Rhodes to Wellness Coaching – Equine Wellbeing Sessions
Last updated: September 2026
At Rhodes to Wellness Coaching, the wellbeing of both people and horses is at the heart of Equine Wellbeing Sessions.
Horses are not tools or props for the work. They are sentient beings with their own needs, boundaries, communication and individual personalities.
These guidelines are intended to help create an environment where clients can interact with the horses safely and respectfully while allowing the horses' wellbeing to guide how each session unfolds.
Because horses are animals and can respond unpredictably to their environment, working around them always carries some inherent risk. Following these guidelines helps reduce those risks, but cannot remove them entirely.
Before participating in an Equine Wellbeing Session, clients will receive appropriate safety guidance.
Clients are expected to:
Follow reasonable safety instructions;
Remain aware of their surroundings;
Move calmly and thoughtfully around the horses;
Approach and interact with horses only as directed;
Maintain appropriate awareness of the horse's position and behaviour;
Tell me immediately if they feel uncomfortable, frightened or unsafe;
Stop or step away from an activity when instructed.
Sign and agree to an Equine Wellbeing Session Safety Waiver
Clients are encouraged to ask questions whenever they are unsure about something.
There is never a need to pretend to feel comfortable when you do not.
Horses communicate constantly through their body language and behaviour.
Clients will be encouraged to learn to notice and respect signals such as changes in:
Ears;
Eyes;
Head and neck position;
Body posture;
Movement;
Breathing;
Distance;
Energy or tension.
Horse behaviour can change quickly depending on the individual horse and circumstances.
Clients should not assume that a horse is comfortable simply because it appears calm, or interpret every behaviour as having one fixed meaning.
I will guide clients in observing the horse and responding appropriately.
A horse's boundaries matter.
Clients will not be expected to force an interaction with a horse.
Where appropriate, a client may be encouraged to observe, wait, change their position or allow the horse additional space.
If a horse moves away, shows signs of discomfort or does not wish to engage, that response will be respected rather than overridden.
The goal is relationship and awareness—not forcing a particular outcome.
Equine Wellbeing Sessions are non-riding sessions.
Clients may be invited to participate in activities such as observing, walking alongside, grooming or other appropriate interactions depending on the circumstances and the horse's willingness to participate.
Any physical interaction with a horse is voluntary.
Clients may choose not to touch, groom or otherwise physically interact with a horse.
No session is required to follow a predetermined activity from beginning to end.
An activity may be modified, paused or stopped because of:
The horse's behaviour or wellbeing;
The client's comfort or safety;
Weather or environmental conditions;
Changes in the surroundings;
An unexpected event;
Any other circumstance that creates concern.
The horse does not have to participate simply because an activity was planned.
The physical and emotional wellbeing of the horses takes priority over completing a planned exercise or achieving a particular session outcome.
I will monitor the horses for signs that they may be:
Tired;
Unwell;
Stressed;
Overstimulated;
Uncomfortable;
Reluctant to participate;
Otherwise unsuitable for the planned activity.
When necessary, a session or activity will be modified, postponed or stopped.
The horses involved in Equine Wellbeing Sessions will receive appropriate care, including attention to their:
Nutrition and hydration;
Shelter and environmental needs;
Physical health;
Rest and recovery;
Exercise and movement;
Emotional wellbeing;
Veterinary needs when required.
I will seek appropriate veterinary or other qualified equine care when circumstances require it.
Clients should wear clothing that allows comfortable movement and is appropriate for spending time around horses.
Closed-toe, sturdy footwear is required.
Loose clothing, dangling accessories or anything that could easily become caught should be avoided.
Clients should also dress appropriately for outdoor conditions, including sun, rain, cold or other weather conditions.
Equine Wellbeing Sessions are designed for the participating client.
Children or additional visitors should not attend unless this has been discussed and agreed in advance.
Where children or other individuals are present, appropriate supervision and safety measures will be required.
Clients are responsible for communicating any relevant physical limitations, injuries, mobility concerns or other circumstances that could affect their ability to safely participate.
Clients should not participate in an activity they believe may place them at unnecessary risk.
Activities can be modified where reasonably possible.
If I believe an activity is not appropriate or safe under the circumstances, I may recommend an alternative or stop the activity.
Equine Wellbeing Sessions may sometimes bring up strong emotions or personal reflection.
Clients are welcome to pause, step away, take a breath or let me know when they need a change of pace.
Emotional responses are not a reason to push someone beyond their boundaries.
The same principle applies to the horses. Their emotional signals will also be respected.
Because Equine Wellbeing Sessions may take place outdoors, weather and environmental conditions will be considered when planning each session.
Sessions may be modified, postponed or cancelled when conditions create an unreasonable risk.
This may include severe storms, lightning, extreme temperatures, unsafe footing, poor visibility or other environmental hazards.
Where possible, reasonable notice will be provided if a session needs to be changed.
Horses are large, powerful animals and unexpected situations can occur even when appropriate precautions are taken.
If an emergency or significant safety concern occurs, the immediate priority will be the safety of the people and horses involved.
Clients are expected to follow instructions promptly during an emergency.
Where emergency medical attention is required, appropriate emergency services may be contacted.
Clients are encouraged to report any:
Injury;
Near miss;
Unsafe condition;
Unexpected horse behaviour;
Concern about horse welfare;
Other safety concern.
Concerns will be taken seriously and may be documented and reviewed to determine whether changes are needed to improve safety.
Working around horses carries inherent risks, even when appropriate safety practices are followed.
These may include falls, being stepped on, kicked, bitten, knocked over or otherwise injured.
Following safety instructions reduces risk but cannot eliminate it completely.
Clients are expected to make informed decisions about their own participation and to communicate openly if they do not feel safe.
Creating a safe environment is a shared responsibility.
My responsibility is to provide appropriate guidance, monitor the environment and horses, and make reasonable decisions regarding safety and welfare.
The client's responsibility is to follow reasonable safety guidance, communicate concerns and respect the boundaries of both themselves and the horses.
Most importantly, there is no expectation that a client or a horse must push through discomfort simply to complete an activity.
Sometimes the most appropriate thing to do is pause, change direction or simply observe.
Related Policies
Policy owner: Janet Rhodes, Rhodes to Wellness Coaching
Review date: September 2027