Code of Colorado Regulations
1400 - Department of Early Childhood
1402 - Division of Early Learning, Licensing, and Administration
8 CCR 1402-1 - CHILD CARE FACILITY LICENSING RULES AND REGULATIONS
HORSEBACK RIDING
Section 8 CCR 1402-1-2.611 - HORSEBACK RIDING ACTIVITIES

A. The horseback riding supervisor shall have completed at least one of the following:

B. The horseback riding supervisor shall train at least one (1) child care facility riding staff member in the supervision of children in the horseback riding program for every ten (10) or fewer children participating in the riding program.

C. Child care facility riding staff shall be trained by the horseback riding supervisor in emergency procedures appropriate to the horseback riding activity.

D. At least two (2) trained riding child care facility staff members, one (1) of whom holds a current American Red Cross standard First Aid and safety certificate or equivalent, shall accompany each trail excursion. If the horseback ride is more than one (1) hour from emergency medical services, at least one (1) staff member shall be trained in wilderness first aid training. If the horseback ride is for seven (7) or more nights and is more than one (1) hour away from emergency medical services, there must be at least one (1) staff member with each group of children with wilderness first responder training, CPR, and medication administration training. If more than twenty (20) children participate in the trail excursion, there shall be a trained riding child care facility staff member assigned for each additional ten (10) or fewer riders.

E. First Aid supplies shall be carried on each trail excursion and available at each horseback riding ring/arena.

F. No person is allowed in the riding area unless the horseback riding supervisor or a trained riding child care facility staff member is present.

G. The riding supervisor shall determine the child's riding experience and level of skill and must take these into account in assigning which horse each child should ride and determining the type of riding activity in which each child should engage. Children shall be given instruction in basic safety, which shall include at least the following: riding rules in the ring and on the trail, how to approach, and mount and dismount.

H. Children shall be appropriately dressed for riding, which shall include shoes or boots and long pants. The riding supervisor must evaluate the footgear of each child and make the stirrups safe for each child's shoe or boot.

I. Protective head gear/helmets are mandatory for children ring riding and on trail rides.

J. Parents must be notified in advance of what type of protective gear is used by the child care facility. If children bring helmets from home, they must be specifically designed for equestrian use, worn correctly, and in good condition.

K. The horseback riding equipment shall be in good condition, properly sized and adjusted for each rider.

L. The horse barn or stable, ring, and commonly used trail(s) shall be in good repair and free of dangerous obstructions.

M. Horses shall be cared for with evidence of an adequate feeding schedule and a means to care for sick horses.

N. Horses shall not be permitted in the other designated activity areas.