A Place for Community

Please be aware that we have stinging insects (e.g. bees and wasps) and heavy dust in the area (enter none if no allergies)

Medical Emergency Release:

In the event emergency medical aid/treatment is required due to illness or injury during the process of receiving services, volunteering, or while being on the property, I give authorization to secure and retain medical treatment and transportation, if needed, for me or my minor participant.  I further give authorization to release my, or my minor participant's, information records upon request to the authorized individual or agency involved in the medical emergency treatment.  This authorization includes x-ray and imaging, surgery, hospitalization, medication and any treatment procedure deemed "life saving" by the physician.  This provision will only be invoked if the emergency contact person(s) above is unable to be reached.

Multi-Media Release:

Opportunities sometimes arise for our facility to spotlight participants in our marketing publications.  In addition, we are sometimes contacted by the media to do feature stories about specific programs, classes or activities.  When these opportunities occur, the publications may include images (scanned photograph, digital photograph, video) or information regarding the participant's participation in the program or activity being spotlighted.  I agree that images of me or of my minor participant, may be used for promotional purposes, educational purposes, exhibitions or for any other use for the benefit of our programs.

Liability Release:

I/My son/daughter/ward/horse would like to participate in equine facilitate learning programs.  I acknowledge the many and serious risks and potential risks associated with horse activities.  However, I feel that the possible benefits to myself/my son/my daughter/my ward/my horse and the clients are greater than the risks assumed.  As a condition of participation, I hereby, intending to be legally bound, for myself/my son/my daughter/my ward, my heirs and assigns, executors or administrators, waive and release forever all claims for damages against Christina Douglass, Morgan Kareus, their Directors, Officers, Instructors, Therapists, Aides, Volunteers, horse owners and/or Employees for any and all injuries and/or losses I/my son/my daughter/my ward/my horse may sustain while participating in the horse related activities, except for injuries or losses caused intentionally or by willful or wanton disregard for safety.

I hereby agree to the policies, releases, and permissions listed above and I certify that the information contained herein is correct.

CONFIDENTIALITY POLICY AND AGREEMENT

Because our facility offers services that fall under health care regulations and laws (collectively known as “HIPPA”), it is important that we maintain an atmosphere of confidentiality that includes all clients of these services. Riding lessons and Equestrian Vaulting are not protected by HIPPA guidelines; however we ask that all visitors and participants of our facility respect the privacy and confidentiality of other recipients of therapy services that they may see on-site.  Breaching any of these policies could result in fines or legal action towards you or the facility.

1. Do not discuss any client information, case information, or identifying information outside of the facility. This includes the fact that the client is receiving services, the type of services being received, any identifying information of the client, or any details of the care being given. Even general discussion with no specific details is a breach of confidentiality, as enough information may be given for the listener to identify the client.

2. Client information may be discussed at the facility only with others involved in the case and only for purposes of treatment planning, supervision, or case management. It should not be discussed with others not involved in client care or for general discussion purposes.

3. Absolutely no identifying information of a client should be carried or given outside of the facility. This includes client pictures, names, birthdates, address, phone numbers, or social security numbers. Do not leave the facility with these items, store these on any electronic device that is leaving the facility, post these on any form of social media, or give them out to others. This includes other professionals unless a release form has been signed by the client.

4. Never talk to the media or any unidentified source about any former or current client. Even if a case is made public through the news media, our legal responsibility for confidentiality continues.

5. All client information must be stored according to HIPPA guidelines, on a locked computer or in a locked filing cabinet. Never leave legally protected information lying around the facility. Do not post or say client names, even first names, around the facility or on notes that are accessible to all. When information is disposed of, it must be shredded, not placed in the trash.

6. If you see client information or a client on site that you know, you must protect their privacy. Do not tell others that you saw them at the facility or you know they are receiving services.

