Wimbledon Village Stables Horse Welfare Policy and Guidelines

Registered with Merton Council licence number LN 000001888

Approved Riding School & Livery Yard by British Horse Society

Association of British Riding Schools Approved Centre

This policy outlines behaviour and standards relating to the welfare of all horses and ponies involved at WVS. It applies to all who come into contact with the horses, including: WVS staff and riders, staff or volunteers from other organisations, and visitors to WVS. It relates to all horses whether owned by, or liveried at, WVS.
This code and guidelines help protect the horses from mistreatment, and maintain the standard of behaviour expected of staff and volunteers.

Wimbledon Village Stables will ensure that:
All horses have a suitable environment to live in.

  1. All horses have a healthy diet.
  2. All horses are able to behave normally.
  3. All horses have appropriate company.
  4. All horses are protected from pain, suffering, injury and disease.

When working with horses, all staff and volunteers are acting in a position of trust. Staff and volunteers should be aware that they are role models for behaviour around horses, and behave with respect for the horses at all times.

When working with the horses people will:

  1. Operate within WVS principles and guidance, and follow all instructions.
  2. Handle horses using safe and appropriate techniques at all times.
  3. Only feed horses in accordance with their individual feed plans.
  4. Treat horses with respect and not threaten their dignity or wellbeing.
  5. Not carry out any task without training and permission from WVS.

Care of horses:

  1. Horses will receive annual vaccinations, dental checks and appropriate worming.
  2. Horses will have their weight regularly monitored.
  3. Horses will be fed appropriate diets, including any necessary supplements.
  4. Horses will have access to clean water at all times.
  5. All tack will be maintained in a good condition and fit the horse it is used on.
  6. All horses will be trained and handled using approved methods at all times.
  7. All horses will be worked appropriately according to their age and ability.

Staff and volunteers will understand and follow guidelines set out in Code of practice for the welfare of horses, ponies, donkeys and their hybrids – Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, 8 April 2013.

Monitoring and review:
All members of staff and volunteers are expected to report any breaches of this code to their manager, the Office, Caroline Stevenson or the Proprietor Carol Andrews.
Any breach of the code may result in them being asked to leave WVS.
Carol Andrews and Caroline Stevenson are responsible for monitoring the effectiveness of this Policy and Guidelines via staff, volunteer and visitor observations and feedback.
This policy will be reviewed on 1st April 2019
Signed by: Carol Andrews BHSAI and Caroline Stevenson BHSI