Infinity Anti-Bullying Policy
Purpose:
At Infinity Equine, we are committed to providing a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for all participants. We believe that the barn should be a place of refuge—a sanctuary where people can escape the pressures of everyday life and find peace, community, and growth. Bullying, in any form, is not tolerated at our facility. We are dedicated to ensuring that every individual feels valued, respected, and included.
Definition of Bullying:
Bullying is any deliberate behavior that causes harm, distress, or exclusion to another individual. It can occur in a variety of ways, including but not limited to:
• Verbal Bullying: Name-calling, insults, mocking, or harmful remarks.
• Social Bullying: Excluding someone, spreading rumors, or intentionally isolating someone from the group.
• Physical Bullying: Hitting, pushing, or any other form of physical intimidation.
• Cyberbullying: Using social media, messaging platforms, or other digital means to target or harass someone.
It’s important to note that bullying isn’t limited to harsh words; exclusion is also considered bullying. Purposefully leaving someone out or making them feel they don’t belong to the group is equally harmful and will be treated with the same seriousness as other forms of bullying.
Our Commitment to a Safe and Supportive Environment:
At Infinity Equine, we are dedicated to fostering an environment where:
• Respect: Every individual, regardless of age, experience level, or background, deserves to be treated with dignity.
• Inclusion: We embrace an inclusive atmosphere where everyone is made to feel welcome, whether they are here for lessons, board, or simply to enjoy the facility.
• Support: Our barn is a place for personal growth, emotional well-being, and building positive relationships. We understand that many people come to the barn to seek refuge and peace from life's challenges, and we honor that need by providing a supportive community.
Consequences of Bullying:
Any behavior that violates this policy will not be tolerated. The consequences for bullying will be as follows:
1. First Offense: A formal meeting with the owner(s) and/or coach will be held. The individual involved will receive a formal warning. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the impact of their behavior and educate them on how their actions have affected others.
2. Second Offense: A suspension from the team will occur. The period of suspension will be determined by the owner and coach, based on the nature and severity of the offense. This suspension applies to all barn activities, and if the individual is a boarder or non-competitive rider, they will be excluded from participating in any events or taking lessons during this period.
3. Third Offense: The individual will be asked to leave the program and may be given notice to terminate their boarding agreement or involvement at Infinity Equine. This decision will be made after careful consideration by the owners and coaches, with the well-being of the community in mind.
Reporting Bullying:
If you experience bullying or witness bullying behavior, we strongly encourage you to report it immediately. You can speak directly with any staff member, coach, or the owners. We also offer a reporting system online (www.infinityequine/bullying) for those who prefer to remain confidential. All reports will be taken seriously, investigated thoroughly, and handled with discretion.
Impact of Bullying:
Bullying has significant and often long-lasting effects on an individual’s mental and emotional health. The effects of bullying include:
• Mental Health Consequences: Victims of bullying are at higher risk for mental health problems, such as anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. Studies show that 50% of those who were bullied as children continue to experience mental health difficulties into adulthood.
• Social Isolation: Exclusion and social bullying can create feelings of isolation and loneliness. These experiences can erode an individual’s confidence and self-worth, making it difficult to build healthy, trusting relationships.
• Physical Symptoms: Bullying can manifest in physical ways, such as headaches, stomach issues, and sleep disturbances, all of which stem from the stress caused by bullying.
At Infinity Equine, we know that a positive, respectful community is essential to the emotional well-being of all participants. By fostering an environment free from bullying, we help individuals thrive mentally, socially, and physically.
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Copyright Notice:
© [2025] Infinity Equine. All rights reserved. This Anti-Bullying Policy is the intellectual property of Infinity Equine and may not be reproduced, distributed, or modified without prior written consent.