I have read and understand the confidentiality policy. I agree to follow this policy, and understand that a failure to do so could result in dismissal from the facility as well as fines or legal action:

Emotional Safety, Social Media and Facebook Policy

One of the guiding principles of our facility is to create a safe and healing environment for everybody present. Emotional safety is a huge part of this, and we need the help of everybody involved to make sure we can carry out this facet of our mission.  Here are a few guidelines that we ask of everybody-- staff, volunteers, students, clients, and even visitors-- to make sure that we can protect the safety and well-being of each person who becomes a part of our facility.

• Please don’t gossip, complain, put down, or negatively talk about anyone who is a part of our facility, or any other facility, either horse or human. If you are having difficulty with someone, take the time to consider what they might be experiencing.  Recognize that you can never fully know what someone else is going through or has been through, and grant grace and forgiveness wherever possible. If you need help dealing with a situation, seek to heal it either with that person, or by approaching a facility leader for help.
• Please do not post negative thoughts, complaints, innuendos, or insinuations about our facility or anybody involved in our facility (staff, instructors, volunteers, clients, horses, visitors, etc) on any form of social media. 
• Please do not post negative thoughts, complaints, innuendos, or insinuations about any other facility or other people involved at other facilities on any form of social media. Our community relationships are extremely important to us, and we do not want to be connected with any negative slander of others
• Because of HIPPA standards, DO NOT take pictures of any mental health or hippotherapy clients while at our facility. Do not post any pictures of mental health or hippotherapy clients on any form of social media. It is okay to take and post pictures of your own son or daughter, but not of other clients. If you have taken any pictures of mental health or hippotherapy clients who are not your son or daughter on your camera, phone, or other media device, please delete them. Leaving them on your device is a HIPPA violation.
• We love having positive pictures and experiences posted on facebook or social media. You can email them to us, or post on our facebook wall. If your picture includes other people, it is a good idea to ask their permission before posting. As stated before, if they include mental health or hippotherapy clients that are not your son or daughter, please do not post them.
• If you have any questions or confusion, just ask!

I have read and understand the Emotional Safety, Facebook, and Social Media Policy and discussed them with a facility leader. I understand that a failure to comply with these policies may result in a loss of privileges at the facility.

Barn Rules and Safety Guidelines

The following are rules and safety guidelines we implement at our barn for the safety of everyone involved. We want everybody to feel comfortable and have a good time, and this can only happen in a safe environment.  Please read the rules carefully and follow them at all times. If you have any questions about what is ok, it is always a good idea to ask beforehand.

Barn Rules:

Be kind and respectful to everyone at all times (both animals and people)

Absolutely no gossip, slander, or negative talk about others. If you have a problem with somebody, please seek to heal it, not to cause further harm

Always do the right thing, even if another option is given

Safety Guidelines:

You may walk around and pet the horses, but please don’t enter the horse pens unless you have instructor permission.

Do not feed the horses unless an instructor has told you to do so

When grooming or tacking a horse, no more than two people in the wash stall or horse stall at a time, unless an instructor is present

Children under 18 must have an instructor present on the property in order to ride

All riders must wear helmets (Vaulting excluded)

Children must be supervised by an adult while on the property or in the play area

Do not lead horses through doors that are meant for people

Only tie horses where instructed and as instructed

For Therapy Sessions:

Please respect the privacy of therapy sessions. Wait or work in an area that will not distract the participants. Only watch or participate in sessions with instructor approval.

You must maintain the confidentiality and privacy of other participating in therapy sessions. Everyone must sign a confidentiality statement

I have read barn rules and safety guidelines. I agree to follow these to the best of my ability.

RELEASE AND WAIVER OF LIABILITY

In consideration for being permitted to participate, I hereby agree as follows (initial each paragraph):

Voluntary Participation.  I am voluntarily giving my child/ward permission to participate in Equine Facilitated services through Harmony Acres Equestrian Center.  I understand if I have any questions about the Equine Services I am participating in, I can contact my instructor for more information, or visit the affiliated organizations website (PATH for therapeutic riding, EAGALA for Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy, AVA for vaulting).

