Corporate Policies
At Horse & Horizon, horsemanship is more than a skill — it is a way to build confidence, responsibility, empathy, and character.
Our corporate policies reflect the standards and values that guide how we teach, care for our animals, support families, and operate as an educational ranch community.
We are committed to providing a safe, respectful, and inspiring environment for every child, family member, horse, and team member who is part of Horse & Horizon.
Animal Welfare Policy
The wellbeing of our horses is our highest priority. Every decision we make — in training, scheduling, and care — is guided by respect for the physical and emotional needs of the horse.
Horse & Horizon is committed to:
-
Providing proper nutrition, clean water, and appropriate shelter
-
Ensuring regular veterinary and farrier care
-
Maintaining workloads suited to each horse’s age, condition, and training level
-
Using training methods based on patience, communication, and trust rather than force
-
Allowing adequate rest and recovery time
We believe that true horsemanship begins with compassion. Our horses are partners, not tools.
Child Safety & Supervision
The safety and wellbeing of children in our programs is fundamental to everything we do.
Horse & Horizon maintains:
-
Active supervision during all mounted and unmounted activities
-
Age-appropriate instruction and clearly defined safety rules
-
Structured lesson formats designed to minimize risk and support learning
-
Clear communication of expectations and safety guidelines to both students and parents
Our instructors are trained to create a learning environment that is both structured and encouraging, where children can grow in confidence while remaining safe and supported.
Safety-First Philosophy
Working with horses involves inherent risks. At Horse & Horizon, safety is never an afterthought — it is part of our teaching philosophy.
We emphasize:
-
Proper use of safety equipment, including helmets when appropriate
-
Clear barn and arena rules that are consistently reinforced
-
Skill progression based on individual readiness, not pressure or competition
-
Teaching students how to recognize, understand, and manage risk around horses
Our goal is not only to keep students safe during lessons, but to help them develop lifelong safety awareness and responsibility.
Respect & Code of Conduct
Horse & Horizon is built on mutual respect between students, families, staff, volunteers, and animals.
We expect all members of our community to:
-
Communicate with kindness and consideration
-
Treat horses and equipment with care
-
Follow barn rules and instructor guidance at all times
-
Contribute to a positive, supportive learning atmosphere
Harassment, bullying, aggressive behavior, or unsafe conduct toward people or animals will not be tolerated. We reserve the right to remove participants from programs if behavior compromises safety or wellbeing.
Inclusivity & Non-Discrimination
Horse & Horizon welcomes individuals and families of all backgrounds.
We are committed to providing an inclusive environment free from discrimination based on race, ethnicity, gender, religion, nationality, disability, or background. We believe that horses have a unique ability to bring people together, and we strive to ensure that everyone feels respected, valued, and supported within our community.
Instructor Standards
Our instructors are chosen not only for their horsemanship skills, but also for their ability to teach with patience, clarity, and responsibility.
Horse & Horizon is committed to:
-
Maintaining high standards of professionalism and conduct
-
Providing instruction that prioritizes safety, horse welfare, and student development
-
Continuing education and professional growth for our team whenever possible
We believe great instructors shape not only capable riders, but confident and responsible young people.
Environmental Responsibility
As caretakers of both animals and land, we recognize our responsibility to operate in a way that respects the natural environment.
We strive to:
-
Manage resources thoughtfully and reduce unnecessary waste
-
Maintain clean and safe facilities for both people and horses
-
Teach students the importance of caring for nature alongside caring for animals
Horsemanship at Horse & Horizon includes learning to be a responsible steward of the land.
Ethical Business Practices
Horse & Horizon operates with integrity, transparency, and fairness in all business relationships.
We are committed to:
-
Honest communication with families, partners, and staff
-
Clear policies and expectations for participation in our programs
-
Responsible management and long-term trust within our community
We believe strong relationships are built on respect, reliability, and accountability.
Our Commitment
These policies reflect our belief that horsemanship is not just about riding — it is about character, responsibility, and connection.
At Horse & Horizon, we are proud to provide a place where children can grow, families can feel confident, and horses are treated with the dignity they deserve.