Service Animal Policy for Horses of the Bluegrass Event at the Australian Equine Performance Center.
Effective Date: June 26, 2024
Purpose:
To ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Kentucky state regulations while maintaining the safety and well-being of all animals and guests at the Australian Equine Performance Center.
Policy:
- Definition of Service Animals:
In accordance with the ADA, a service animal is defined as a dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability. The work or tasks performed by the dog must be directly related to the person’s disability.
- General Access:
Service animals are permitted to accompany individuals with disabilities in all areas of the Australian Equine Performance Center where members of the public are allowed to go, except where specific safety and health concerns related to the nature of the event and the presence of performing animals apply.
- Event-Specific Considerations:
Due to the nature of the event involving performing horses, as well as the presence of other animals such as dogs, barn cats, client horses, and kangaroos, certain areas may be restricted to ensure the safety and well-being of all animals and guests.
- Safety and Health Restrictions:
To ensure the safety of performing animals and guests, service animals may be restricted from entering the performance area and other specific zones where their presence could pose a direct threat to the health and safety of the animals and participants.
If a service animal’s presence would fundamentally alter the nature of the event, alternative arrangements will be made to accommodate the needs of the individual with the disability.
- Inquiries and Identification:
Event staff may ask the following two questions to determine if an animal qualifies as a service animal:
- Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability?
- What work or task has the dog been trained to perform?
Staff will not ask about the person’s disability, require medical documentation, require a special identification card or training documentation for the dog, or ask that the dog demonstrate its ability to perform the work or task.
- Behavior and Control:
Service animals must be under the control of their handler at all times. This includes being harnessed, leashed, or tethered, unless these devices interfere with the service animal’s work or the individual’s disability prevents using these devices. In such cases, the individual must maintain control of the animal through voice, signal, or other effective means.
Any service animal that behaves in an aggressive or disruptive manner, or that is not housebroken, may be asked to leave the premises.
- Alternative Arrangements:
If a service animal is restricted from certain areas, the Australian Equine Performance Center will make every effort to provide reasonable accommodations. This may include providing alternative viewing areas or special access times when the presence of a service animal will not pose a risk.
- Notification:
Guests planning to attend the event with a service animal are encouraged to notify Australian Equine Performance Center in advance to discuss any specific accommodations that may be required.
Contact Information:
For any questions or to discuss specific accommodations, please contact [email protected].
Compliance:
This policy is in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Kentucky state regulations. Any updates or changes to the policy will be communicated promptly to ensure ongoing compliance.