Assumption of Risk: I fully understand that participation in the activities offered by Christina Harmony Acres Equestrian Center may not only involve risk of serious injury or death, economic loss, property damage, or loss that may result from the participant’s own actions, inactions, or negligence, but also from the actions, inactions, or negligence of others, the condition of the facilities, equipment, or areas where activities are being conducted. I am assuming, on behalf of myself and/or my child/ward, all risk of personal injury, death or disability to me and/or my child/ward that might result from said participation, or any damage, loss or theft on any personal property which I or my child/ward may incur. I understand that equestrian vaulting or simply being in the vicinity of horses is inherently risky. I understand and accept these risks, including (but not limited to) the risk of bodily injury .

Covenant Not to Sue.  The participant’s personal and legal representatives, heirs, successors, and next of kin will not make any claim against Harmony Acres Equestrian Center, or any of its present or former officials, employees, instructors, agents, attorneys, insurers, and representatives and their respective successors, heirs and assigns or any volunteer(s) for injury, damage, death, or any other loss arising from or related to participation in the activities and classes offered by Harmony Acres Equestrian Center

Release of Liability. The participant’s personal and legal representatives, heirs, successors, and next of kin, forever release, waive, discharge and relinquish Harmony Acres Equestrian Center and its affiliates, instructors, shareholders, participants, board members, directors, officers, agents, volunteers, employees, instructors and licensors, as well as the property owner and tenants of the property and the owners, manufacturers and installers of the equipment comprising the grounds where activities occur (collectively, the “Releasees”) from any and all actions, causes of action, claims, charges, demands, losses, damages, costs, attorney’s fees, judgments, liens, indebtedness, and liabilities of every kind and character, whether known or unknown, including foreseen or unforeseen bodily injury and personal injuries and property damage that may be sustained by the participant in any way connected to, related to, or arising out of participation in GVVH activities. This release is valid and effective whether the damage, loss or death is a result of any act or omission on the part of any of the releasees or from any other cause. This Waiver and Release of all liability includes, without limitation, injuries, illness, or accidents, which may occur as a result of (a) use of the facility or its improper maintenance, (b) bodily harm or property damage caused by horses, or (c) instruction or supervision. I understand that I voluntarily give up my right to sue the above mentioned parties.

Good Health. The participant is in good health and has no physical condition that would prevent him/her from participating in the equine--facilitated activities.  I have had the opportunity to seek medical advice for any concerns I may have had regarding the participant’s health.

Statutory limitation of Liability: WARNING: Under Colorado Law, an 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, pursuant to section 13-21-119, Colorado Revised Statutes.

I acknowledge that I have carefully read this Agreement and fully understand its contents.  I fully understand that this is a release of all liability and a waiver of any right that I may have on behalf of myself and /or my child/ward to bring a legal action or assert a claim for injury or loss of any kinds against Harmony Acres Equestrian Center and its her affiliates. I am aware that I have given up substantial rights of the participant by signing the Agreement, and I am signing the Agreement on behalf of the participant voluntarily.  I understand that if any attempt of a legal claim is made, I will be responsible for all defense costs, including reasonable attorney’s fees and costs.  The participant has no obligation to participate in equine assisted therapy activities, and I have no obligation to sign this Agreement, but desire to do so.  I certify that I am at least eighteen years of age and the parent or legal guardian of the participant.

