Rules & instructions

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Rules Het Kleef

  1. General agreements
    • Riders and their employees must always follow the safety and stable rules of the accommodation.
    • Instructions from the stable manager must be followed at all times.
  2. Paddock and grounds rules
    • Manure must be cleared away at the end of the day.
    • It is forbidden to feed hay, concentrated feed or other feed in the paddock.
    • Any holes that have formed must be filled in immediately with a rake.
    • Paddock gates must always be closed properly.
  3. Riding arena and training area
    • Wearing an approved riding helmet is compulsory when riding and jumping.
    • Clean your horse’s hooves when leaving the riding arena.
    • Used materials (cavalletti, beams, cones, etc.) must be tidied away neatly.
    • Riding arena rules must be respected. Indicate in the group app when you want to use the riding arena.
  4. Stables and care
    • Stables and stable corridors must be kept clean and tidy.
    • Defects or unsafe situations must be reported immediately to the stable manager.
    • The corridors must be free of rubbish.
  5. Dog policy
    • Dogs are only allowed with the express permission of the stable manager.
    • Dogs must always be kept on a leash on the premises and their faeces must be cleaned up.
    • Dogs are not allowed in the riding arena or paddocks.
  6. Safety and emergencies
    • Approved safety equipment must be worn when riding.
    • All riders must be aware of the emergency plan and fire safety provisions.
    • In the event of an emergency, horses must be taken to the pasture or paddock, if possible.
    • After securing the horses, all those present must gather at the designated meeting point.
  7. Fire instructions
    • Stay calm and immediately alert the stable manager and those present.
    • Call the fire brigade immediately on 112.
    • Always follow the instructions of the stable manager or emergency services.
  8. Emergency numbers
    • Fire brigade: 112
    • Ambulance: 112
    • Police: 112
    • Veterinarian:
    • Stable manager (mobile): +31 6 34 12 76 78 +31 6 34 06 22 47
  9. Locaties noodvoorzieningen
    • AED: ….Midden lange stal.
    • Verbandtrommel: ……Midden lange stal.
    • Blusmiddelen: …….Kantine, ingang stallen, Veldschuur.

Riding Arena Rules

To ensure a safe, efficient and respectful training environment, the following riding arena rules apply to all riders, drivers and other users of the facilities:

  1. Safety helmet
    • Wearing a well-fitting safety helmet, specifically designed for equestrian sports and bearing a CE marking, is compulsory. (EU Regulation 2016/425).
  2. Entering and leaving the riding arena
    • When entering or leaving the indoor riding arena, walk alongside the horse and mount or dismount within the arena.
  3. Mounting and dismounting
    • Mounting and dismounting must take place exclusively on the AC line.
    • Horses must be positioned at a sufficient distance from one another, with their heads facing the same direction.
  4. Riding alone
    • If riding alone in the riding arena, you must carry a mobile phone with you in case of an emergency.
  5. Entering the riding arena
    • Enter the riding arena calmly and do not startle other riders.
    • Dogs are not permitted in the riding arena.
  6. Lunging
    • Lunging in the riding arena is not permitted.
  7. Right of way in the riding arena
    • The pair riding on the left-hand side has right of way on the track (keep to the right when passing).
    • Horses and riders moving at a faster pace or performing lateral movements have right of way and must use the track.
    • Give each other space when passing; cutting in is not permitted.
  8. Jumping
    • Take care when other riders are jumping a course.
  9. Clothing and footwear
    • Riding boots are compulsory whilst riding, or sturdy shoes with a smooth, continuous sole and heel, combined with well-fitting chaps.
    • Footwear must fit comfortably in the stirrups.

Rules for Outdoor Rides

To ensure safety and responsibility during outdoor rides, the following guidelines apply to all riders, supervisors and instructors who take part in or lead rides on public roads or in nature reserves.

  1. Qualification and assessment
    • Only riders who have been assessed by an instructor as sufficiently experienced and competent may take part in group outdoor rides.
  2. Supervision of the group
    • The group must be supervised by a rider with demonstrable experience, leadership skills and who holds a recognised instructor’s certificate or a valid riding certificate.
    • The supervisor must be familiar with the planned route.
  3. Briefing prior to the ride
    • Prior to departure, the group leader must brief the participants on:
    • The commands to be used during the ride
    • The procedures to follow in the event of incidents such as a fall, a horse bolting or other unforeseen situations.
  4. Equipment required for the supervisor
    • The supervisor must have:
    • A mobile phone with the emergency number, as well as the contact details of the riding school and the vet.
    • A spare stirrup leather
    • A sharp pocket knife (for emergencies)
  5. Group size
    • An outdoor riding group consists of a maximum of 10 riders.
  6. Individual outdoor riding
    • Riders on school horses may only ride outdoors individually if they hold a valid riding certificate.
    • Riders on their own horses are strongly encouraged to obtain a riding certificate before undertaking independent outdoor rides.
  7. Application of house and riding arena rules
    • The general house rules and riding arena rules remain in force, where applicable, during outdoor rides as well.
  8. Lighting and visibility
    • When riding in the dark or at dusk, legally required lighting is mandatory:
    • A red light at the rear
    • A white or yellow light at the front
    • The use of reflective material by both rider and horse is strongly recommended.
  9. Additional supervision for inexperienced riders
    • If less experienced riders are taking part in a trail ride, the presence of a second, experienced rider is advisable to assist the supervisor.

What to do in the event of an emergency

Important: stay calm! Always follow the instructions given by your instructor or the emergency response officer!

In the event of an accident

  1. Do not move the victim unless it is absolutely necessary. Be very careful
    not to put yourself in danger. Prevent the situation from getting worse!
  2. NEVER try to stop a runaway horse by standing IN FRONT of it!
  3. Ensure that the other horses stay together, come to a halt and remain still,
    or, if this is not possible, continue to walk in a circle. The other riders
    must remain in the saddle.
  4. Call for help from the emergency response team or emergency services.
  5. Reassure the victim.
  6. Arrange for professional help.
  7. Stay with the victim and have someone else call for professional help
    as soon as possible. (GP, vet or dial 112)
    Report the following information:
    • Location and nature of the accident.
    • Number of victims.
    • Suspected injuries.
    • Name of the person reporting (and telephone number, if applicable)
  8. Ask the person reporting the incident to return afterwards and, if necessary, look after the horse.
  9. Only administer first aid at the scene if it is absolutely necessary due to danger!

In the event of a fire

  1. Rescue victims. Remember to prioritise your own safety!
  2. Call the fire brigade on 112
    Information to report:
    • The location of the fire.
    • The nature of the fire.
    • The extent of the fire.
  3. Action:
    • Leave the danger zone, taking any horses with you if necessary.
    • Follow the designated escape routes.
    • Report to the assembly point
  4. If you are trained to do so, attempt to extinguish the fire; otherwise, wait for the fire brigade.
  5. Keep the horses calm and have them transported to a safe place as quickly as possible by
    qualified personnel.
  6. Keep horses clear of the access route for the fire brigade or
    ambulance.
  7. Think about your own safety and that of others to ensure safety.

Complaints Procedure

If you have any complaints regarding compliance with safety requirements at our accommodation, please let us know as soon as possible. This will enable us to resolve any unsafe situation quickly. We handle all complaints in the same way:

  • Please raise your complaint verbally with Maarten and/or Niels.
  • If the complaint is not dealt with satisfactorily, you may submit your complaint in writing within two weeks to ‘info@hetkleef.nl’. The complaint must be clearly described, with a clear justification of your position, and may never be submitted anonymously.
  • Within two weeks, you will receive a written response from or on behalf of the owner of the equestrian accommodation.