​Pony Wisdom Rules

Our ponies are gentle, sensitive animals. To keep them relaxed and to ensure a safe, enjoyable experience for all, please follow these simple rules:

1. 🧑‍🏫 Follow all instructions from staff or facilitators—they are there to keep everyone safe

2. 🚫 Do not approach or interact with the ponies unless a facilitator is present and guiding you

3. 👀 Respect pony signals: if a pony steps away, pins ears, or looks uncomfortable, give them space

4. 🍎 No feeding unless specifically invited by staff. Some foods can make ponies ill

5. 🤫 Approach ponies calmly and from the side, speaking softly so they know you are there. Always walk, never run around the ponies. Sudden movements can startle them

6. 🔇 No shouting, loud noises, or sudden gestures near the ponies

7. 🚫🐕 No dogs, pushchairs, scooters, or bikes are allowed near the ponies unless specifically invited by staff, as this can cause stress and pose a safety risk

8. 🖐️ Pet ponies gently on the neck or shoulder only. Please do not touch their face, ears, legs, tail, or hindquarters

9. ⚠️ Do not sit, lean, climb, or lie under ponies

10. 👨‍👩‍👧 Children must be supervised at all times and should follow staff instructions carefully

11. ☝️ One person at a time to pet a pony unless guided otherwise by a facilitator

12. 🚫🍷 No horse–human interaction is allowed if influenced by alcohol or any psychoactive substance

13. 🧼 Please sanitise hands after petting

Thank you for your cooperation!

 

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Pony Wisdom - Code of Conduct 

 

This Code of Conduct is compiled for the safety of customers, staff, volunteers, visitors and horses. Take your time to familiarize yourself with the code, don´t hesitate to contact the staff if any questions should arise.

Please be aware that we operate as a mobile service and sessions by appointment only. On Saturdays from 11am-2pm, you can usually find us in Radlett at Battlers Green Farm (weather permitting).

All of our sessions are designed for small groups, ensuring individual attention and a personal experience. Private sessions are available too. We are open for bookings throughout the week, including weekends.

During our sessions, staff are on hand to support you and ensure safe practice. Information you get from the staff is essential for everybody’s safety.

 

We are committed to providing high-quality, professional services that are safe, engaging, and enjoyable for all participants, including the horses. We are fully insured and licensed, ensuring a safe and compliant experience for all our visitors and animals.

​

 

 

1.Do not approach or interact with the ponies unless a facilitator is present and guiding you.

It is not allowed to approach or stroke the horses without permission. Entering the paddocks and pastures is also prohibited without permission. No horse-human interaction is allowed if influenced by the consumption of alcohol or by any psychoactive substance.

 

2. Respect pony signals: if a pony steps away, pins ears, or looks uncomfortable, give them space. The staff knows the horses, so while grooming the horses it is worth to go along with instructions given from the staff.

 

3. Follow all instructions from staff or facilitators—they are there to keep everyone safe.

All participants must follow the facilitator’s safety instructions immediately. Unsafe or disrespectful behaviour towards horses, staff, volunteers, or other participants will not be tolerated. Serious or persistent unsafe behaviour will result in the session being ended early. Participants and volunteers are responsible for their actions. Damage caused through negligence or unsafe behaviour may result in repair or replacement costs being charged.

 

4. Wear appropriate PPE.

Shoes worn around the ponies should be sturdy. Wearing an appropriate helmet and gloves is recommended for safety and comfort when handling or walking the ponies, and is mandatory for riding, driving, or advanced horsemanship activities (such as jumping or cantering). While walking the horses in hand, do not wrap the rope or reins around your hand.

While handling the horses, be aware of the surroundings and try to anticipate and avoid situations that may cause danger to yourself, the horse or others. Ask questions without hesitation or prejudice, attend courses, trainings and events organized by Pony Wisdom or other Certified Equestrian Organisations in order to learn more about horses and handling of horses.

 

5.No feeding unless specifically invited by staff.

Some foods can make ponies ill. Feeding is planned carefully for each horse individually. Feeding extra could risk horses health or change horses behaviour. Miniature horses are at higher risk of choking, that is why nothing should be fed to horses without staff’s permission. 

 

6. Approach ponies calmly and from the side, speaking softly so they know you are there. Always walk, never run around the ponies. Sudden movements can startle them. Pet ponies gently on the neck or shoulder only. Please do not touch their face, ears, legs, tail, or hindquarters. Do not sit, lean, climb, or lie under ponies.

Horses are sensitive and intelligent animals. They must be handled with patience, kindness, respect, and professionalism to ensure their wellbeing and to build their trust. This is important in order to maintain the safety of both horses and people. Calm and composed behaviour is essential around horses. Horses are flight animals that can spook by sudden movements and loud noise.

 

7. No dogs, pushchairs, scooters, bikes are allowed near the ponies unless specifically invited by staff as it can cause stress and pose a safety risk. Dogs should be on the leash while visiting, it is important for dogs own safety as well as for the horses' and participants' safety.

 

8. Keep the area tidy. Remember that a horse may not be left unattended with the tack on. Do not fasten the horse from the mouthpiece. You can place a halter on top of the bridle and after that fasten the horse according to instructions.

 

Every horse has it´s own, fitted tack. If there is a certain place for the tack, for example a rack or a holder, place the bridle and saddle on them while tacking the horse. Expensive equipment lying on the floor can get broken or cause danger if tangled at the feet of horses or human. Ask the staff for additional information if needed.

 

9. Sanitize hands after the session. If you touched other animals beforehand, sanitize hands before the session too please.

 

10 Rider’s Code of Conduct:

• I understand that working with horses and riding at any standard involves inherent risk.

• I accept that horses may behave unpredictably and that falls or injuries may occur.

• • I understand that instructions are given for my safety and agree to follow instructions given to me by staff and instructors while on site and/or under their supervision.

• I will provide honest information about my riding ability, previous accidents, and any medical conditions that may affect my safety.

• I reserve the right not to ride or interact with a horse allocated to me and may request a change of coach.

• I understand that wearing an appropriate safety hat and footwear may reduce the severity of an injury should an accident happen and agree that I will wear appropriate safety equipment, including suitable footwear at all times I will always wear an appropriate riding hat while riding.

• I will behave respectfully towards horses, staff, and other riders.

• I understand that children and inexperienced riders require extra supervision and will comply with safety guidance.

• I accept that the establishment may refuse participation if it is unsafe to do so.

• I understand that jumping and advanced activities carry additional risks, and I will ensure I am capable before attempting them.

• I will report any accidents, incidents, or unsafe situations promptly to staff.

 

Thank you for your cooperation!

Dr Kris