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Merriwood Ranch COVID-19 Riding Lesson Policy

The health and safety of our riders has always been and remains our first priority. This school year, in light of COVID-19, the Merriwood Ranch staff is updating these procedures extensively, informed by current recommendations from local, state, and federal health officials, agencies, and authorities, including CDC guidelines.

At this time, we are planning to proceed with our regular lesson program as scheduled, beginning August. The modifications include the following…


Riding Lesson Modifications to Protect Against COVID-19

Social Distancing and Crowd Limitations

Staff will remind riders to remain separate before and after lessons.

Crowd sizes must be limited. Please do not bring extended family or friends to lessons, unless they remain in the car. Staff will direct visitors to designated viewing areas. No congregating, please. Proper distancing must be maintained at all times.

Health Monitoring

The temperature of all staff will be measured before entering, and staff exhibiting a fever of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or greater will be sent home.

Upon arriving at the barn, staff must wash or sanitize their hands.

Parents should monitor the health of their children and not send them to lessons if they exhibit any symptoms of COVID-19. Please check your child’s temperature each day before a lesson and keep your rider at home if their temperature is 100 degrees Fahrenheit or greater.

Cleaning and Sanitization

  • Hand sanitizer will be available for all riders
  • Riders will wash or sanitize their hands before and after riding
  • All staff who engage with riders will wear cloth face coverings; riding instructors may remove while teaching. (Teachers will observe proper distancing during riding time.)
  • High-touch door handles and restrooms will be frequently cleaned
  • All grooming supplies used will be cleaned frequently

Birthday Party Guidelines

In addition to the above guidelines, Birthday Party/Group Activities will also adhere to the following policies:

Limited Attendance

Please limit the number of people attending. No extended family or friends of the participants are allowed to attend the party.

Bunkhouse Use

Only party participants and host may be inside the bunkhouse during the party portion of the day. Host may choose to have the party participants sit outside on the bunkhouse porch instead of inside the bunkhouse. A maximum of four party participants may sit at a table. Participants will maintain proper distancing at all times.

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