Name:____________=
________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________=
_________________________________________
Address:_________=
_________________________________________________________________________ <=
/span>
City:____________=
___________________ &=
nbsp; State:___________________ &=
nbsp; Zip_______________
=
Telephone: (Home) _______________ (Work)________________ (Pager/Cell) ___________________
=
=
Company Name:_______________________________________
Occupation:_________________________
=
=
Does your company participate in any kind of “Gift
Giving” program? _____________________________
=
If yes, please
explain:___________________________________________________________________=
____
=
E-Mail:__________=
_____________________________________ Birthdate:_________
Height:_______**
=
**( Height is
used when scheduling Volunteers as Sidewalkers for our Riders)
=
Allergies/Medications we should be aware of:___________________________________________=
________
Parent/Guardian Name and Address (if prospective volunt=
eer
is under the age of 19)***
___________________________________________=
_______________________________________________
___________________________________________=
_______________________________________________
***(Please
see the attached Policy on Volunteer Age limit)***
How
did you hear about the
___________________________________________=
_______________________________________________
When
are you available to work at the
Saturday:___________________________________________=
______________________________________
Weekdays: Morning ___________________________ Afternoon ________________________________
Special
Events (Horse Shows, Rodeos, etc.)___=
__________________________________________________
___________________________________________=
_______________________________________________
Do
you have any special skills (such as carpentry, video or photography, print=
ing,
fundraising, grant writing, etc.) that could be used to further enhance our
program?_____________________________=
____________
___________________________________________=
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________=
___________________
Briefly
describe your experience in working with horses:__________________________________________
___________________________________________=
_______________________________________________
With
what horse management skills do you feel most comfortable (i.e. catching,
haltering, leading, grooming, tacking, bathing, etc.)?__________________________________________________________________=
____
___________________________________________=
_______________________________________________
Would you be interested in further instruction? ____ Yes ____ No. If yes, what days and times would =
you be
able to attend additional training sessions: _______________________________________________
___________________________________________=
_______________________________________________
Volunteer
Liability Release Agreement
Volunteer:=
___________________________________________=
________ Phone:_____________________
Address: __________________________________________________________________=
________________
Parent/Gua=
rdian’s
Full Name ___________________________=
_________ Phone: _____________________
I/We, the
volunteer or parents/guardian of the above named volunteer, who is applying=
for
participation in the
I/We do fu=
rther
release, absolve, indemnify and hold harmless the Reece Center for Handicap=
ped
Horsemanship, its officers, employees, representatives, successors and assi=
gns,
for all manner of claims, demands and damages of every kind and nature
whatsoever on account of any personal injuries, physical or mental conditio=
n,
known or unknown, as a result of, or in any way growing out of participatio=
n in
the Reece Center for Handicapped Horsemanship program.
The unders=
igned
do (does) hereby authorize and give permission to the Reece Center for
Handicapped Horsemanship and its Staff, individual or together, to act on
behalf of the undersigned in requesting and authorizing the provision of
emergency medical services as deemed necessary in their discretion to the
volunteer.
The unders=
igned
guarantees payment of all customary fees and charges in connection with the
rendering of such emergency medical services.
This release/authorization sh=
all
be effective during the period beginning on (date)_________________________
and continuing through the pe=
riod
that the volunteer is involved with the
Signature of Volunteer over a=
ge
19:__________________________________=
___________________________
=
&=
nbsp; &nbs=
p; &=
nbsp; &nbs=
p; Date:___________________________________________=
__________________
*****If the volunteer is not =
of
legal age (19), this form must be signed by both parents/legal guardians.
Mother:
Father:
Guardian:<=
span
style=3D'mso-tab-count:1 lined'>________________________________________ Date: _________________________________
Guardian:<=
span
style=3D'mso-tab-count:1 lined'>________________________________________ Date: _________________________________
Reason for only one signing:<=
span
style=3D'mso-tab-count:1 lined'>___________________________________________=
________________________
__________________________________________________________________=
________________________
__________________________________________________________________=
________________________
__________________________________________________________________=
________________________
Authorization for Emergency Medical Treatment
In the event emergency medical
aid/treatment is required due to illness or injury during the process of
receiving services or while being on the property of the agency, I authorize
the
1.
Secure and retain medical treatment =
and
transportation if needed.
2.
Release volunteer records upon reque=
st
to the authorized individual or agency involved in the medical emergency
treatment.
