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TEAM DVG 
COMMUNITY AGREEMENTS

*** THERE IS LOTS OF INFO IN THIS PACKAGE SO BE SURE TO READ THROUGH THOROUGHLY AND REFER BACK REGULARLY ***

Welcome to team DVG! Below you will find relevant information on my services, barn rules and expectations. 

 

DVG Mission: Empowerment for the horse, their rider and the larger equestrian community​.

 

1. DVG EQUESTRIAN IDEALS

  • With an adaptive approach, prioritizing and balancing the needs of the horse and the mentorship for the rider.  

  • Building a healthy community within the barn and beyond.

  • Prioritizing equity and accessibility.

 

2. BARN RULES - AS A MEMBER OF THE DVG TEAM YOU AGREE TO: 

  • Ring Use

  • To wear correct fitting and proper headgear and footwear worn at all times while in the ring.

  • Share the ring. Lessons get priority in the ring, but generally riders are welcome if they ask first. 

  • Put any jumps or poles back as they were before using them. 

  • No jumping unless a coach is present. 

  • No outside coaches or riders unless approved. *Proof of instructor liability insurance, with DVG Equestrian and the CVRD named as an Additional Insured, as well as a signed Riding Waiver must be provided before the instructor may teach on the property.

  • Do not leave anything in the ring after use.

  • All manure is removed after your ride.

  • In the Barn

    • Make sure to clean up after yourself immediately. If your horses poops in the crossties - clean it up ASAP. Make sure to sweep out crossties after tack up (not after you are done riding).

    • Keep your tack locker clean and organized.

    • Wash your bridle after every use. 

    • Chipping in around the barn to help improve the space. This is a community space that takes much work. 

  • Other

    • The parent/guardian of the Owner, if the Owner is under the age of 16, agrees to supervise the Owner while at the Farm.  

    • Due to recent safety concerns, no trail rides unless an adult is present.

    • To take full responsibility for any damage they cause to any Farm equipment, buildings, fencing, property, etc., except where reasonable use and/or normal wear and tear.

    • Leash any dogs you bring to the property.

 

3. PAYMENTS & SCHEDULING

  • Scheduling for lessons can be done online on our website

  • ​Be sure to read through our services page on our website to ensure that you are aware of most up to date costs 

  • All payments are to be made for the month ahead by the 1st of the month. I.e. payments for January lessons must be received by Jan 1st to secure your spots. 

  • Payments can be made via cash or etransfer to  dvgequestrian@gmail.com using the password “horse”

  • Lessons can be rescheduled with at least 24hrs notice. Less than 24hrs notice will result in charge for the lesson. 

  • Lessons changes must be done online to prevent charges. Notifying your coach is great, but will not result in a credit on your account. 

  • Refunds will not be given for canceled lessons, however a credit will be placed on your account. Credits will expire after 3 months. 

 

4. STAFFING AND WORKSHIFTS

If you have taken on a workshift at DVG Equestrian here are some expectations to remember:

  • If you are going to miss a shift make sure to give at least 5 days notice to Bo. 

  • Be Timely. AM shifts need to start no later than 9am, and PM shifts no earlier than 5pm

  • During your shifts, stay on task. Finish all your work before moving on to riding or other activities. 

  • Follow all Chore guidelines and do not skip steps

  • Timesheets are due on the 25th of each month in the folder in Bo’s tackroom

  • If you are not scheduled for a workshift please do not include those in your timesheet

 

5. COMMUNICATION

Welcome to a dynamic team! To stay  on top of everything here are a few ways to communicate with the team:

  • DVG Equestrian Team facebook Group - this is where all the important stuff is communicated including files, events, and important barn updates. You can find this group by searching on facebook for DVG Equestrian Team.

  • Facebook group chat - this is for social chats and lots of photos and memes! Once you join the facebook group we can get you added into the chat. 

  • Here are some helpful guidelines when communicating with DVG staff:

  • Remember that DVG staff are only getting paid for their time during your lessons. Please try your best to bring your questions and discussions to your coach during lesson times and limit them outside of these scheduled times.

  • Limit expectations. Remember everyone is doing their best and try to be understanding that replies or results may take longer than you hope. If it is crucial information  expect it immediately, if it is not, expect it to be discussed with you during your next scheduled lesson.  

  • Please limit communications to business hours and respect days off. For Bo you can reach them between Mon to Thurs and Saturday after 9am and before 7pm unless it is an emergency. If there is an emergency please call Bo 

 

5. CONFLICT

The Barn is a community space and as such you will encounter lots of different people with different ways of doing things. Here are some guidelines to help you negotiate these:

  • Be kind. Remember that everyone is doing their personal best.

  • Always ask consent before giving advice or telling someone what to do. Although it may be different from yours, please respect other people’s way of doing things. 

  • Gossip. Please be sure to refrain from talking about other horses or riders. If you have a concern you can discuss with DVG staff, which will be handled in a timely manner as outlined above. 

  • Never use any form  of racism, homophobia, transphobia etc... or violent or aggressive speech or behaviour. 

  • No Bullying. Bullying is ongoing and deliberate misuse of power in relationships through repeated verbal, physical and/or social behaviour that intends to cause harm. 

  • Never use any form of passive aggressive behaviour and communicate directly and skillfully with the other parties involved. Conflict can be a healthy tool when used correctly and can be dealt with directly and DVG staff can often help with this. 

If you witness any of the above behaviours or other forms of conflict arising please discuss with DVG staff. 

Below is outlined our process of conflict resolution:

  1. Violation #1: If an individual is in violation of the above agreements they will have a discussion with DVG Staff and a notice will be added to their file. For some actions an accountability process will take place that requires an apology process. 

  2. Violation #2: For a second violation, an individual will have a discussion with DVG Staff and an additional notice will be added to their file. An accountability and apology process will be required. 

  3. Violation #3: A third violation by an individual will result in removal from the program. 

 

*** Some actions such as violent acts, verbal or physical abuse, and animal abuse will lead to immediate removal from the program and in some cases involvement of the RCMP. 

***For more information on accountability processes see https://leavingevidence.wordpress.com/2019/12/18/how-to-give-a-good-apology-part-1-the-four-parts-of-accountability/

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