All riders, participants, and volunteers must have a signed release before handling a horse.
Smoking, drugs, or alcohol is not allowed anywhere at Eloheh Equine/Agan Ranch at any time.
Please leave pets at home.
Cell phone use is not permitted during lesson time. Please set your mobile devices to silent without vibration, or turn them off. No earbuds are allowed while volunteering.
Refrain from gum or candy while volunteering. Water is available, so stay well hydrated.
Only staff, trained volunteers, and riders are allowed in the barn and arena. All others must remain viewing areas such as the porch or grassy area outside of the barn.
Please do not feed the horses without permission from designated staff.
All children may only give horse treats with the “Treat Server,” once permission is given.
Keep all pasture gates closed at ALL times.
Clean up after yourself (and your horse). Put things back & sweep up.
All volunteers are asked to never be alone with a rider. Should you be asked to take a rider somewhere, make sure you are in a group situation at all times.
Volunteers should aid the rider only if needed or as directed by the instructor. This includes putting on helmets and belts, and during instruction times. If they are capable of accomplishing even a small part of a task, let them do it. For example, if they can get their helmet and put it on their head, but can't buckle it, let them do the parts they can do, and help only as needed. Teach and coach your rider to help them increase their skills, independence, and confidence.
Riders need to develop independence, but not at the expense of safety. Always assess the safety of a situation before making a decision. When in doubt, ask the instructor or another staff member. Always err on the side of caution!
Once your rider has arrived, please make sure they are wearing appropriate attire, including long pants, and sturdy shoes. You can also use this time to build trust and friendship with your rider.
During the lesson, please keep conversation very minimal so that the rider can listen to the instructor. Conversation with your rider is encouraged as you greet them before the lesson, as well as after the lesson. We need to remember we are not therapists and so don't have conversations that could be viewed as counseling. Be attentive to the instructor at all times as to maintain the highest standards of safety.
If you have any suggestions, questions, or concerns about any aspect of the program, or your assigned duties, please talk with Eloheh Equine staff. Please do not discuss concerns with other volunteers or riders.
Be aware of your surroundings and where all the horses and people are in any environment.
Approach the horse with caution and approach the right or left of the horse.
Never walk up behind a horse.
Be observant of the horse's behavior/signals.
Never lead more than one horse.
Watch your feet around any horse.
Do not put your hands in or around the horse’s mouth
ASTM-SEI Certified Helmets must be worn while mounted and in the ring.
No equine activities while thundering or lightning. Must wait 30 minutes after the last thunder sound to resume horse activity.
Only ride the horse you have been assigned, and clear any changes with barn staff.
No riding allowed in the barn.
No riding allowed on the pavement.
Keep all arena gates closed at ALL times.
Clear the arena of all equipment after all sessions.