GSF Policies & Forms

Alt view of the GSF herd enjoying a grassy grazing on the upper slope of the pasture.

GSF herd enjoying spring-green pasture grass.

At Garden Springs Farm, safety and fun are woven into the experience. On our farm, attention to ground rules and mutual respect for people and animals, are requirements for a safe and successful experience with horses.

GSF-affiliated activities, whether on grounds or at another event location
(ex: show or community event or parade), require ALL participants to follow our Ground Rules (see below), and to complete GSF paperwork (signed permission/waiver documents, see links below).

Read all the information on this site and on our forms to make sure you understand the documents you must sign. If you have questions after reading through the site, the Ground Rules (below) and all the requisite waivers/contract/policy documents (scroll down for links), please contact us – email or call GSF; our goal is to ensure everyone is “on the same page” before we get started with the horses.

FORMS:

ALL participants are required to review “Ground Rules” (see below), complete the GSF Participant Information Form, and complete and sign the GSF Release Form:

If you are bringing us a horse for training, ALSO complete and sign this:

Please complete all paperwork before arriving, and bring it with payment.

  • Payment is expected at the time of service unless otherwise stated or prior arrangements have been made with GSF (NOTE: Requires signed written agreement).
  • GSF accepts cash or check only. IF a check is returned for any reason, THEN unused lessons are forfeited. An additional $25 fee will also be added to the balance owed for services received.

GROUND RULES:

We appreciate your consideration of both private and public spaces at GSF. Our goal is to optimize everyone’s experience, and this is why following all GSF ground rules matters.

  1. All participations RIDE AT THEIR OWN RISK!
  2. All participants must check-in before entering premises or handling horses.
  3. All riders will have liability release forms on file in the GSF Office.
  4. All riders will wear an ASTM/SEI certified helmet whenever mounted.
  5. No alcohol or drugs; this includes possessing or being under the influence of them.
  6. No smoking, vaping, or other tobacco use.
  7. No cell phones or electronic devices are to be worn while handling or riding horses.
  8. No dogs.
  9. No sitting on, or tying horses to, fences and gates.
  10. Participants must be appropriately dressed – closed-toe shoes, preferably with boot heel, and long pants.
  11. Participants with long hair must have hair tied back when handling or riding horses.
  12. No riding double.
  13. A parent(s), legal guardian or other designated responsible adult should be present at all times while youth are participating in GSF activities.
  14. Children who are not in a lesson need to be supervised at all times.
  15. Participants will bring their own water, snacks, and chairs to GSF activities.
  16. Never yell at or coach participants while they are in the ring and riding under someone’s instruction or direction.
  17. All participants will exhibit respectful behavior towards all other people and equines.
  18. Participants will fully cooperate with Instructor/Leader(s).
  19. Owner/Instructor(s) have the authority to enforce rules and take appropriate action to
    address unsafe or abusive behavior.
  20. Instructor(s) reserve the right to prevent a rider/horse from participating in an
    activity deemed inappropriate for their skill/training level.
  21. Let Instructor(s) know in advance if you cannot make it to an appointment or fulfill
    a commitment.
  22. Notify the Instructor(s) in advance of any medical needs/issues participant(s), especially if identified conditions could incur risk or require special accommodation.
  23. Clean up your trash.
  24. Other rules related to specific events or contests will be made available to participants, and enforced.
  25. Breaking rules has consequences: Violating any rules may result in immediate participant dismissal from program and/or GSF property.

REMINDERS:

We have rules, expectations, and protocols around horses for a reason; please remember they are put in place to minimize everyone’s risk, to support successful outcomes and to ensure a positive experience.

Violations of Ground Rules, and dangerous/risky or threatening behaviors by visitors or participants are taken seriously, and bring negative consequences. GSF does not tolerate disrespect, bullying, harassment and/or violence – toward people or animals. Accordingly, GSF reserves the right to refuse service to anyone. 

If at any time you have questions or concerns, please always assume the best place to begin is by communicating them directly to us here at GSF.

We look forward to working with you, and welcome your suggestions.