Barn Policies & Rules

 

 

These rules are being posted for the health, happiness, and safety of the boarders and barn inhabitants.  Please take into consideration that we try to do what is best for everyone; however, it is impossible to keep everyone happy all of the time. 

 

These rules apply to everyone – there are no exceptions.  Disregarding the rules shows a lack of respect for Kelley as well as your fellow boarders.  First offenses will result in a warning; subsequent offenses could lead to eviction without refund.

 

Visitors

 

Visitors who wish to ride while on the grounds are required to sign a liability waiver prior to mounting.  Please make arrangements with Kelley prior to the visit so that the proper forms are completed.  All visitors are required to wear ASTM approved headgear at all times regardless of age. 

 

Feeding Extra

 

As explained in the Boarding Contract, there is to be no feeding of hay or grain by anyone other than the designated person to feed AM or PM.  This has been a huge problem in the past and will not be tolerated.  Treats may be fed to your horse at your discretion. Please be respectful of other boarder’s preferences for treat feeding and ask before giving anything to another person’s horse.  If you feel your horse needs any adjustment in their diet, please consult Kelley.

 

Indoor Arena Turnout

 

There is never to be more than one horse turned out in the indoor at any given time.  Not only is it dangerous if horses start running around, previous boarders have done this, and as a result there are holes kicked in the walls.   If there is equipment stored in the arena, turnout is not recommended.  To do so is at your own risk. Please clean up after your horse even if only in there for a few minutes.  Any manure should be picked and put in the spreader.  Make this a habit after cleaning your stall.

 

This area is to be used for riding first and foremost.  Turning out after 5:30 pm is not permitted unless you are the only one at the barn.  Other boarders should not be inconvenienced by loose horses in the arena if they need in for sawdust, to get to the wash area, or for riding and lunging, and they should not have to ask you to get your horse.  Please be considerate of other boarders.  

 

Special consideration will be given for horses with medical or soundness issues.  Please arrange a turnout schedule with Kelley if required.

 

Back Paddock

 

There is to be no turnout in the grassy paddock at the back of the barn.  We do not want horses tearing up the grass and ground.  The sand pen may be used at anytime for turnout if you only want to turn out for a short time.  Priority for using this area will be given to horses with soundness issues or injuries.  Please clean up after your horse even if only in there for a few minutes.  Any manure should be picked and put in the spreader.  Make this a habit after cleaning your stall.

 

Cross Ties

 

Horses are to be cross-tied while cleaning stalls.  Please do not put your horse in an empty stall or another boarder’s stall.  The sand pen may be used at anytime for turnout if you only want to turn out for a short time – No turnout in grassy paddock at back of barn.  Please remember that the indoor arena is not to be used for turnout after 5:30 pm unless you are the only one at the barn – one horse at a time.

 

Wash Area

 

Please clean up any manure that your horse leaves at the wash area.  It can be thrown into the pasture or spreader at the Old Barn.

 

Dogs

 

Boarders are allowed to bring their dogs, however if your pet causes a problem with the other dogs or inhabitants of the farm, they will not be permitted.  Please clean up after your pets and be courteous of the other boarders.  No tying dogs in the barn aisleway.  If they must be tied, it needs to be in an area so the traffic flow is not constricted or causing a hazard.  Persistent barking or chasing the cats will not be tolerated.  Visitors are not permitted to bring pets. 

 

Side Door (Winter)

 

The side door is to be closed at all times to keep the furnace from turning on.  Please make certain to close it as soon you go through, including when taking horses out, dumping manure, or getting sawdust.  It is difficult to close when bringing horses in, so please cross tie your horse or put in his/her stall and return promptly to close the door.

 

Cleaning Up After Yourself

 

Everyone must do his or her part to keep the barn tidy and clean.  This includes sweeping up any area where your horse has dirtied the aisle and sweeping the ramp after dumping manure.  Please do not leave your mess for other boarders to clean up. 

 

All tack and grooming tools should be put in tack room before leaving the barn.   Do not leave equipment sitting out on your trunk, other boarder’s trunks, or in the aisleway. 

 

Any horse hair should be picked up and put in the garbage or manure spreader.  Do not sweep it into the driveway, grass, or into stalls.

 

Other Boarders Horses & Equipment

 

Please do not feed other boarder’s horses treats or borrow equipment, grooming supplies, or brushes without their prior permission each and every time.

 

Lights

 

Please be certain to turn off all lights (stall lights, tack and feed rooms, breezeway, aisle and indoor arena) before you leave the barn. Arena lights should be turned on upon your entrance to ride, not before you are tacked up. They should also be turned out promptly upon your departure.   Do not leave the arena to untack your horse, and return 15 minutes later to turn out the lights.

 

Outside Trainers/Instructors

 

Prior to having your trainer come for a session, you must complete the following:

 

  1. Have your instructor/trainer mail or email a current certificate of liability insurance naming Misty Hill Farms as an additional insured to Kelley Kapusta, Misty Hill Farms, 130 Whitestown Road, Harmony, PA 16037.  Email: mistyhillfarm@gmail.com.  If you have any questions regarding this, please call 724-355-0148.

 

  1. Please notify Kelley of your planned date and time of session regardless of whether the arena is booked.  I may be trying to schedule something that will interfere.

 

  1. Please remember anyone not covered by the certificate is not permitted to ride unless a liability waiver has been signed first.

 

  1. Boarders are permitted to use the facilities while your training session is taking place.  Please follow the arena rules and etiquette posted:  HYPERLINK