It is the responsibility of the participant or the participant’s parent or guardians to inform Horseplay of any changes in the participant’s medical, physical, mental, or behavioral status as well as changes to any information on-file, such as contact or address, etc. A Participant is defined as a Horseplay client, volunteer, or staff member.

For all riders:
Horseplay follows the NARHA guidelines for precautions/contraindications for physical restrictions of riding. See the NARHA Guide or the NARHA website www.narha.org for detailed information. Please note that horseback riding is contraindicated for some conditions/individuals; therefore, Horseplay program requirements are:

• Riders must have some trunk control and be able to sit up with little or no assistance (no backriding).

• The maximum weight for riders is 150 pounds.

• The minimum age for eligible riders is 5 years of age.

• Riders must have parent or guardian with them at all times.

Horseplay’s Policy for the Discharge of Participants
Riders of Horseplay may be asked to leave the program for a number of reasons, including, but not limited to:

1. The development of a contraindicated condition for the deterioration of a condition to the point the therapeutic riding is no longer beneficial or could be harmful to the participant or where safety for the rider or others has become a concern.

2. Weight gain above the maximum stated previously.

3. Incomplete annual forms: (Application, Liability, Authorization for Emergency Medical Treatment, and Physician-signed Medical Forms.)

4. A display of fire-starting, threatening behavior, animal abuse, the abuse of children or adults, verbal abuse of volunteers or others, alcohol or drug use on grounds, or behavior that is disruptive for the normal functioning of the program on the part of the rider.

5. Frequent missed lessons, without advance notification.

All dismissals will be handled by the Riding Instructors and the Board of Directors. A written reason for dismissal will be recorded in the client’s file. The grounds of dismissal will be discussed with the rider and/or the rider’s parent or guardian in private.

HORSEPLAY’S Policy for the Dismissal of Volunteers
Volunteers at Horseplay may be asked to leave the program for a number of reasons, including, but not limited to:

1. The use of drugs or alcohol on the grounds or at a Horseplay event.

2. Breach of the confidentiality policy.

3. Verbal or physical abuse or sexual harassment or other inappropriate behavior toward participants or other volunteers or Horseplay staff members.

4. Mistreatment of the horses.

5. The expression of vulgar language, inappropriate jokes, or disrespectful language.

6. Smoking or the use of open flames in prohibited areas.

7. Persistent disruption of Horseplay staff during lessons or special events.

8. Any behavior deemed inappropriate by the Horseplay program staff.

All dismissals will be handled by the Riding Instructors and Board of Directors. The grounds for dismissal will be discussed with the volunteer and/or the volunteer’s parent or guardian in private, and a written record of the reasons for dismissal will be attached to the volunteer’s registration forms and kept on file.

ATTENTION!!! The following rules apply to everyone who visits, participates, volunteers, or works with Horseplay. Please read these and become familiar with them and pass this information on to anyone who may come with you to the program.

1. Horseplay Program Rules
   No abusive, threatening, or violent behavior will be tolerated on the premises.

2. alcohol and illegal drug use is prohibited on grounds or during Horseplay hosted events.

3. Absolutely NO smoking or use of open flames is permitted.

4. Do not drink the water out of the hoses or faucets.

5. No one is permitted at the barn or on the farm unless a Horseplay staff member is present on The premises.

6. Children must be supervised at all times.

7. The mounting ramp and mounting block should only be used for mounting and dismounting riders.

8. No running or screaming is allowed around the horses.

9. No one is allowed to handle horses, feed, or pet horses unless supervised by a Horseplay staff member. No one may enter a pasture containing horses.

10. No one may ride a horse unless supervised by a Horseplay staff member. Everyone who rides must have completed, up-to-date required forms on file.

11. All riders must have a completed, signed and dated current registration packet on file. All riders must wear an ASTM-approved helmet while mounted, wear long pants and use safety stirrups or wear hard-soled shoes with heels.

12. All volunteers must have completed, signed and dated current Volunteer packet on file. All volunteers must complete a volunteer training course. Volunteers must sign in whenever they volunteer at Horseplay.

13. Instructors will routinely check all tack and equine and human first aid and emergency equipment for safety.

14. No Dogs Allowed.

15. Report all accidents, injuries, or hazardous conditions to a Horseplay staff member as soon as possible.