone is safe.
Be aware of other helpers’ ability and knowledge and help and assist them as needed. Guide them politely and do not make them feel inadequate – we all had to start from the beginning.
Ensure tools and equipment are put away safely after use.
If you have been asked to do something you cannot manage this, please ensure you ask for help.
Only carry out jobs that you have been shown how to do correctly and feel confident to perform safely
When lead horse to and from fields wear appropriate hat and footwear.
When releasing a pony in the field always turn the pony towards the gate you will leave by before removing the head collar or lead rope. Horses and ponies sometimes like to rear and buck when running to play with friends in the field, so stand well back with enough room for other people to move back without slipping If you notice a horse has an injury, please inform a member of staff so the appropriate treatment can be given.
Before tacking up a horse ensure you have checked their back, head and behind their front legs where the girth goes, for any mud and make sure it is removed before tacking up to prevent rubbing/sores. Do not put tack over a cut or sore.
Paying attention to horses' body language can help keep everyone safe. Be aware that horses can still be unpredictable.
When looking after a particular horse, be aware of their tack, feed and behaviour which affect how they are cared for.
(E.g. whether they eat hay or haylage; whether they wear boots for riding; which other horses or ponies they are best
kept away from.)
Long sleeves and body protectors are best worn whenever riding and are essential for cross country
Walk on the left side of a horse and pass others left to left with all the people together and the horses on the outside.
When walking alongside someone else leading a horse, you should be on the same side of the horse as them, this is to avoid being squashed or trapped.
Riders need to be honest about their ability, experience and confidence.