Volunteer&=
#8217;s
Name: _______________________________=
_____________ Phone: ______________________
Address:__________________________________________________________________=
________________
In the eve=
nt I
cannot be reached, contact: _________=
_________________ Phone: ______________________
&=
nbsp; &nbs=
p; &=
nbsp; &nbs=
p; or
contact: __________________________ =
Phone:
______________________
Physician&=
#8217;s
Name: _______________________________=
_____________ Phone: ______________________
Preferred
Medical Facility:____________________=
__________________ Phone:_______________________
Health Ins=
urance
Company:_____________________________=
________ Policy #: _____________________
CONSENT PLAN
This
authorization included x-ray, surgery, hospitalization, medication, and any
treatment procedures deemed “life saving” by the physician. This provision will only be invoke=
d if
the person listed below is unable to be reached.
Consent
Signature:___________________________=
_________________ Date: _______________________
Relationship to volunteer (se=
lf,
parent, guardian):___________________=
_______________________________
Print Name=
:___________________________________________=
_______ Phone:_______________________
Address: __________________________________________________________________=
________________
NON-CONSENT
PLAN
I do not give my consent for
emergency treatment/aid in the case of illness or injury during the process=
of
receiving services or while being on the property of the agency. In the event emergency treatment/a=
id is
required, I wish the following procedures to take place:
__________________________________________________________________=
________________________
__________________________________________________________________=
________________________
__________________________________________________________________=
________________________
__________________________________________________________________=
________________________
Non-Consent
Signature:___________________________=
_____________ Date: _______________________
Relationship to volunteer (se=
lf,
parent, guardian):___________________=
_______________________________
Print Name=
:___________________________________________=
_______ Phone:_______________________
Address: __________________________________________________________________=
________________
Volunteer
Photo Release Form
For valuab=
le
consideration given and which is hereby acknowledged, the undersigned hereby
grant(s) to the Reece Center for
Handicapped Horsemanship permission to take or have taken, still and mo=
ving
photographs and films, including television pictures of ______________________________________________ and consent(s) and authorizes=
the Reece Center for Handicapped Horseman=
ship,
its advertising agencies, news media, and any other persons interested in t=
he Reece Center for Handicapped Horseman=
ship
and its work to use and reproduce photographs, films, and pictures to circu=
late
and publicize the same by all means including without limited the generalit=
y of
the foregoing newspapers, television media, brochures, pamphlets, instructi=
onal
materials, books, and clinical material.
With regar=
d to
the foregoing no inducements or promises have been made to us/me to secure
our/my signature(s) to this release other than the intention of the Reece Center for Handicapped Horseman=
ship
to use such
photographs, films, or pictures for the primary purpose of promoting and ai=
ding
the Reece Center for Handicapped
Horsemanship and its work.
Dated this=
_____________________ day of _____________ , 20 __=
_________
Consent
Signature:___________________________=
_________________ Date: _______________________
Relationship to volunteer (se=
lf,
parent, guardian):___________________=
_______________________________
Print Name=
:___________________________________________=
_______ Phone:_______________________
Address: __________________________________________________________________=
________________
Consent Si=
gnature:___________________________________________=
_ Date: _______________________
Relationship to volunteer (se=
lf,
parent, guardian):___________________=
_______________________________
Print Name=
:___________________________________________=
_______ Phone:_______________________
Address: __________________________________________________________________=
________________
***********************************************************************=
*******************
Georgia Law with regard to Equine Activities
WARNING! Under Georgia Law, an equine activ=
ity
sponsor or equine professional is not liable for an injury to or the death =
of a
participant in equine activities resulting from the inherent risks of equine
activities, pursuant to Chapter 12 of Title 4 of the official code of
I, the undersigned, have read=
and
understand the above statement.
Volunteer signature: ___________________________________________=
______________________________
Parent/guardian signature (if
applicable):_________________________=
________________________________
Witness
signature: __________________________=
__________________ Date: _______________________
Volunteer Information Checklist:
=
&=
nbsp; &nbs=
p; 1. =
Reece
Center Volunteer Application has been completed. ______ <=
/span>
&=
nbsp; &nbs=
p; 2. =
; Barn tour =
has
been conducted. &nbs=
p; &=
nbsp; &nbs=
p; &=
nbsp; ______
&=
nbsp; &nbs=
p; 3. =
“Hands
on” training has been conducted. =
; &n=
bsp; =
; ______
&=
nbsp; &nbs=
p; 4. =
Emergency
procedures have been reviewed. &=
nbsp; &nbs=
p; ______
=
&nb=
sp;
5. Safety rul=
es and
regulations have been received. =
&nb=
sp; ______
I hereby acknowledge that I h=
ave
completed and understand all paperwork that was given to me, that I have be=
en
given a complete barn tour, that I have been given complete hands on traini=
ng
by the Volunteer Training Coordinator or by another Reece Center staff memb=
er,
and that I have reviewed and have been given copies of Reece Center emergen=
cy
procedures and safety rules and regulations.
