Health & Safety Policy

Waimakariri Riding Club (WRC) is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all members, competitors, coaches, volunteers, officials, spectators, and visitors attending club activities and events.

Horse riding is a risk sport, and all participants share responsibility for managing risks and acting in a safe and responsible manner.

Participant Responsibilities

All participants are expected to:

• Take reasonable care for their own health and safety.

• Take reasonable care for the health and safety of others.

• Follow instructions given by officials, coaches, judges, stewards, and event organisers.

• Report hazards, incidents, accidents, and near misses to a committee member or event official.

• Ensure their horse and equipment are fit for the activity being undertaken.

Any person or horse considered by officials to present an unacceptable safety risk may be asked to leave the ring, activity, or grounds.

A rider or horse may also be excluded from participation if deemed unfit to continue due to injury, illness, impairment, fatigue, or welfare concerns.

Protective Equipment

Approved riding helmets must be worn whenever mounted at WRC events and activities.

Participants are encouraged to wear suitable footwear, clothing, and safety equipment appropriate to the activity being undertaken.

Concussion Management

If a concussion is suspected, the rider must immediately cease participation.

A rider must not compete or participate in mounted WRC events or activities for a minimum of twenty-one (21) days following a concussion unless written medical clearance has been obtained from a registered medical practitioner.

Any rider returning without appropriate medical clearance does so at their own risk.

Incident Reporting

All accidents, falls, injuries, and significant near misses must be reported to a WRC official and recorded in the club’s accident register.

Serious incidents will be investigated by the committee to identify contributing factors and improve future safety practices.

Event Rules

Where a comprehensive set of rules is not provided by WRC, activities and competitions will be conducted under the relevant ESNZ rules and guidelines.

First Aid

A first aid kit is available at all WRC events and activities and is typically located with the Secretary, event office, rally coordinator, trek leader, or hacknix leader.

Liability

While every reasonable effort is made to provide a safe environment, participation in equestrian activities carries inherent risks.

WRC, its committee members, volunteers, officials, organisers, and agents accept no liability for any accident, injury, illness, loss, or damage to persons, horses, vehicles, equipment, or property arising from participation in club activities, except where required by law.