Policies & FAQs

The UC Davis Equestrian Center (EQC) offers lessons, shows, and other activities to the public. Boarding and boarding services are only offered to currently enrolled students (riders) in the University of California at Davis in both undergraduate and graduate programs. Any change in status must be reported to the EQC office. 

1. Speed limit - Vehicles may not exceed 5 M.P.H. on EQC property. No overnight parking allowed.
2. Dogs - Dogs brought to the EQC must be leashed or confined in a car when on University property. Dogs on EQC property must consistently demonstrate obedient, friendly behavior. Cleaning up after your dog must be done immediately. EQC staff reserves the right to ban any dog from the premises for any reason.
3. Operating Hours - Open hours are from 7:00am - 9:00pm on weekdays and 7:30am - 8:00pm on weekends; except on holiday schedule. Riders are expected to be off horse with enough time to leave the premises by closing time. Horses may not be ridden or turned-out outside of operating hours and no individuals are permitted on site after hours. After-hours access must be made in advance with EQC staff and owner will pay an after-hours fee of $25.
4. Liability Waiver - All riders and their guests must sign and turn in a Waiver (Release and Indemnity Agreement), along with the General Rules to EQC staff before interacting with horses or participating in activities on EQC property.
5. Loaning Horse/Equipment - Riders who choose to loan their horse(s) and/or equipment to a guest do so at Riders’ own risk. EQC shall not be liable for any damages to property or for injuries and/or loss of life to the guest or horse.
6. Required Equipment - All participants must wear closed toed shoes or boots when handling horses. All riders must wear ASTM/SEI certified riding helmets with chin straps attached and boots with ½ inch heel at all times when mounted. (If riding bareback, boots with ½ inch heel are not mandatory, but closed-toe shoes are.) All boarders must provide their own tack and equipment. Borrowing EQC tack or equipment is not permitted for boarders, team members, or club members.
7. Arena Use - Arenas may be used only during operating hours when use does not interfere with EQC classes or special events.
8. Riding Conditions - The arenas and turnouts are affected by inclement weather conditions that may render them unsafe (for example, inconsistently deep, firm, wet, muddy or slippery). All Riders are responsible for examining any area before riding and making their own determination as to their safety. All arenas and turnouts are used at Riders’ own risk.
9. Turnout - Turnout is allowed only in the following areas: turnout #1 or #2, round pen, or front arena. Turnout time is limited to 20 (twenty) minutes if others are waiting. All riders must remain on EQC property while the horse is turned out. If owners are not present while their horse is turned out, and EQC staff brings in a horse, the owner will be assessed a turnout fee. Owners turning horses out together is not recommended. 
   ------
   a. Horses may not be turned out in any riding arenas with the exception noted below (b) 
   b. At times the front arena may be used as a turn out area if no riders are present. Owners must be present at the arena at all times. In the event an EQC staff must remove a horse, a turn-out fee will apply. Riders will always have priority. All other turnout rules apply. 
   c. Riding in the turnout is not allowed while loose horse(s) are present.
   ------
10. Lunging - There is NO LUNGING IN THE COVERED ARENA, MAIN CAMPUS, OR ON THE GRASS FIELD.
11. Arboretum - HORSES ARE NOT ALLOWED IN THE ARBORETUM OR ON MAIN CAMPUS.
12. No Halters - Riding in a halter is not permitted. Bridles or hackamores are required.
13. Grass Field - Hand grazing and walking on the grass field is allowed at the discretion of EQC management. No lunging on the grass field at any time. The field is closed when wet or conditions are otherwise unsuitable.
14. Riding Partner Required - Riders must be with a partner when riding off EQC property.
15. Gravel Driveways - Horses must be walked when on EQC gravel driveways.
16. Ponying - Ponying other horses is not recommended. Riders may do so only at a walk or trot.
17. Galloping - Galloping horses when other horses are in the immediate vicinity is not allowed.
18. Outside Trainers - Are not permitted to teach at the EQC without special arrangement (e.g. clinics)
19. Cleanliness - It is your responsibility to clean up after your horse. This includes picking up manure, hair, tack, trash, etc.
20. Hay/Bedding - If you wish to take your allotment of hay in the event of a short absence, please notify the EQC in writing 2 days prior to departure. The EQC staff will place your hay in front of your stall. Do not under any circumstances remove hay from the EQC without prior approval or on your own. Retroactive hay or bedding will not be given for any reason.
21. Feed - The EQC will provide two types of hay; alfalfa and a grass/oat/grain type hay. We are unable to accommodate any special needs beyond these choices. Should your horse require any special feeds, it will be at your own expense. Additional hay storage is not available to individual boarders, however pelleted feeds can be accommodated in the grain room. All feedstuffs stored by boarder must be stored in a metal can. Pastures are fed as a group and specialized feeding is not available.
22. Grazing - When grazing your horse, you must remain standing at all times. Make sure that the area in which you are grazing is dry, please stay off muddy or wet areas. Grazing is not allowed in the picnic area.
23. Guests - Minors are not allowed to interact with horses or participate in programs offered by the EQC. Any visitors must sign a Liability Waiver and the General Rules.
24. Response to Staff - The EQC staff may ask you to modify your behavior for your benefit and/or the horses. Please respond promptly and politely to any requests made by our staff.
25. Incidents - Any accidents or incidents need to be immediately reported to the Barn Supervisor. The Barn Supervisor may request your help and information in filling out an incident report, please do your best to be helpful and provide the requested information.
26. Arena Etiquette - Pass left shoulder to left shoulder. Call jump or pattern if needed. Be courteous to others.