Health & Safety

The following is important information for those wishing to attend any therapy, education or event  facilitated by The Haven.

Suitable Clothing

Always dress appropriately for the weather, bringing waterproofs and warm clothing during the colder, wetter months and suitable protective clothing and sun protection during the hotter weather. It is advisable to wear hard soled shoes or boots that offer protection to your toes in case a horse accidently steps on them. Should you wish to participate in the mounted therapeutic work, it is your responsibility to provide your own head and body protection that is correctly fitted and meets the current British standards.

The Environment

Although we strive to make The Haven a quiet and safe place, due to the nature of the set-up in the countryside, there may be factors going on around which are not within our control. For example: Country sports, walkers' dogs straying onto the land, farmers using machinery in the adjoining fields etc. During these unpredictable situations it is paramount that the participant follows any instructions from the therapist in order to help keep them safe.

The Horses

It is important that you understand that although the horses at The Haven are well trained, they are sensitive and large creatures who naturally can be unpredictable at times. When you are around the horses you need to walk slowly and calmly, making no sudden movement or loud sound that could startle them. You should always leave a wide space of at least two metres when passing around their rear legs  in case they kick out. Horses have their eyes set on the side of their head which means that they are unable to see directly in front or directly behind. So as not to startle them, you should always approach them from the side at their shoulder as this is the safest place where they can see you clearly. Horses are generally very sociable animals, but like people they too have their times when they are trying to communicate to us that they would rather be left alone; this can be demonstrated by a nudge or on a rare occasion they may try and bite. Other times they may simply be treating you as another horse and try and rub their head on you for an itch or to brush off flies. 

Further documentation available upon request

• DBS certificates

• Certificates of qualifications of a therapist or educational provider.​ 

• Certificate of ongoing trainings - First Aid, PRICE De-escalation, Safeguarding.

• Evidence of membership to professional bodies

• Insurance certificates

• Policies & procedures

• Risk assessments

• Confidentiality agreement

• Safeguarding Statement

• Terms & conditions