One of the things that makes the farm successful is having clear rules. Our board of directors worked hard to set up a list of rules that volunteers (and visitors) must follow.
Our rules are online at our website, but we wanted to share them on our blog in case there are portions that other rescues could use to help organize their farms (or for anyone with a barn). There are quite a few but we've found it imperative to have guidelines in place when you have 30+ volunteers as well as boarders, visitors, etc coming to the farm. These are posted in our grooming stall where everyone can see them. Huge hugs and thanks to our board!
Serenity Farm Rules
HORSES
Our rules are online at our website, but we wanted to share them on our blog in case there are portions that other rescues could use to help organize their farms (or for anyone with a barn). There are quite a few but we've found it imperative to have guidelines in place when you have 30+ volunteers as well as boarders, visitors, etc coming to the farm. These are posted in our grooming stall where everyone can see them. Huge hugs and thanks to our board!
Serenity Farm Rules
for everyone’s safety, well being, and comfort
VOLUNTEERS and GUESTS
FARM HOURS – Serenity Equine Rescue and Rehabilitation volunteer hours are from 9 am to 5pm unless previously approved by Patricia or Darcy.
FARM HOURS – Serenity Equine Rescue and Rehabilitation volunteer hours are from 9 am to 5pm unless previously approved by Patricia or Darcy.
RELEASE OF LIABILITY- If you do not have a signed release of liability on file, you are not permitted to be in the barn, arena, or pastures. This rule applies to everyone who comes to SERR, visitors and volunteers. Our liability sign is posted in our barn. If you do not understand it, please ask.
- SCHEDULE- Before beginning volunteer work, contact our Volunteer Coordinator (Darcy Jayne) to discuss your schedule.
- VOLUNTEERS MUST SIGN-IN & OUT. Any time you are at the Serenity farm you must sign in. Sign in clipboard is in the tack stall.
- AGE LIMITS - Because of the potentially dangerous nature of rescue horses, Serenity Equine Rescue wishes to protect all volunteers, horses, and staff. Volunteers 14 years of age and up must have parental approval and may come unaccompanied once approved by Patricia or Darcy.Volunteers 9- 14 years of age must work with parent at farm, supervised at all times. We regret that we are unable to allow children less than 9 years of age to volunteer.
- PETS - Please do not bring pets to Serenity Equine Rescue and Rehabilitation.
- KEEP CLEAN - Keep our barn clean and the aisles clear. If you get it out, put it away. Trash goes into marked trash bins only, don’t forget your beverage containers. Sweep up hair, hoof dirt and other debris when you are done grooming.
- MAIN GATE. Always close and secure (chain) the main gate behind you coming in or going out.
- DOORS/GATES Check stall doors, sliding doors, and gates. The gates should remain closed at all times, unless all horses are turned in for the night. Tack Room and Feed/Medicine Room doors must be closed and latched at all times!
- NO SMOKING, ALCOHOL, DRUGS or firearms on the grounds at any time. Do not come to Serenity Equine Rescue if you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- SAFETY/RESPECT- Do not climb on gates, fences, stalls, etc. No yelling, profanity or drama.
POSTING ONLINE – We have a volunteer who manages promotions, please e-mail webmaster@serenityequinerescue.com if you are interested in posting an advertisement for Serenity or any of the horses as we have pre-written text approved by our board that we use. The best way to help us advertise is to post flyers at local businesses. Printed flyers are available at the barn or can be downloaded from our website
SUPPLIES- Tack- Only use items designated for SERR. Our farm is also home to boarders with personal tack and property on site.
- Medicine Stall- Do not take or use supplies from the medicine/feed stall without permission from Patricia.
- SHAMPOOS, DETANGLERS, ETC- Please use only what you need and close the items so that they do not leak out and put them away when finished. If you break an item, please let an officer know.
HORSES
- CAUTION - there will be no running, yelling, teasing, throwing items, swinging items or teasing horses (and other animals). Be thoughtful and respectful to all.
- SAFETY/HEALTH OF HORSES – this is our #1 priority, no restraint devices are to be used on the horses. When in doubt, ask or wait to do it until you get permission please. Do not bring whips, riding crops, spurs, hobbles, or tie downs to use on SERR rescues. If you are concerned about a health or physical issue with a horse, report it to Patricia immediately and do not exercise or ride the horse.
- SUPERVISION- When you take a horse out of a stall or pasture, supervise them at all times. Do not leave a horse unattended.
- TREATS – Do not give treats to the horses or the pigs. If you feel you must bring treats, put them in the feed room and they will be added to the horses’ evening grain.
- NEW HORSES will usually have a “Quarantine” sign on their stall or paddock- please read this sign for restrictions and only handle to bring in/out - they may require medication, sanitizing, etc.
- STALL CLEANING- Do not go in and clean a stall with a horse in it, and do not dump in shavings with a horse in the stall.
- TIED HORSES must always have a quick release on one end of rope (to halter or tied end). Use the grooming and wash stalls whenever available. If a horse is tied in the aisle do not go behind him/her without asking.
- RIDING RESCUES: All volunteers wanting to ride must meet with Patricia for an evaluation before riding any horse. Only ride horses you have been assigned to. Do not handle horses over your handling level. If at any time you feel unsafe or afraid, let a staff person or officer know. This is for the safety of you and the horses.
- RIDING GEAR- All riders are required to wear a shoe or boot with a heal, and we recommend wearing a helmet. No open toed shoes allowed in barn, arena or when working with horses.
- SAFETY CHECK – All riders must perform a safety check on tack before mounting. Check all buckles, screws, cinch, stirrups, leathers, stitching, etc. to make sure they are in good working order and are properly adjusted.
- RIDING COURTESY- Be courteous by not riding close behind other horses, and always announce when you are passing. (Example “Passing on the rail” or “Passing on the inside”.
SERR Officers:
Volunteer Coordinator : Darcy Jaynevolunteer@serenityequinerescue.com
Director: Patricia Clarkpatricia@serenityequinerescue.com (425) 432-9697
Board/Website: Susan Bunchwebmaster@serenityequinerescue.com
We maintain a happy, safe, and serene environment for the horses and those who are interested in helping our rescues, as well as our boarders. If you find that you cannot adhere to these rules, then Serenity Equine Rescue is not the place for you.
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