• Everyone (staff, volunteers, participants, family, caregivers, boarders, guests, or visitors) engaging in Talisman programs and any activities will submit a Release of Liability Waiver.

• Unsupervised equine activities, mounted or unmounted, are strictly prohibited. 

• Respect the barn hours of operations, as established times correspond to program operations and staffing schedules.
  • Adhere to all signage posted on the property during your visits.
  • Restricted areas are designed as staff only access.
    
    

• In an emergency, telephones are located in the Tack Room and Anne L. Joyner Welcome Center.
  • Important telephone numbers, including staff and emergency personnel are posted in the Tack Room, the Feed Room, the bulletin board in the indoor arena, and in the Welcome Center.
    
    

• Please obey speed limits and drive carefully.
  • The speed limit on Blue Ribbon Lane is 10 miles per hour.
  • The speed limit on Talisman Property is 5 miles per hour.
    
    

• The use of any tobacco products, illicit drugs, or consumption of alcohol is prohibited.
  • There is no smoking or vaping allowed on the entirety of the Talisman premises. 
    
    

• No alcoholic beverages or drinking of such beverages inside any buildings. (Exceptions for special events made at the discretion of the Executive Director.)
  • Absolutely no handling of horses, whether mounted or unmounted, under the influence of any illicit substance or alcohol.
    
    

• No firearms are allowed on Talisman premises; this includes in a vehicle.

• Dogs and other pets are not permitted on the Talisman property; this includes in a vehicle.

• Handicap parking only is permitted at the barn and arena areas.
  • All other participants, family, caregivers, volunteers, boarders, visitors, and guests must park in the designated areas near the Anne L. Joyner Welcome Center.
    
    

• Do not enter the Feed Room, or give horses food or treats, without permission from Talisman staff.
  • Talisman staff and trained volunteers are the only individuals authorized to feed the horses. Many of our horses are on special diets and their nutrition must be carefully monitored.
  • Seek permission from staff prior to introducing any edible items into the farm. (Please keep all treats and other foods in a safe area, so other animals cannot consume.)
  • If you would like to bring treats for the horses, please give them to a staff member and they will be appropriately distributed.
    
    

• All staff, participants, family, caregivers, volunteers, boarders, visitors, and guests must wear appropriate clothing and shoes.
  • Participants engaging in mounted activities should wear hard-soled boots with a heel to prevent them from slipping through the stirrup.

• • Open-toed shoes, sandals, flip-flops, and “Croc” style shoes are prohibited while engaging in any equine activities.

• • Inappropriate footwear will NOT to be worn in the barn isle, arenas, or wash stall areas or near a horse at any time. 

• • Guests who do not have proper footwear are not permitted near any horses at any time and should remain in the viewing areas only. 

• • Clothing for equestrian activities should cover the entirety of the body – long pants are always recommended. No crop-tops, short-shorts, or camisole style tops.
    
    

• All persons engaging in mounted activities on Talisman premises must wear an ASTM/SEI approved helmet.
  • Chin strap must be always in place while mounted.

 

• Due to privacy issues of all participants, photography is not permitted – unless permission is granted by the participant and/or parent/caregiver.
  • Photography should never interfere with a lesson or cause a safety issue for the participant and horse.    
    
    

• Appropriate behavior and observance of all rules is expected from staff, volunteers, participants, family, caregivers, boarders, guests, and visitors while at Talisman. The farm is a respite for many people. A calm and respectful environment means one that is also quiet and relaxing.
  • Everyone will practice kindness and respect for others – including our four-footed friends.
  • No belligerent, malicious, lewd, vulgar, profane, or otherwise objectionable conduct or language will be tolerated.
  • The conduct of everyone at Talisman will be dignified and civil, at all times.
    
    

• Talisman will remain a friendly, peaceful, welcoming, and drama-free environment suitable for the entire family.
  • A responsible adult must remain with participants and visitors under the age of 14, unless alternate arrangements have been made with Talisman.
  • No running, yelling, or making load noises in or around the barn or arena areas.
  • Quiet play is encouraged in the designated waiting and observation areas. 
  • No running, jumping, yelling, screaming, fence/gate climbing, or performing any other actions that could cause horses to spook, both while inside the facility or when around horses anywhere on the property.
    
    

• Do not enter the arena areas while lessons or other activities are occurring.

• Only Talisman staff and trained volunteers may enter a field/pasture/paddock with horses.

• Participants, family, caregivers, visitors, and guests may only enter the horse barns with permission of Talisman staff.
  • Entering horse stalls is not permitted, unless under the direction and supervision of Talisman staff.
    
    

• Stall doors must remain closed/secured when horses are inside.

• When participating in equine activities, focus remains on the horse, direction of instructor, and safety.
  • Make sure horse is aware of your presence before approaching.
  • Never stand behind or go under a horse.
  • Stay near your horse when they are on the cross ties.
  • Clean up all manure, hoof pickings, trash, and debris of any kind prior to riding. 
  • Keep a safe distance between horses (one horse length).
  • Keep the aisles clean and tidy for your safety and the safety of others.
    
    

• When lessons are in progress, please remember that the INSTRUCTORS ARE IN CHARGE OF SAFETY.
  • Instructors have the right to ask stop activities if they feel that there is an unsafe situation or disruptive actions.
    
    

• Any accident or injury to a person or horse must be reported immediately to the Talisman Director of Operations, or Executive Director.

• Talisman is not responsible for the theft, loss, damage or disappearance of items or equipment stored at the facility.

• We understand accidents happen; if you break something or see something is broken, please notify the Barn Manager immediately.

• If you have concerns regarding the horses, programs, facilities, or staff please address your concerns with the Talisman Director of Operations, or Executive Director.  
  
  

Thank you!