EQUESTRIAN INSURANCE SAFETY GROUP REQUIREMENTS

Boarding, Training & Breeding Stables

1. Hold harmless and/or liability release agreements must be obtained from all boarders and riders.

2. Stable rules and emergency numbers should be posted in prominent places throughout the stable area. Most states have equine liability laws. Most of those laws have specific wording for warning postings and contracts.

3. Evidence of liability insurance should be obtained from independent contractors or anyone using the facility.

4. Riding arenas and trails should be well maintained, clear of debris and obstacles.

5. Arenas and schooling corrals should be adequate in size to accommodate the maximum number of riders that will be using the facility at any one time.

6. Premises should be fenced with design and materials required for horse farms. Fence should be well constructed and in good repair. The fence should be at least 4 feet high with " horse proof " gate latches and difficult for children to open.

7. Barn isles and stalls must be free of debris and obstacles. Floors should be sufficiently rough to avoid slipping when wet, Stall latches should be " horse proof " and difficult for children to open. Horses should be hand led in and out of barn. No mounting, dismounting or hacking in the barn isle.

8. Rails on fencing used for outside riding arenas should be attached inside the posts. More resistance when pushed against.

9. No smoking in barns or in the vicinity of stored hay or feed.

Trail Rides & Pack Trips

1. All tack and equipment must be inspected on a daily basis and repaired or replaced as necessary.

2. Every rider must read and sign a Release and Waiver of Liability agreement in the form prescribed by A.E.A.

3. EVERY RIDER MUST BE OFFERED PROTECTIVE HEAD GEAR. If a rider refuses to use headgear an Acknowledgment of offer and refusal must be signed by the rider.

4. All trail ride horses must be equipped with breast collars and children's saddles with full wrap bull-nosed Tapaderos. Saddles and tack must be well matched to the horse and rider. Split western reins must be tied.

5. A system to determine rider experience and capability must be in place. Overweight and young riders must be carefully screened by the stable manager for ability to safely ride. A mounting block should be available.

6. ALL TRAIL RIDES MUST BE GUIDED BY AN EXPERIENCED LEAD GUIDE / WRANGLER who is at least 18 years old. An optimum ratio of 6 riders to 1 guide should be maintained. It is strongly recommended that guides be provided with radios to communicate with the drag guide and the stable in case of emergency.

7. Walking rides only, no running or racing of horses. Trotting is permissible, on good footing, when all riders are capable and in agreement. Any guest rider violating ride safety rules or good trail etiquette must dismount and walk to the stable.

8. No riders under 6 years old.

9. No riding double.

10. No horseback riding while wearing backpacks or carrying bulky items.

11. All riding instruction must be performed within an arena, on a docile, well trained lesson horse and the student must wear riding shoes and a hard hat.

12. All horses must be properly cared for, regularly exercised and generally well suited for use with novice riders. Sick, lame, undernourished or ill tempered horses will not be used for riding instruction, schooling or on trail rides.

13. Trails should be well maintained, regularly inspected and free of rubbish and surprises. Guides should avoid road traffic or congested areas.

14. The guides must explain elementary riding safety, including how to control a runaway horse, and also check to ensure that the rider is physically and mentally fit to ride a horse.

15. If a rider drops anything from a horse, the guide should pick it up.

Wagon & Carriage Rides

1. Wagon / Hay rides will avoid streets and/or AEEAs where public traffic is present. Wagons will come to a complete stop before crossing any road. Outwalkers are required for crowd situations, parades, fairs or on city or town streets.

2. Wagons will have open sides, be equipped with running lights, reflectors, head lights and hydraulic brakes or other breaking system acceptable to A.E.A. Wagons will not be pulled by motorized vehicles.

3. Wagon drivers be at least age 21 years old, have a minimum of two year wagon team experience or fifty driving hours in preceding twelve months.

4. Wagons or sleighs with more than seven passengers must have one (1) qualified driver and one (1) qualified assistant. The driver will tend the horses while the assistant will be responsible for loading and unloading passengers. No smoking will be permitted on or near wagons.

5. Slow moving vehicle sign on rear of carriage or wagon.

Pony Rides

1. If a sweep is used, an outer fence must be in place. Safety belts are optional.

2. If a circle (without sweep) is used, an inside and outside fence must be in place. The pony must be led by pony ring personnel or parent.

3. When pony is being led, outside of a ring, a qualified stable employee must lead the pony. If the child is too small to hold onto the saddle horn, or to balance themselves, the parent or guardian must walk at the side of the pony and support the child. NO SEAT or RESTRAINT BELT ALLOWED.

4. Child must be provided with protective headgear.

5. A pony saddle must be used on a quiet, reliable animal.

6. Pony size or child size will be determined by the individual operator using good judgment and common sense.

Riding Instruction

1. AEA does not require designated riding instructor certification at this time. AEA does require that the instructor be highly experienced in horse care, stable management and riding instruction.

2. All riding instruction must take place in an enclosed arena unless special purpose such as trail riding in which event trail ride regulations will apply.

3. All students must be offer protective headgear. Headgear is mandatory for hazardous equine riding activities such polo, hunter/jumper, vaulting, steeplechase, etc.

4. All riders will be equipped with riding boots, paddock shoes or foot wear with adequate heel for riding.

5. All students will sign AEA approved acknowledgment of risk form before taking lessons.

6. All tack and equipment must be in good condition and suited for discipline being taught.