The following is provided for some of the biggest hearted people we know - our volunteers!
Horse Handlers
Horse handlers should try to arrive at least 15 minutes before therapy begins.
1. Find out which horse is to be used and the equipment needed for that rider.
2. Take halter and get horse to the tacking area; tie to a secure post or designated tie rail. Brush abd groom the horse not forgetting to clean the horse's hooves. If the rider is able and interested in these preparatory procedures, please involve them.
3. Tack up the horse as specified for that student. Gently tighten the cinch at least 3 times before mounting.
4. Have the instructor check the horse, then proceed into the arena and warm up the horse by walking on the rail in both directions. Introduce the horse and rider to the obstacles to be used in that session.
5. The horse is your only responsibility; the student or side walker may ask you to stop or change gait.
6. Please never let the horse eat while you are handling them - this is their time to work.
7. After dismounting, the horse should be brushed and groomed before returning to their pen. Again, riders should be encouraged to participate.
1. Find out which horse is to be used and the equipment needed for that rider.
2. Take halter and get horse to the tacking area; tie to a secure post or designated tie rail. Brush abd groom the horse not forgetting to clean the horse's hooves. If the rider is able and interested in these preparatory procedures, please involve them.
3. Tack up the horse as specified for that student. Gently tighten the cinch at least 3 times before mounting.
4. Have the instructor check the horse, then proceed into the arena and warm up the horse by walking on the rail in both directions. Introduce the horse and rider to the obstacles to be used in that session.
5. The horse is your only responsibility; the student or side walker may ask you to stop or change gait.
6. Please never let the horse eat while you are handling them - this is their time to work.
7. After dismounting, the horse should be brushed and groomed before returning to their pen. Again, riders should be encouraged to participate.
Side Walkers
Side walkers are directly responsible for the rider. The side walker should help the rider focus their attention on the lesson.
When the instructor gives a direction and if the student seems confused, gently help to reinforce the instruction.
Maintain a position by the rider's knee. Being too far forward or back will make it very difficult to assist with instructions or provide security if the rider looses their seat.
Some riders will need more holding onto than others. Two ways to hold onto a rider without interfering include:
1. Arm-over-the-thigh hold. The side walker grips the front of the saddle (possibly the pommel depending on the horse's size) with the hand closest to the rider. Then the side walker's forearm rests gently on the rider's thigh.
2. Belt. Avoid pulling down or pushing up on the belt. As your arm tires, it's hard to avoid this, so rather than gripping the belt or loop firmly, simply touch your thumb and finger together around it. This will put you in position to assist te rider if needed.
If your arm becomes tired, ask the instructor to stop. Then trade sides, one at a time, with the other side walker.
The ultimate goal for therapeutic riding is to encourage the rider to stretch and grow.
When the instructor gives a direction and if the student seems confused, gently help to reinforce the instruction.
Maintain a position by the rider's knee. Being too far forward or back will make it very difficult to assist with instructions or provide security if the rider looses their seat.
Some riders will need more holding onto than others. Two ways to hold onto a rider without interfering include:
1. Arm-over-the-thigh hold. The side walker grips the front of the saddle (possibly the pommel depending on the horse's size) with the hand closest to the rider. Then the side walker's forearm rests gently on the rider's thigh.
2. Belt. Avoid pulling down or pushing up on the belt. As your arm tires, it's hard to avoid this, so rather than gripping the belt or loop firmly, simply touch your thumb and finger together around it. This will put you in position to assist te rider if needed.
If your arm becomes tired, ask the instructor to stop. Then trade sides, one at a time, with the other side walker.
The ultimate goal for therapeutic riding is to encourage the rider to stretch and grow.