Horse Handling Philosophies and Procedures

Because of the number of volunteers and staff we have involved in our mission, our horses have to learn to be handled by a variety of people. This can create a great amount of stress for animals who are sensitive to their environment and the emotions of others! Our horses perform extremely difficult work and they are a crucial part of our team and all that we do; therefore, it is important that we all be on the same page with how we handle them and how we are around them. The following are some guidelines that we ask of all of our horse handlers and barn helpers, to create an environment that is safe and beneficial for everyone involved, including the horses:

• Do your best to be aware of your emotional state when you are around the horses. If you are not aware of it beforehand, they will likely make you aware of during your interactions with them! It is okay to be around horses when you are feeling anxious, upset, stressed, or frustrated, but you need to be aware of and take accountability for these feelings so you don’t put it off on them or others around you. Take a moment to check in with yourself before entering the horse pen or stall, and know how you are feeling. Be aware that the horse’s behaviors may provide feedback to you about where you are for the day.
• If you find yourself feeling excessively frustrated, angry, nervous, scared, etc, while handling a horse, step away for a moment and talk to someone who can help you. If you are in the middle of a session, alert the instructor—what you are feeling could be an important point of feedback for the session. Don’t take feelings out on the horse or on the people around you. If no one is around to talk to, take a quiet moment, or ask the horse to help. Our horses are experienced therapy horses, so they can help you handle your emotions as long as you are honest about them.
• Please only say positive things to and about the horse you are working with. If you are having frustrations, work it out by getting help or trying to look at things from the horse’s perspective. Horses are extremely sensitive to what we are feeling and thinking and we don’t want them soaking in an atmosphere of negativity. Our horses thrive on praise, so praise them liberally and tell them good things about themselves and what they are doing. For that matter, tell yourself positive things about what you are doing, because if you are being self-critical, the horse will pick up on it as negativity towards them.
• Feel free to talk to the horse you are handling either out loud or mentally.  Even if they can’t understand exactly what you are saying, research shows that this helps them be more in-sync with us and more understanding about what is going on around them.
• It is okay to correct the horse you are with if it is being disrespectful or dangerous, but do it in a way that is safe for everyone involved. Correct the behavior within three seconds and then go back to being positive once the behavior has been corrected. It is important the horses respect our space, and they will feel more comfortable with us if they know our boundaries and expectations.
• Please don’t be impatient or in a hurry when doing something with a horse. There is no time schedule that is more important than the overall experience of being fully present in the moment and able to take the time needed for the task at hand.  Take your time, be present with the horse, and fully aware of what you are doing.
• In general, if you take the time to think about and improve the horse’s experience with the session, it will likely improve everyone’s experience. Remember, we want everyone including the horse leaving the session feeling good about what they have achieved and looking forward to the next one. A good check with your horse handling is to ask yourself: Did my horse enjoy that experience today? 
• If you see someone else handling a horse in a way you disagree with please don’t instantly jump to judgment or correction. A loving comment towards the horse, or a gentle “how is your day going? Do you need any help?” can go a lot further to reduce stress and change an interaction than a harsh correction or a mumbled judgment.  Everyone has different backgrounds and training, and it is best to assume that everyone is doing things with the best of intentions. Alert a facility leader of any serious concerns unless it is an eminent safety issue.  
• It is a good idea to review these guidelines on a regular basis as you work on your horse handling skills. There is a lot to be learned in our relationships with horses, and applying these guidelines is an ongoing process that we are all working to perfect! As you read, re-read, and practice you may find yourself growing in ways and areas that you did not initially expect.

Some basic rules for horse handling:

Only tie using the quick release knob in the wash stall or with a quick release knot on the tie bars outside of the barn as you have been shown. Don’t tie horses directly in front of parked vehicles. We do not tie horses during therapy sessions or while working with a client unless you have been directly instructed to do so. Do not tie any where else unless an instructor has told you to.

Do not give horses treats with your hands. We give horses treats following a session being worked using by placing the treat in a bowl or bucket. If feeding an apple it should be cut in half or pieces and placed in a bowl.  Horses are not allowed to be pushing or nibbly when getting treats, and if they start this behavior you may discontinue giving the treat.

Please make sure all gates are securely closed and clipped when you put the horse away.

Please do not allow horses to graze or nibble at plants on the ground when you are leading them, as we consider this bad manners.

People always walk through gates first. Please do not let horses drag you through a gate or walk in front of you through a gate

I have read all of the horse handling philosophies and guidelines. I agree to follow these to the best of my abilities.