First Things First!  - Barn Rules

There is absolutely NO SMOKING while in or around the barn!

Volunteers are only allowed on the barn premises when WHRM staff are present

Close all gates that you open

All phones must be turned to silent or vibrate when in the barn. 

Please do not feed the horses any treats. Giving treats can promote biting, also some of our horses are on a special diet, and treats can be detrimental to their health. Please do not allow horses to lick your hands as this encourages biting. 

Do not enter a stall or outside pen unless asked to do so by a WHRM staff member

Only approved horse leaders will be allowed to get horses from outside pens and lead horses into the barn or designated area. 

Keep aisle way clear at all times. All wheelbarrows, tools, and grooming buckets need to be kept out of the walking path. 

When approaching a horse always consider the horse’s limited field of vision. Horses cannot see directly behind or in front of them without moving their head. Approach at the horses shoulder.

Avoid sudden movements when around the horse. This includes removing coats, raising arms suddenly, running, jumping, climbing, etc. Horses can spook, please keep this in mind at all times when around horses.

If you are not directly involved with a session please keep all activities and conversations to the designated waiting areas or check the volunteer board to see what additional tasks need to be done.

The instructor is ultimately responsible for all aspects of the session from the time the first horse is taken out of the stall until the last one is put away. Please listen and follow all directions given by the session instructor.

NEVER sit, kneel, or lay on the ground near a horse

NO PETS PLEASE. Please do not deny your pet the comfort of their home. PETS ARE NOT PERMITTED. Service dogs are welcome. 

No Goodies please! Be aware that some riders may have medical conditions such as allergies, diabetes, etc. which make certain foods off limits or incompatible with their medication. Check with the staff or the family before sharing “goodies.”

Adhere to a 10 MPH speed limit at all times while on the property

WHRM Volunteer & Guest dismissal policy:  WHRM reserves the right to dismiss a guest or volunteer from the facility and the program if their behavior is putting themselves, a student, staff, other volunteer, or horse’s mental or physical health in jeopardy. The WHRM instructor in charge at the time will review the behavior with the individual and determine the level of intervention necessary. The level of intervention could include verbal or written warning, or immediate dismissal from the WHRM facility and program. Physical, emotional, mental or sexual abuse by a person at the WHRM facility will not be tolerated and will result in immediate dismissal.

Alcoholic consumption by a volunteer prior to a session is not allowed. A volunteer smelling of alcohol will not be allowed to assist in that day’s session.