Welcome to The Freedom Horse Club!

Dear Club Members,

This packet is compiled to educate you as to the rules and procedures followed by all our members and boarders. A lot of this information you may already know but every barn is different, so this will make sure we are all on the same page as to the care and treatment of the horses, property and other riders.

You have already had an introductory ride and have begun to get to know some of the horses. It is now your choice how you would like to proceed. It is required that you consult with us and keep us informed as to what your goals and intentions are with the horses and your riding, so we can monitor your progress and ensure your safety and help provide you with what it is you are looking to achieve.

You might just want to be able to tack up your horse and ride comfortably with a group and/or improve your riding skills and/or become competent enough to ride alone safely. If you are already comfortable riding alone, then you are welcome to do so as soon as you have met the requirements listed under #2.

Respectfully yours, The Freedom Horse Club Management Team!

 

 

1. COWBOY STATUS is reached when you are able to competently

- bring a horse in from the pasture safely

- groom the horse and pick out feet

- tack up the horse with the appropriate gear

- observe all safety rules on the premises of On the Forest Boarding and out on the trails

- walk, trot and canter comfortably out on the trails - control the horse well at all times

- you are being careful of the safety of everyone around - you have read the profile of the horse you ride and know it well.

- NOTE: you still must be riding with someone

 

2. LONE RIDER STATUS is reached when, along with the above, you are able to competently

- maintain control of the horse you are riding out in the forest no matter what happens

- identify when the horse is hurt, sore or should not be ridden - judge your limitations and not push yourself or the horse into a situation that is unsafe

- judge when to get off and walk the horse

- give the horse confidence while riding alone, so the horse is under control, calm and listening well

- observe the horse’s physical limitations and not push it past the point of comfort. You also agree to

- walk the horse when returning to the premises of On the Forest Boarding, so that it is cooled down and breathing easy when returned to the pasture

- inform us of any problems or accidents or any behavioral changes noticed in the horse while riding

- only ride horses alone that you have ridden before and feel completely comfortable riding

- always have a cell phone with you

- behave in a responsible manner out on the trails and be careful of the safety of the horse and anyone else out on the trails

- return all horses, tack and gates to the state in which they were found

- inform us immediately of anything you think may be of concern.