General Rules

1. A signed Waiver, Release, Defend, Indemnification and Hold Harmless Agreement is required to be on file in the Lakewood Stables office before you are authorized to use the property or facilities. This is a requirement for all boarders, trainers, riders, and those visiting stables except designated spectator areas and also applies to those doing business directly Foxcreek. This document is available on-line.

2. An SEI/ASTM equestrian helmet (“Helmet”) is required to be worn by all riders mounted on a horse while on Park District property and the Park District does not provide any Helmet.

3. Trainers and instructors are required to register and be authorized with Lakewood Stables before providing any type of equestrian instruction anywhere in the property.

4. An adult must be present and responsible for any junior riders left on the premises. Parents must arrange for a =n adult taking responsibility if they cannot stay in the property.

5. Dogs are to be leashed at all times while on property. Lakewood Stables reserves the right to bar any pets determined to be dangerous and/or a nuisance to other boarders.

6. Smoking in or around the barns is prohibited on Lakewood Stables property, except on designated areas.

7. The vehicle speed limit is 5 mph on Lakewood Stables property when horses and others are present, otherwise the speed limit is 15 mph.

8. Parking must be done in designated areas, other than to load or unload, with the vehicle never unattended, and never blocking doors because these are emergency exits for both people and horses.

9. Entrance gates must remain closed from sunset to sunrise when all patrons have left the property — it is not necessary to close the gates if you know that other boarders or staff still remain. When in doubt, close the gates.

10. Due to limited space only a limited number of horse trailers will be authorized to be stored in the property.

11. Lakewood Stables and anyone acting on its behalf, is authorized, but not obligated, to secure emergency medical attention for you and, while it will make reasonable efforts to notify your emergency contact if this information is made available, it cannot guarantee such contact will be successful prior to securing medical attention. You are responsible for the costs of all such services for your medical care.

Indoor and Outdoor Arena Rules

1. Do not leave your horse unattended in any arena.

2. There is no tying of horses in any arena.

3. No lunging or loose horses are allowed in an arena unless there are no other mounted riders present. Hand walkers should always yield to horses under saddle and ensure they are not interfering with lessons.

4. Clean up after yourself and your horse after you have left an arena.

5. No ponying of horses in the indoor arena.

6. No whip cracking and changing directions when others are present unless agreed by all. As courtesy, you should always ask if other riders may fell uncomfortable and/or unsafe by your actions.

7. Anyone can ride during private lessons unless the arena has been reserved for private event. In any case, make sure to ask the instructor whether some of your actions may jeopardize safety and/or enjoyment of students.

8. Horses may not be left unattended in the paddocks by boarders.

9. Although the suggested capacity of the indoor arena is approximately 8 riders/horses, each rider must determine for themselves whether or not they feel they can safely ride under the circumstances they find in the arena when they enter it.

10. Arenas hours are:

    • Monday - Friday until 9pm

    • Saturday, Sunday and major Holidays until 6pm

Safety Rules

1. All horses, mounted or unmounted, must be handled at a walk everywhere in the property except riding arenas or round pens. This includes the driveway to the property leading to the trails — trotting or cantering in such spaces could result harmful to self and others sharing the space.

2. Always have a lead on your horse when horse is out of the stall.

3. Boarders are not allowed in the Hay/Tool Shop building.

4. Only authorized personal allowed to use machinery, equipment and tools belonging to Lakewood Stables.

5. All flammable materials should all be stored in a Safety Rated Flammable Storage bin in the Hay barn. Please report to management if you observe any flammable materials stored anywhere in the facilities. That not only includes gasoline, but also oil, lubricants, paint, etc.

6. Hay or shavings increase the potential risk of fire and must not be stored in Barn A, B, C, or D, except for the occasional bale used for daily feeding.

7. Absolutely no smoking inside Barns A, B, C, or D.

8. Personal belongings must be kept in designated tack-room and not obstruct the barn aisles or any entryways.

9. Please turn off lights if you are the last to leave the facility.

10. Do not hesitate to notify management if you have any safety concerns.

Cleanliness

1. It is everyone’s responsibility to keep the property clean and orderly. Please clean after your horse either in the arena (indoor or outdoor), in the aisles, wash stations, etc.

2. Be respectful to other boarders and do not take up more tack-room space than necessary. Tack-rooms are not storage areas for all your old sales and riding memorabilia.

3. Washroom. Be aware no to dispose of anything in the toilet, but toilet paper. Septic systems are very susceptible to problems if not treated properly. As a general rule, do not dispose of anything other than single ply toilet paper and absolutely no cigarette buts, diapers, sanitary napkins or tampons, dental floss, coffee grounds/filter, paper towels hands-wipes, or any liquid personal products. Lastly, clean after yourself and if necessary use the cleaning materials available.

4. Do not clip and /or brush your horse in the indoor wash station; doit outside or in the aisles — all those hairs clog the septic system.