Volunteer
signature: __________________________=
___________ Date: _____________________________
Staff sign=
ature:
_____________________________________=
____ Date:______________________________
Staff titl=
e: ___________________________________________=
__
*******************************************************=
***********************************
All personnel associated with=
the
Reece Center for Handicapped
Horsemanship, including but not limited to staff, independent contracto=
rs,
temporary employees, volunteers, board members, shall preserve the right of
confidentiality for all individuals in its program and shall keep confident=
ial
all medical, social, referral, personal, and financial information regardin=
g a
person and his/her family. Fa=
ilure
to respect and observe this policy may result in dismissal from this progra=
m.
I, the undersigned, have read=
and
understand the above policy.
Volunteer signature:___________________________________________=
______________________________
Parent/guardian signature (if
applicable):_________________________=
________________________________
Witness
signature: __________________________=
__________________ Date: _______________________
An Introduction to the
Thank you =
for
your interest in the
We depend
completely upon the support of our volunteers and hope that your interest in
our program will be transformed into a commitment to our program. We deeply appreciate the investmen=
t of
time and effort required in serving as a volunteer with our program and hope
that your commitment will be more than compensated for by all of the rewards
received from and given by the Reece Center family - riders, parents, and o=
ther
volunteers like yourself.
The
The
Without th=
e help
of volunteers such as yourself, we would not be able to do what we do. Volunteers help take care of the h=
orses,
the equipment and facilities, and also assist in the riding classes by
performing as “leaders” - whose primary responsibility is the
behavior of the horse - and as “sidewalkers” - whose primary
responsibility is the safety of the rider.
We would l=
ike
for each volunteer to make a commitment of at least two hours every other
week. Of course, if you can a=
rrange
for longer hours or for every Saturday, we would be very happy to accommoda=
te
you. Since our class schedule is arrang=
ed
several days in advance, PLEASE CALL if you find that you cannot come out w=
hen
scheduled. You may cal=
l the
Volunteer Coordinator, or respond by email to Cherub2mom@aol.com during the
week; on Saturdays, please call the
Once again=
, we
thank you for your interest in our program and look forward to working with=
you
should you choose to become a member of the
Sincerely,=
Wade Wheel=
er,
CEO
Volunteer Guidelines, Safety Rules, and Procedures
General
Guidelines, Safety Rules, and Procedures:
1.
Riders park between the signs at sid=
e of
the ring. Volunteers park to the right of the signs.
2.
NO SMOKING. Not only is smoking a safety hazar=
d for
our facility, but many of our riders (and volunteers) are adversely affecte=
d by
cigarette/cigar/pipe smoke.
3.
If you are sick, notify the Volunteer
Coordinator as soon as possible and DO NOT COME TO THE CENTER! Some of our riders are very suscep=
tible
to illness.
4.
Wear sensible clothing
5.
Please do not wear wide-brim hats; on windy days
they can be especially hazardous.
Baseball caps are acceptable.
6.
Please do not wear earrings which dangle. Some of our riders cannot resist
reaching out and grabbing at such attractive accessories. Long necklaces should be hidden un=
der your
shirt when working with our students.
7.
Practice good horsemanship when working
with the horses.
a. Do not run or play in the barn. Do not eat or drink in the barn.
b.
Try to maintain a distance of several yards when
walking behind a horse.
c.
Move quietly and carefully around the horses; do=
not
make sudden arm movements or wave things (for example, jackets, saddle
blankets, etc.).
d.
Speak softly; do not make sudden loud noises whi=
le
around the horses.
e.
Speak to the horses before approaching, entering=
the
stalls, etc.; always let the horses know where you are.
f.
Always use a halter and lead rope to tie your
horse. I
g.
Never wrap or tie anything attached to your horse
around your body in any way. =
When
you are leading a horse, the lead line should never be looped or wrapped ar=
ound
your hand; it should be folded in such a way that allows you to hold the li=
ne
IN your hand.
h.
