Kylämäki Horse Ranch rules

The stable/stable area is the horses’ home, where you must behave appropriately. Do not run, shout, or treat the horses unfairly.
Kylämäki horses are generally saddled in the hallway.
Each horse has its own designated equipment. Equipment and other items must be returned to their proper places after use.
Everyone must clean up after their horse in the hallway or washing stall.
Please notify the staff if you notice any wounds or other injuries requiring attention on your horse, or any deficiencies in the horse’s equipment.
When riding and driving Kylämäki horses, you must always wear a helmet and a reflective vest. We also recommend a safety vest for the cross-country riding.
We follow traffic rules when riding cross-country. Please always listen carefully to the instructor’s/teacher’s advice.
Regular riders must have a Green Card or membership in a riding club.
When watching horse riding, please do not give instructions from the edge of the field. This is the responsibility of the riding instructor.
Do not enter the paddocks and stables without the permission of the staff, and beware of electric fences!
Feeding the horses is prohibited!
Parking is only allowed in designated areas (drive slowly in the yard).
Smoking is allowed in designated areas. Do not move around the stable area while intoxicated.

Feel free to ask the staff about anything related to horses. We are happy to help!

Instructions for riders

A CE-marked safety helmet approved for horse riding is mandatory. Helmets can also be borrowed from the stable; ask the staff and always return the helmet you borrowed to the shelf! Before mounting, put on your riding helmet.
Footwear suitable for riding, such as hiking boots or rubber boots, is mandatory.
Riders’ clothing must not have anything that could catch, tighten, or get stuck, for example, if you fall.
The use of gloves suitable for riding is recommended.
Pants should be stretchy, with seams that do not rub and legs that do not ride up.
Tie back long hair.
Remove large earrings and other similar items. Piercings are at your own risk.
Dress for the lesson according to the weather.
Be honest about your riding skills.
Inform the organizer in advance (in writing/verbally) of any mobility restrictions, illnesses, or allergies. This will allow the organizer to prepare for the situation and, if necessary, modify the program to make it more suitable.
Always mount the horse in a horse-friendly manner; do not poke the horse in the side or plop down heavily into the saddle.
When mounting, the horse must stand straight, with its weight on all legs, its head up, and the reins short. If necessary, you can use a step stool. Mount and dismount the horse from the left side.
Only start moving when the instructor gives you permission.
Focus on your riding. Always look in the direction of travel so that you can stay informed and anticipate what is coming.

Every horse is naturally wary of anything new. Horses, like other prey animals, have an instinctive need to flee from anything new. Despite horse breeding, prey animals retain their natural tendency to flee from new and suspicious things. However, learning and previous experiences affect a horse’s courage and ability to control its fear reactions.
Horses see the world differently than humans. A horse has a wide field of vision, but cannot see directly behind itself. A horse can only see a few meters in front of it by lowering or raising its head. Horses constantly observe their surroundings and are sensitive to even the smallest changes. A familiar object in a different place today than yesterday may surprisingly appear to be a predator in the eyes of a horse.
Taking into account the typical behavior and characteristics of horses increases safety when working with them.
When moving around the stable area, always remember to follow the rules and regulations, instructions, and guidance from the staff.
Familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations before arriving at the stable.
Always follow the instructions given to you by the staff.
Always approach horses calmly and in such a way that the horse can see you.
Horses may be frightened by fluttering clothing, umbrellas, and strollers, so do not bring them near horses.
Take special care with small children. Guide them to follow the instructions.
Horses have the right of way in the yard area.