Pandemonium Farm and Arena Rules
The following are PF's farm and arena rules, we have the rules so that everyone has a common understanding of what is safe and good for the farm, the horses, and the people!
PF is still a fun place! The rules just help us all to co-exist in a more harmonius fashion! We have enough pandemonium at the farm without adding to it!
If you have any questions or thoughts on the rules please share! Nothing is ever set in concret! there is always room for improvement!
Ring/riding arena rules are the standards by which a rider conducts him/herself when riding in company in a riding ring, whether showing or during instruction. A well-mannered rider is aware that the practice of these rules is a safety factor for others in the ring/riding arena.
1. When under an instructor’s supervision, it is important to obey that instructor at all times. The instructor can see potential danger and eliminate it before a student is even aware of what is going on. The instructor knows his/her horses so well that he/she can almost anticipate their actions. Thus, when an instructor gives a seemingly senseless command, the student should obey without question. An explanation from the instructor will generally follow.
2. Always keep at least a two horse distance between horses. This will eliminate any fighting that otherwise might develop.
3. Always ride in the same direction as others unless otherwise directed. This eliminates confusion.
4. Always ride your own horse; do not tell others what to do. This is annoying to everyone concerned. The instructor is aware of what is happening, and if he/she feels correction is required, he/she will take care of the matter.
5. Everyone should come to a complete halt if a rider falls off his/her horse. This will calm the loose horse, making him easier to catch, and will eliminate the danger of another horse stepping on the fallen rider.
6. The horse should be walked the first ten minutes to warm him up, and the last ten minutes to cool him out.
7. Always walk the horse in the ring unless otherwise instructed when under instructor’s supervision.
8. Let other riders know when you are approaching and preparing to pass. This will enable them to be prepared to control their horses in case they speed up or kick.
9. Do not use vocal signals to your horse when passing as the horse being passed may think they are meant for him.
10. One should pass another horse and rider to the inside of the ring. Those not passing should ride as close to the rail as possible.
11. When passing, leave a two horse distance between horses to prevent kicking.
12. Do not cut another horse and rider off when passing
13. The main gate should always be closed when mounting and dismounting.
14. When riding in opposite directions always pass left shoulder to left shoulder.
15. All lessons are required to wear a helmet when riding.
16. When opening and closing the arena gate announce “gate open!”. This will prevent a horse from trying to exit the arena.
17. When opening and closing the arena gate always keep one hand on the gate at all times. This will prevent the gate from swinging out and hitting the horse.
1. No smoking: no smoking anywhere.
2. No shouting: speak in a normal tone of voice. Shouting is annoying to horses and has no place in the stable.
3. No running: do not run in stable or around the horses.
4. No gum: no chewing gum when riding or around the stable. You can choke! and that wouldn't be fun.
5. No standing behind tethered horses. They can kick!
6. No riding in or out of the barn. We don't have a barn yet, but this is a good rule to know about!
7. No one may play or be around the haystack. Hay bales are often loose and we don't want you to be caught under one!
8. No rock throwing.
9. All students are required to wear a helmet when riding.
10. Any guest riding or handling a horse must sign a liability waiver. (available on our web site)
11. Never enter a stall or take a horse without permission of the owner.
12. Do not feed horses without permission. Do not feed show horses by hand.
13. Children should never be left unattended. There are many potential dangers around the stable.
14. Do not litter. We have several trash cans around the place, please put human AND horse litter in the proper can.
15. No dogs. PF has a few of it's own dogs . . they don't always like the company of others so please leave your friend at home.