• 2.1
  Verify Signed Waiver

  Confirm every rider has signed the general release waiver AND the equine activity waiver before tacking. No waiver = no ride. Check portal if needed.

  HARD STOP — no exceptions
• 2.2
  Experience Level Assessment

  Ask each rider directly: "Have you ridden before? How recently? What level — beginner, intermediate, experienced?" Assign horse accordingly. Beginners and children get the calmest, most experienced trail horses.
• 2.3
  Weight Check

  Maximum rider weight is 250 lbs. Do not allow riders over this limit to participate. Communicate respectfully and privately if needed. This is a horse welfare and safety requirement, not a judgment.

  Hard limit: 250 lbs
• 2.4
  Footwear Check

  All riders must wear closed-toe shoes with a heel. Flip flops, sandals, and bare feet are not permitted. Sneakers are acceptable. Boots preferred.

  Sandals/flip flops = no ride
• 2.5
  Intoxication Check

  Observe all riders. Any person showing signs of alcohol or substance impairment will not be permitted to ride. Communicate directly and without apology — this is non-negotiable.

  Impaired rider = no ride
• 2.6
  Minor Riders

  Riders under 18 must have a parent or legal guardian present and signed equine waiver. Children under 7 may only ride with a guide leading the horse by hand. Minimum age for solo trail riding is 8 years old at guide's discretion.
• 2.7
  Helmet Policy

  Helmets are strongly recommended and available at the tack room for all riders. Helmets are required for all riders under 18. Adult riders must sign acknowledgment if declining helmet use.

• Saddle pad — clean, properly positioned, no bunching or folding
• Saddle — centered, level, no rocking side to side
• Cinch/girth — tightened properly, check two fingers under cinch after horse walks a few steps
• Stirrups — adjusted to correct length for rider's leg (bottom of stirrup at ankle bone when standing)
• Bridle — properly fitted, bit seated correctly in mouth, no twisted straps
• Reins — intact, no fraying or broken hardware
• All leather — check for cracking, worn stitching, or damaged hardware at stress points
• First aid kit — confirm in saddlebag or guide's pack before departing
• Cell phone — guide confirms cell service on trail or carries radio

Deliver this briefing to all riders before mounting. Keep it friendly but thorough. Cover every point.

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  Horse Behavior Basics

  "These horses are experienced trail horses but they are still animals. They can spook from sudden movements, loud noises, or unexpected objects. Stay calm and quiet in the saddle."
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  Following Distance

  "Maintain at least one horse-length between you and the rider in front of you at all times. Never ride up on the horse ahead — they can kick."
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  Pace Control

  "We ride at a walk on this trail. No one breaks to a trot or canter unless the guide instructs it. If your horse speeds up, apply steady rein pressure and say 'whoa' calmly."
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  Stay on Trail

  "Stay on the marked trail at all times. Do not ride into the tree line or off the path. The trail around the lake is 2.1 miles and takes about an hour."
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  Wildlife

  "We may encounter deer, turkeys, or other wildlife. If an animal appears on the trail, stop your horse, stay calm, and wait for the guide's instruction. Do not shout or make sudden movements."
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  Ranch Animals

  "You may see our cattle, goats, and livestock guardian dogs near the trail. Do not try to interact with them from horseback. The dogs are friendly but may approach — your horse knows them."
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  Emergency Signal

  "If you feel unsafe or need to stop at any time, raise your hand and say 'stop' loudly. The guide will halt the group. Never dismount on your own without the guide's instruction."
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  No Phones While Moving

  "Please keep phones pocketed while mounted and moving. Photo stops are fine — let the guide know and we'll pause safely."

• 5.1
  Mounting Area

  All riders mount from the designated mounting area only. Use the mounting block when available. Guide holds horse steady during mounting — do not release until rider is seated and stirrups are in place.
• 5.2
  One at a Time

  Mount riders one at a time. All other horses should be held by a second handler or tied securely. No horse should be loose in the area while another is being mounted.
• 5.3
  Stirrup & Position Check

  After each rider mounts — check stirrup length, girth tightness, and that rider's heels are down and hands are holding reins correctly before moving to the next rider.
• 5.4
  Guide Position

  Guide mounts last and leads from the front. If a second handler is present, they trail at the rear. Maximum 8 riders per guide without a second handler. If solo guiding more than 6 beginners, a second handler is strongly recommended.