Keep alert at all times when around
horses. Practice CIA (constant intelligent awareness)<=
span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'> and watch for riders =
and
other volunteers when leading or grooming a horse in the barn area.
i.
Treat our horses gently and with respe=
ct. Cinch or girth slowly and in small
increments. Make sure the tack
fits, is adjusted properly, and is safe to use. Report any problems with tack and/=
or
equipment to the Volunteer Coordinator or other appropriate staff members so
that it can be repaired or replaced.
j.
Horses will be bridled by the Volunteer Coordina=
tor
or someone appointed by the Volunteer Coordinator.
k.
Leave the disciplining of horses to
appropriate staff.
l.
Unusual or problem behaviors should be recorded =
in
our “Horse Log” notebook, which is kept in the in the feed
room. Note the date and time =
and
describe the behavior in as much detail as possible. See the Volunteer Coordinator or o=
ther
appropriate staff member to record the incident.
m. &nbs=
p;
Report any injuries of horses or stude=
nts
to appropriate staff members immediately and assist them in filing an incid=
ent
report.
Volunteer Guidelines, Safety Rules, and Procedures
Guidelines,
Safety Rules, and Procedures for “Leaders”:
1. If the assignment board lists you as a “leader,” your first responsibility is to prepare your assigned horse for class. “Sidewalkers” assigned to your rider should assist you.<= o:p>
2.
Practice good horsemanship when working
with your horse. If you are uncertai=
n that
you remember the “Reece Center” way to perform a certain task
(haltering, leading, tying, grooming, tacking, etc.), please ask an appropr=
iate
staff member for clarification.
3.
When your horse is ready, recheck the girth and
gently tighten if necessary. =
4.
After lining up, recheck the girth and tighten if
necessary. Your sidewalkers m=
ay
assist.
5.
Your responsibilities in the mounting process wi=
ll
be covered in a separate section.
6.
Once your rider is mounted and is working in the
ring, your primary responsibility is the horse. If the rider needs help, let the
sidewalker address the problem while walking on the rail or, if asked by the
sidewalker, lead the horse into the center of the ring and request further
assistance. If your rider is =
a more
advanced rider and you have no sidewalker, lead the horse into the center of
the ring and request assistance.
7.
Hold the lead line loosely with the right hand 6=
to
8 inches from the halter and the left hand holding the rest of the lead line
folded. DO
NOT LOOP OR WRAP THE LEAD LINE AROUND YOUR HAND AT ANY TIME!
8.
Walk at the horse’s neck so you can watch =
his
head, his expression, and his manners.&nbs=
p;
Do not walk in front or drag your horse along.
9.
WHEN THE HORSE IS STOPPED FOR ANY REAS=
ON,
STEP TO THE FRONT AND FACE THE HORSE.
THIS IS A
10.
Let the riders do as much as they can even if it
takes longer. Many of our rid=
ers
need more time to process information.&nbs=
p;
However, safety is always our first concern and you may need to take
control of the horse in order to prevent an accident or avoid a potentially
dangerous situation.
11.
Always be aware of other horses in the ring. If you are too close to the horse =
in
front of you, you may let the Leader of the horse in front of you know that=
you
are going to pass by having your rider say or by your saying loudly and cle=
arly, “Passing on the right” or “Passing =
on the
left.” The instr=
uctor
may ask that your rider circle or slow the horse instead of passing.
Mounting
Guidelines, Safety Rules and Procedures:
1.
Mounting is the most dangerous part of=
our
program. Be especially alert =
when
in or around the ramp.
2.
When directed to do so by mounting staff, lead y=
our
horse into the mounting ramp while keeping both hands on the lead line. DO NOT H=
OLD THE
HORSE BY THE BRIDLE! T=
urn
and face the horse. A
3.
When directed to do so by mounting staff, back o=
ut
of the ramp slowly and allow the horse to follow you. When you reach the end of the ramp=
, turn
around and lead your horse and rider into the ring, keeping an eye on your
horse at all times.
4.
After entering the ring, walk the horse on the r=
ail
until the instructor calls your rider into the center of the ring to adjust=
stirrups,
etc. Be
especially alert when approaching the OPEN gate! Watch for other riders entering the
ring.
Volunteer Guidelines, Safety Rules, and Procedures
Guidelines,
Safety Rules, and Procedures for “Sidewalkers”:
1.
If the assignment board lists you as a
“sidewalker,” your first responsibility is the safety and comfo=
rt
of your assigned rider. (It is
advisable for you to slip several tissues into your pocket just in case your
rider has a runny nose.)
