We all want our horse experiences to be safe and fulfilling. Unfortunately in the past facility owners and activity providers have been the target of lawsuits that had threatened to radically affect the horse industry in Washington State.

In response, the legislature passed statute stating that in the absence of irresponsible behavior on the part of the activities provider, an equine activity sponsor or an equine professional shall not be liable for an injury to or the death of a participant engaged in an equine activity, nor may he or she maintain an action against or recover from an equine activity sponsor or an equine professional for an injury to or the death while engaged in an equine activity.

The text of the law is here: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=4.24.530
and here: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=4.24.540

It is only responsible that we include some warnings here in this site.

WARNING OF INHERENT RISKS: Equine Activity is inherently dangerous and equines have: a) the propensity of the animal to behave in ways that may result in injury, harm, or death to persons on or around them; b) the unpredictability of the animal's reaction to outside stimulation such as sounds, sudden movement, and unfamiliar objects, persons, or other animals; c) collisions with other animals or objects; d) or the potential of a participant to act in a negligent manner that may contribute to injury to the participant or others, such as failing to maintain control over the animal or not acting within his or her ability. An equine activity sponsor or equine professional is not liable for an injury to or the death of a participant in equine activities resulting from the inherent risks of equine activities.

In order to provide for the safety of our boarders and riders we ask that you follow the following rules whether you are in the arena, in the stabling area or out around the grounds.

General Rules

1. If you are on horseback outside do not gallop, ride double, lope, canter or run or make your horse move any faster than a trot. If you are in the pastures you may exercise your horse as you see fit.
2. You must be in control of your horse at all times. Please make sure your halters and lead ropes are in good condition, and when you are in the stall aisle keep your horse under control.
3. Do not leave your horse hard tied to anything other than cross ties or in the wash rack.
4. You may not offer lessons to others for hire or for any other reason while you are a boarder here.
5. If you bring dogs to Unionville Ranch they must be leashed and under control at all times. On hot summer days please do not leave your dogs in your trucks or cars.
6. Please keep your private areas clean and neat.
7. It is your responsibility to keep barn staff informed of your absences, your horse's feed schedule and requirements.
8. We recommend that you wear a helmet at all times when you are around horses. If you choose not to you will be asked to indemnify Unionville Ranch of any responsibility in our liability waiver.
9. There is absolutely no smoking anywhere when you are here at our facility.
10. Please return all tools that you use (shovel, hay fork, manure forks) to where you found them.
11. No riding in the hallway by the stalls. You must be dismounted when in that area.
12. Please make sure that we have your emergency contact information and that it is up to date.

Arena Rules

1. Do not stand your horse at the perimeter of the arena, use the center of the arena to stand your horse.
2. If you pass another rider in the ring, communicate your wishes clearly and pass to the inside.
3. If you are sharing the arena with someone who is not riding, i.e. lunging or ground training, please be respectful of the other person's needs. Share the arena.
4. Please, no more than three horses in the arena at any time.
5. Do not ride your horse into or out of the arena. Dismount first, please.
6. Keep the arena entry doors (both side and end!) closed at all times unless you are entering or leaving the ring.

Feed, Maintenance and Other Rules

1. Please make sure that you communicate your horse's food needs to out barn staff.
2. We can not buy supplements or special feed for your horse, it is your responsibility to bring those supplements to the barn so we can feed your horse properly.
3. Please do not ask to use our tractors or other equipment. If you need help please contact our grounds or barn staff.
4. The repair of any stalls that are damaged beyond the normal wear and tear of the boarding and keeping of a horse will be the lessees' responsibility.

We retain the right to interpret these rules to the benefit of our other boarders.

Please keep a list of our contact people with you and at home, and contact us if there is anything you need. If you wish to report non-compliers to these rules, please contact our facilities manager, Peter Zencak. Your confidentiality will be respected.

Thanks! Your cooperation will insure that we maintain a safe, enjoyable facility for all of us to use!