• Scan trail ahead for hazards before the group rounds each bend
• Call out verbal warnings for low branches, uneven ground, and creek crossings
• Check on all riders every 10 minutes — look for signs of discomfort, fear, or lost stirrups
• Do not allow riders to bunch up or pass the guide at any time
• If a horse begins to act up — halt the group immediately and address the issue before continuing
• No cantering or trotting on the lake loop trail without guide authorization and only for experienced riders in open sections
• All riders must be visible to the guide at all times

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  General Wildlife (Deer, Turkey, Coyote)

  Halt the group. Speak calmly. Allow the animal to move off the trail on its own. Do not shout or attempt to scare it away. Wait for clearance before proceeding.
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  Snake on Trail

  Halt immediately. Do not attempt to move or kill the snake. Give it space to leave the trail. If it does not move, choose an alternate path with at least 6 feet of clearance. Missouri has three venomous species — cottonmouth, copperhead, and timber rattlesnake. Treat all snakes as potentially venomous.

  Do not approach. Do not kill.
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  Livestock Guardian Dogs

  The ranch LGDs may approach the trail group. The horses know the dogs — remain calm. Do not allow riders to reach down to pet or interact with the dogs from horseback. Wave the dogs off with a calm verbal command if needed.
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  Cattle or Goats on Trail

  Slow approach, speak calmly, allow herd to move off on their own. Do not push horses into or through livestock. If cattle are blocking trail, halt and wait or find alternate route.

• 8.1
  Halt Group — Secure Horses

  Call "WHOA" loudly and clearly. Have remaining riders halt and hold horses. Assign the most experienced rider to hold your horse while you dismount to assist if needed.
• 8.2
  Approach the Fallen Rider

  Approach calmly. Ask: "Are you okay? Can you hear me? Can you move your fingers and toes?" Do NOT move the rider if they are unconscious or complaining of neck or back pain.

  Never move a rider with suspected spinal injury
• 8.3
  Call 911 If:

  — Rider is unconscious or unresponsive
  — Rider complains of neck, back, or head pain
  — Visible bone fracture or severe laceration
  — Rider is unable to stand after several minutes
  — Any head strike, even with helmet
  
  When calling 911: State location as "Spring Lake Ranch, 11820 Sayersbrook Rd, Potosi MO 63664" and describe access route.

  When in doubt — call 911
• 8.4
  Minor Injuries

  For cuts, scrapes, and minor bruising — use the first aid kit. Assess whether the rider wants to continue or return. Do not pressure injured riders to remount. Walk any injured rider back to the barn.
• 8.5
  Document the Incident

  All falls and injuries must be logged in the incident report within 24 hours, regardless of severity. Note the horse, rider, location on trail, and circumstances.

  Required — every incident

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  One-Rein Stop (Rider Instruction)

  If your horse bolts — do NOT pull back on both reins. Instead, slide one hand down one rein and pull it firmly toward your hip to bring the horse's head around in a circle. The horse cannot run at full speed while turning. Continue circling until the horse slows.
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  Guide Response to Runaway

  Halt the group immediately. Do not chase the runaway horse — this increases speed. Call out calmly to the rider. If the horse leaves the trail, secure remaining horses and radio/call for help. Note location and direction.
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  If Rider Falls from Runaway

  Follow Section 8 — Fall & Injury Response. The horse is secondary. Secure the group, attend to the rider, and call for help if needed. The horse will typically return to the barn on its own.

• Halt at the designated dismount area only — not on trail or in pasture
• Guide dismounts first to assist riders
• Assist each rider with dismount — hold horse steady, guide foot from stirrup
• Walk all horses to cool down before returning to stall — minimum 5 minutes walking
• Remove tack — check for rubs, sweat marks, or skin irritation along saddle and girth area
• Brush down each horse — remove sweat and debris
• Check all four hooves again — remove stones or debris picked up on trail
• Provide water access to all horses after cool-down
• Inspect all tack for wear — report any damage or concerns
• Return first aid kit to tack room and restock any used supplies
• Log the ride: date, guide, horses used, number of riders, any incidents

Update this roster with each horse's name, temperament, and any rider restrictions. This is a placeholder — fill in with your actual horses.

Cancel or postpone any trail ride if any of the following conditions are present. These are non-negotiable safety thresholds.

• Lightning within 10 miles or active thunderstorm warning in Washington County
• Sustained winds over 25 mph — increases spook risk significantly
• Heavy rain making trail slippery or creek crossings unsafe
• Temperature below 20°F or heat index above 105°F
• Any horse on the scheduled ride showing lameness, illness, or behavioral issues
• No qualified guide available — do not allow unsupervised rider access to horses
• Trail damage, downed trees, or flood conditions on the lake loop
• Any rider who refuses to sign the equine waiver
• Any rider showing signs of intoxication or impairment