MembershipQuestions to Ask When Looking for a Place to Ride

There are thousands of children and adults directly involved in Ontario's horse industry each year. The riding facilities, programs and instructors that service these people have a responsibility to provide safe, high quality service. Below, you will find a list of hints to help you find a facility that will provide you with a safe and enjoyable equine experience.

1. Is the facility a member of the Ontario Equestrian Federation's (OEF) Horse Facility Advisory Council (previously ARE-ONT)?

   Membership in the OEF Horse Facility Council will confirm that the facility is committed to safety, equine welfare and education. Member Facilities are required to abide by Minimum Standards and to undergo a Site Accreditation Program.

2. Do the facility’s riding coaches, instructors or trail guides have certification and first-aid training?

   Sport plays a vital role in the lives of Canadians. Coaches, Instructors and Guides, because of their central role in the sport experience, have the opportunity to influence the physical, psychological and moral development of riders. This makes teaching riding a complex endeavour which carries with it significant responsibility. Coaches need to recognize their importance to society and accept the responsibility to pursue certification as well as ongoing training and education to ensure that they continue to meet the needs of their riders and athletes as effectively as possible.

3. Does the facility ensure that riders under the age of 18 wear approved equestrian helmets in compliance with the law & recommend that all riders wear approved helmets?

   OEF Horse Facility Council members are required to ensure that all riders under the age of 18 wear an approved equestrian helmet when riding in compliance with Ontario Provincial Law-Bill 12: it is recommended that all riders wear an approved equestrian helmet when riding.

4. Does the facility ensure that riders wear proper footwear or provide safety stirrups as an alternative?

   OEF Horse Facility Council membersare required to ensure that all riders wear footwear appropriate for horseback riding (minimum half-inch heel, maximum two-inch heel, no platform soles) or the facility will provide appropriate safety stirrups or footwear.

5. Does the facility have a policy regarding the ratio of riders to staff?

   OEF Horse Facility Council members are recommended to have a ratio of (6) six students to (1) one instructor (maximum 8:1) in a riding lesson and (1) one guide for every (5) five riders on the trail rides, with a minimum of (2) two guides for every trail ride with (6) six or more riders.

6. Does the facility have safety rules posted in a prominent area?

   OEF Horse Facility Council members are required to have signage relative to important rules to abide by when around horses posted in a prominent area. The safety rules are to be discussed with and understood by all participants of any type of riding program.

7. Are the horses healthy, friendly, appropriately aged and appropriately trained for the level of riders?
   
   OEF Horse Facility Council members are required to ensure that riders are permitted only on horses known to be safe, sound and schooled for the purpose intended, regardless of the rider’s ability. No stallions, horses under five years of age, sick, lame or completely blind horses should be used by anyone participating in lessons or trail rides.