2.
If you are able to do so, assist your
“leader” with getting the horse ready for class. If you are not comfortable working
directly with the horse, your assistance in getting the tack, warming the b=
it,
etc. is invaluable.
3.
When your horse is ready, accompany your horse a=
nd
leader out of the barn and line up as instructed by appropriate staff. You should stand next to your horse
after lining up.
4.
Assist the leader in making a final check of tack
and equipment and in gently tightening the girth if necessary.
5.
Your responsibilities in the mounting process wi=
ll
be covered in a separate section.
6.
Once your rider is mounted and is working in the
ring, your primary responsibility is your rider. If the rider needs help and you can
provide the needed assistance in an appropriate manner while the horse is
moving, do so. If you need fo=
r the
leader to stop the horse, ask the leader to lead the horse into the center =
of
the ring so that you can address the problem without interrupting the progr=
ess
of other riders also working on the rail.&=
nbsp;
If you need additional assistance, ask the instructor for help.
7.
Give the rider only as much support as is needed=
and
in an appropriate manner. Som=
etimes
the rider will need more assistance from you at the beginning of the class,=
but
less as the rider begins to relax and work. If you are not familiar with the r=
ider,
ask the instructor for more direction.
8.
Regardless of what kind of assistance you are as=
ked
to provide, PLEASE DO NOT LEAN ON THE HORSE OR RE=
ST
YOUR HAND ON THE HORSE. This
tends to annoy and distract the horse.
9.
If the rider tries to talk to you, direct his/her
attention to the instructor. =
If the
problem persists, ask the leader to take the horse into the center of the r=
ing
and ask the instructor for help.
10. Make
corrections physically instead of verbally if your rider appears to have
difficulty understanding what he/she has been asked to do. For example, instead of repeatedly
telling the rider to turn the horse with the left hand, put your hand on the
rider’s left hand and physically move the hand as needed to gently tu=
rn
the horse. On occasion the
instructor may ask you to work on a particular problem with the rider while=
the
lesson is progressing.
11. If you=
have an
ongoing behavior problem with the rider, ask the leader to go to the center=
of
the ring so that the instructor can help correct the problem.
Mounting
Guidelines, Safety Rules and Procedures:
1.
Mounting is the most dangerous part of=
our
program. Be especially alert =
when
in or around the ramp.
2.
When the leader is directed to walk the horse in=
to
the mounting ramp, you should walk AROUND the ramp and stand in front of the
ramp until the horse is led out. PLEASE DO NOT WALK ONTO THE MOUNTING RAMP IN ORDER TO G=
O FROM
ONE SIDE TO THE OTHER!
3.
Sidewalkers take over responsibility for the rid=
er
at the end of the mounting ramp and should support the rider securely as
directed by the mounting staff.
4.
After entering the ring, provide any needed supp=
ort
as you walk with your rider until the instructor calls your rider into the
center of the ring to adjust stirrups, etc. Be espec=
ially
alert when approaching the OPEN gate! Watch for other rider entering the =
ring.
If an accident occurs, the volunteer lead=
ing
the horse will be responsible for and stay with the horse.
The sidewalker will secure the safety of =
the
rider and stay with the rider.
The riding instructor will implement stan=
dard
first aid procedures and assume leadership in dealing with the rider and wi=
th
the situation. The instructor=
will
designate a volunteer to inform the Rider Coordinator as to what has happen=
ed
and what kind of assistance is needed.&nbs=
p;
The Instructor will also direct all other volunteers acting as leade=
rs
and sidewalkers to remove the other students and horses to a secure area to=
be
dismounted. Leaders will be a=
sked
to assist the Volunteer Coordinator in putting all horses in their stalls a=
nd
in securing the barn area.
Sidewalkers will be asked to escort their riders into the house.
The Rider Coordinator, or someone designa=
ted
by her, will call 911, Fulton County Emerg=
ency,
giving the address, the phone number being called from, and the nature of t=
he
emergency. That person will w=
ait by
the telephone until the Rescue Vehicle arrives.
Should the accident occur in the riding r=
ing
or adjoining property, the Rider Coordinator will also send a volunteer to =
the
Instructor with the first-aid kit kept in the lounge area. Should the accident occur in the b=
arn,
the Instructor will send a volunteer for the first-aid kit kept in the barn=
for
such emergencies.
