SAFE Rules & Policies Agreement

The following rules were created by SAFE to protect our volunteers, our horses, and our organization. These rules allow us to maintain a safe and pleasant volunteer environment for everyone. Repeated disregard of SAFE’s rules and policies can result in warnings, suspension, or dismissal.

Please read carefully, then sign at the bottom of the page to indicate your understanding and agreement.

• Anyone coming onto the property for the first time must sign a Liability Waiver. If any visitors are under 18, a parent/guardian must also sign the Liability Waiver.
• You must be at least 16 years old to volunteer without a parent/guardian present, and prior permission must be obtaining before joining any chore shift as a minor.
• No smoking or vaping in the barn or anywhere on the farm.
• No dogs on premises without prior arrangement.
• Injuries/incidents should be reported immediately to Barn Staff.
• There must be two or more volunteers or staff members present at the farm at all times. Do not stay behind alone once the rest of your shift has left for the evening. The only exception to this would be Night Check volunteers.
• Horses may not be ridden in the arenas or the property without another person present.
• Do not enter a stall with a horse in it, unless directed to lead that horse to turnout.
• Only handle or touch the horses as directed by a staff member.
• Feed horses only as directed — this includes treats! No hand feeding.
• Volunteers must sign in and sign out for each shift, and wear their name tags (with emergency contact info) at all times.
• You may only come to the property on the days you are scheduled to volunteer or for an open event, unless you have arranged it ahead of time with a staff member.
• Do not bring friends or family members to the barn with you without prior arrangement.
• The following are grounds for immediate dismissal as a volunteer:
  • Harassment or bullying, whether verbal, physical, sexual, written, digital, or any other form of harassment that belittles or demeans any individual
  • Uncivil, unethical, or unlawful behavior on the property
  • Substance abuse or coming to the barn impaired
  • Repeated unsafe or careless behavior around horses
  • Yelling or cursing at another volunteer or staff member
  • Displays of anger or aggression toward humans or horses
• The following are grounds for a warning, followed by suspension or dismissal
  • Excessive criticism, impatience, or bossiness toward other volunteers
  • Repeated instances of communicating in a curt, rude, or negative tone
  • Talking or gossiping with an intent to manipulate opinions or spread negativity
  • Triangulation, or not talking directly to the person you have an issue with

  By signing this Agreement, I expressly acknowledge that I have carefully read these rules and fully understand what they mean; and that I have entered into this Agreement knowingly and voluntarily.