Guiding principles

Every equestrian facility has barn rules, and though we do as well, what's more important to us is our barn culture. We want Wild Meadows to be a cheerful, positive, and peaceful place; a place where people can get away from the worries of life, relax, breathe in the fresh air, soak up the sunshine, and connect with nature as you spend time with your horse.

We look forward to meeting a variety of horse lovers. I suspect we will have people who enjoy competing in various horse sports, people who like to trail ride, people who like an easy stroll through the arena, and people who have retired their horse and come just to enjoy a visit. We will encourage everyone in their pursuits and foster a spirit of cooperation. 

Since we have 3 "Little Crooks", our facility will be child friendly. We'll work hard to foster a family environment by finding safe ways to include children, have places for children to play away from the horses, and have "Kids Club Rules" posted, explaining how to have good barn "manners". For horse crazy kids, they can join our "Kids Club". More information about the Kids Club to come, but I can say that Evelyn already has lots of ideas. Below your find our barn policies.

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Guiding principles & Rules*

Horse Boarding, Training, & Riding

• All riders and guests must read and sign our Horse Handling & Riding Liability Release  before handling or riding any horse. This includes, but not limited to,  leading a horse and grooming. We will make releases easily available for impromptu guests you may bring, and it is your sole responsibility to ensure it is completed in it's entirety. Failure to do so will revoke your privilege of bringing future guests.
• Anyone under the age of 18 may not ride unsupervised without a trainer and parent's written permission. Children under the age of 14 must be supervised at all times.
• ASTM/SEI approved helmets, with chin straps in place, must be worn at all times while mounted.
• We recommend and endorse training that takes the horse's well-being into mind; training that doesn't cause mental or physical harm, or rely on creating fear to accomplish goals. Harsh, seemingly unnecessary, punishment/training will be questioned and we reserve the right to stop behavior we feel dangerous or inhumane to the horse. ​
• Only quick release halters should be left on unsupervised horses. We recommend no halter for horses when turned out for an extended period of time or in the track system.
• We work with a select few horse trainers that uphold the teaching philosophy we have at Wild Meadows. We can match you with a trainer that can help take your horsemanship to the next level. If you have a trainer you would like us to consider allowing on property, speak to the owners directly.​

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Family Safety

• Children under the age of 14 must be supervised by an adult at all times.
• Children will find "fun areas" throughout the property, tree swings, climbing domes, good climbing trees, etc. We love having an environment that encourages active play. Allow your children to play at your own risk, and remember that all children under 14 must be supervised at all times.

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General

• Language used and music played should be appropriate for all ages. No profanity. 
• We are a no-smoking facility. Tobacco use is not permitted anywhere on the grounds. 
• We obviously love dogs, however, not all horses do. Leashed dogs are welcome on property but may not enter the barn or any area where horses are present. We ask that you clean up after your dogs.
• The entrance requires a keypad to open the gate. Do not share this code with anyone. If you are expecting guests you may meet them at the gate to let them in. If you are expecting a large group, you may request a temporary code that will be valid for 24-hours.

Cleaning and Barn Care

• Help keep things clean. Pickup any messes or belongings before moving to your next area. If we are low on cleaning equipment, rakes, brooms, etc., notify us and we'll make sure to restock.
  
• Everyone helps dump the common area manure carts once full.

*We will add and modify our Cleaning Guiding Principle Details as amenities are added.