ASHTOWN STABLES

CUSTOMER HEALTH & SAFETY POLICY

OVERVIEW

The purpose of this policy is to highlight and minimise the risks for all our customers. Although every effort has been
made to make it as informative as possible, it can never be all encompassing. Should you have any questions relating
to the content, please ask a staff member.
All customers are required to read and sign this safety policy.
The signature of a guardian or parent is required for customers under the age of eighteen.

1. HORSES

1.1 General Safety Information

All horses are unpredictable and may bite, kick or be startled at any time.
Please check with your G.P. as to whether you require a Tetanus Vaccination.
Injury can be caused through a fall, kick, bite, being stood upon, equipment failure, etc.
Although the majority of injuries are minor, serious injury and death may occur.
Horse riding is a RISK SPORT and you are therefore strongly advised to effect personal insurance.

2. CUSTOMERS

2.1 Yard Safety

Please ensure that individuals not participating in horse riding vacate the premises, so as not to distract the rider or
startle the horse.
Please maintain a relaxed manner, so as not to startle the horse.
The use of cameras or video cameras is not permitted without prior permission.
Smoking is prohibited on the premises.

2014 Customer Health & Safety Policy

No running in the yard.
Chewing gum is not permitted in the yard.
Do not feed the horses.
Do not wander around the yard.

2.2 General Safety Information

Customers with health conditions, previous injuries or fitness concerns must consult their doctor prior to engaging in
horse riding.
Individuals under the influence of drugs or alcohol will not be permitted on the premises.
We strongly advise against horse riding whilst pregnant.
Impairments that may affect your ability to horse ride must be made known to a member of staff (see section 6).
Our horses have a maximum carrying capacity of 200lbs (14.3stone or 90.7kg).

3. RIDING

3.1 Equipment and Clothing

Approved horse riding helmets (with the chinstrap closed) must be worn at all times on and around horses.

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 Suitable footwear i.e. boots or shoes with a narrow toe and small heel must be worn whilst horse riding.
Body protectors are not provided but are recommended.

3.2 Whilst on or in the Vicinity of the Horse

You are requested to maintain a relaxed manner and any activity which may startle a horse should be avoided. Such
activities may include: the use of mobile phones, smoking or removing an item of clothing.
Please listen to the instruction given, as this will reduce your chances of injury.

3.3 Riding in Public Areas

At all times you are required to act in accordance with Common Law and The Rules of the Road. It is also desirable that
you act courteously to others and are mindful of your surroundings.

3.4 Other Activities

Participating in jumping competitions, open order sessions, beach rides and Connemara Trails can increase your
exposure to risk and danger.

4. IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT OR FIRE

4.1 Falls and Injuries

Falls are a common occurrence and the vast majority do not lead to injury of a serious nature. Where it is apparent to
both you and the instructor that you have not acquired any serious injuries you will be assisted back onto your horse.
This is standard practice within the horse riding industry.
Should an injury of a serious nature occur, then the appropriate emergency services will be requested.
A minor accident, which at the time may not appear serious, may still require you to seek medical attention.
First aid kits are located in the tack room and front yard. A list of occupational first aiders is posted on the tack room
notice board.

4.2 Fire

The fire assembly point is located at the entrance to the garden i.e. at the gate in the field behind the house. All
customers are required to know the location of this point and in the event of fire to assemble here before safely
vacating the premises.

5. EXPERIENCE

2014 Customer Health & Safety Policy

This section must be completed in full by all customers of Ashtown Stables. For customers under the age of eighteen this
section should be completed and signed by a Guardian or Parent.

5.1 Description of previous horse riding experience. Please provide as much detail as possible.
(e.g. number of years riding, level of experience, capabilities riding etc)

5.2 Riding Ability - the term that best describes your/ your childs level of horse riding experience:

Beginner Intermediate Experienced

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If you ticked Beginner: If you ticked Intermediate/ Experienced:

First time horse riding. Havent ridden in many years.

Havent ridden in many years. Comfortable at walk and trot.

Nervous rider. Comfortable at walk, trot and canter.

Most experience using: Experience jumping.

Irish / English saddle Western saddle.
Experience riding in an outdoor arena.
Comfortable at walk.
Experience riding on busy roads.
Comfortable at walk and trot.
Experience riding in open areas
e.g. Phoenix Park.

Most experience using:

Irish / English saddle Western saddle.

Nervous Rider

6. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
6.1 Please provide details of any impairment that may affect your / your childs ability to horse ride.
e.g. This may include but is not limited to any back problems, previous injuries/accidents, known medical conditions or
any conditions/medication which can affect balance, concentration or cause blackouts etc:

7. RIDER INFORMATION / SIGNATURE & DECLARATION:

7.1. Rider Information & Emergency Contact (Please complete in BLOCK CAPITALS)

Name of Rider:

2014 Customer Health & Safety Policy

Age (if rider is under 18 years):

Emergency Contact Name:

Emergency Contact Number:

7.2. Signature & Declaration:

Please note that by signing below you understand and accept the information outlined herein.

Signature..............................Date.............

Name (BLOCK CAPITALS).........................................

If signed on behalf of a Rider under the age of 18

Riders Name (BLOCK CAPITALS)..................................................................................................................

Relationship to Rider.................................................................................................................................................................................................

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2014 Customer Health & Safety Policy