Barn Rules

Barn Manners for Kids & Beginners

Being safe around horses keeps everyone happy. Here are some simple barn manners to follow:

Always walk, Don't run or yell near horses (unless you’re running as instructed in a lesson).
Stay with your trainer or adult—don’t wander into stalls, pens, or pastures on your own.
Only pet or feed horses if you have permission.
Wear a helmet when riding and boots when handling horses unless you’re vaulting.
Mount and dismount in the arena or designated areas, not in the barn aisle (concrete can be slippery for horses).
Lead horses with a halter and lead rope, walking calmly at their shoulder.
Don't wrap ropes around your hand, arm, or neck, and never drape them over your shoulder because the rope can get wrapped around your neck..
Do not tie horses together because they might kick.
Don’t stand directly in front of or behind a horse. Stay at the shoulder where the horse can see you.
Don’t stand between a horse and a wall or fence in a small space.
Don’t let horses sniff noses—it can lead to biting or kicking.
Leave gates and doors the way you found them, and close arena gates when riding.
Keep aisles clear of tack, grooming boxes, and chairs where horses can’t step on them.
Clean up after yourself and your horse—sweep, pick up manure, and put things back neatly.
Be careful with bags, jackets, or other noisy, flappy things. Plastic bags or water bottles with ice in them especially can scare horses.

Ask, “What can I do to help?” At a stable, there are always jobs to do like cleaning tack or sweeping.

General Conduct

Drive slowly on all roads and driveways, and park neatly in designated areas.
Children must be supervised by an adult unless participating in a lesson.
Running, yelling, roughhousing, and loud music are not permitted.
Stay with your trainer or host; do not wander into barns, paddocks, or pastures unaccompanied.
Do not enter stalls or pens without permission, and do not pet or feed horses that are not assigned to you.

Rider & Handler Safety

Riders under 18 must wear securely fastened, safety-certified equestrian helmets. Helmets are required for jumping at any age and are strongly recommended for all riders.
Anyone handling a horse must wear sturdy, protective footwear. Long hair should be tied back, and avoid loose clothing, flip flops, or dangling jewelry.
Mount and dismount only in the arena or other designated areas. Riding in barn aisles is not permitted.
Lead horses with a halter and lead rope at a walk, never by the reins.
Do not wrap lead ropes, reins, or lunge lines around your hand, arm, body, or neck, and do not drape ropes over your shoulder.
Never tie horses together or tie yourself to a horse.
Do not let horses sniff noses, as this can lead to biting or kicking.
Stay at a horse’s shoulder where the horse can see you; avoid standing directly in front of or directly behind.
Never stand between a horse and a wall or fence in a tight space.

Handling & Barn Etiquette

Always close gates as you found them, securing chains or latches if provided.
Arena gates must remain closed while horses are being ridden or turned out.
Do not feed extra hay, grain, or treats without permission. If treats are allowed, feed with an open, flat palm.
Be mindful of bags, jackets, or other noisy, flappy items—plastic bags in particular can easily spook horses.
Speak calmly and move with steady, quiet motions around horses.

Care & Cleanliness

Clean up after yourself and your horse at all times. This includes sweeping grooming areas, picking up manure, and tidying up after vet or farrier visits.
In the arena, manure must be picked up immediately to protect footing—even mid-ride if needed.
Keep aisles clear of tack, grooming boxes, and chairs.
Return all personal tack and equipment to your space before leaving. Do not borrow or move another person’s belongings.
Keep tack rooms tidy—doors closed, lights off, and items stored properly.

Other Policies

No smoking of any kind anywhere on the property.
Visiting dogs must remain in their owner’s car.
Lunging horses in the arena is permitted only with express permission from the owner.
Report all safety, sanitation, or maintenance issues to the owner immediately (e.g., broken fences, loose boards, leaks, foreign objects in paddocks, etc.).