The Volunteer Coordinator, having secured the barn = area, will send a volunteer to the road to be sure that the gate is open and to ensure that the Rescue Vehicle finds the driveway.
The information needed by 911 i= s as follows:<= o:p>
1.
The address: =
&nb=
sp; Gate
at
Palmetto
2.
The telephone number: &n=
bsp; 404
281 8096 or 404 314 5450
3.
The nature of the emergency: (Information as provided by t=
he
instructor)
Please remain on the phone until directed to do otherwise by 911
staff.
Carol Cortino, Volunteer Coordinator
Home: 770 922 7640
Pager: 770 929 7640
Email: Carol4820@aol.com
Rick Martinez, Barn Manager
Cell: 404 295 1665
Email: Happyhorseworks@yahoo.com
&nbs= p; &= nbsp; &nbs= p; &= nbsp; &nbs= p; &= nbsp; &nbs= p; &= nbsp;
Denise
Wheeler, Assistant Director/Instructor
Home: 678 423 1734
Cell: 404 314 5450
Email: Cherub2mom@aol.com
Heather =
Hipp,
Web Master/Instructor
Cell: 770 262 6180
Email:
Tommyhipp@bellsouth.net
Wade Whe=
eler,
Executive Director/Program Director
Home: 678 423 1734
Cell: 404 281 8096
Email:wadehwheeler281@=
gmail.com
The
=
Introduction
to Disabilities
Our philosophy at the
Cognitive
Disabilities:
=
Autism: =
; The
autistic rider tends to have little or no speech and a short attention span;
may engage in repetitive and/or meaningless movements; may be abusive towar=
ds
self and others; is resistant to change; is socially withdrawn. Volunteers interactions with=
the
student need to be positive and reaffirming, with lots of praise for correct
actions.
Developmental Disabilities:&nb=
sp; =
The
developmentally disabled rider is unable to communicate at normal age level=
and
has a short attention span; many have poor muscle tone, coordination and
balance; most do not comprehend abstract concepts and need to be shown rath=
er
than told what to do - demonstration and repetition are keys to learning.
Learning Disabilities: &n=
bsp; The
learning disabled rider perceives the world differently and is unable to
receive and process information in the usual manner; may exhibit hyperactive
and/or inappropriate behavior and has a low tolerance to frustration; needs=
simple
instructions and demonstrations to facilitate learning. Volunteers need to be patient and =
allow
time for processing to take place.
Physical
Disabilities:
Arthritis - Osteoporosis: =
; The
rider with osteoporosis will have a loss of bone density resulting in bone
fragility that may be concentrated in one area of the body. Joints may be painful and stiff;
fractures are a major concern in all activities. Volunteers need to be especially c=
areful
to treat this rider with extreme care and gentleness. This rider will always have two
sidewalkers who will be aware of this rider’s condition. Extreme care must be taken in exec=
uting
an emergency dismount with this rider.&nbs=
p;
To avoid hip dislocation, both legs must be moved together as a unit=
.
Blindness: &n=
bsp; The
blind rider may have partial or total blindness and may ha=
ve
balance problems as well as difficulties with body awareness and movement;
needs very specific directions in order to achieve maximum degree of
independence. Volunteers shou=
ld
always inform the rider before making physical contact.
Cerebral Palsy: &nb=
sp; The
rider with cerebral palsy will tend to have spastic movements along with
speech, hearing, and other sensory problems; poor balance and difficulty wi=
th
controlled movements can affect stability; needs time to relax and needs ti=
me
to process and act upon instruction.
Volunteers should be patient, should provide adequate and appropriate
support, and should avoid abrupt or sudden movements, changes in direction,
etc. This rider tends to have=
tight
muscles and care should be taken in emergency situations to avoid additional
injuries. Avoid actions which
stretch muscles and joints.
Physical
Disabilities (cont.):
Seizure Disorders: =
The
rider with seizure disorders may exhibit loss of consciousness and may conv=
ulse,
even when on medication. This=
rider
will always have two sidewalkers who are aware of this condition. If the rider has a seizure while r=
iding,
the horse is halted in place by the leader, who notifies the instructor abo=
ut
the situation, and the two sidewalkers provide physical support to the
rider. If the rider exhibits =
strong
convulsions, one of the sidewalkers will emergency dismount the rider. Once the rider is dismounted, the =
leader
will remove the horse from proximity to the rider. The instructor will make appropria=
te
decisions regarding the remainder of the class and the necessity of initiat=
ing
standard emergency procedures.
Spina Bifida: =
; =
The
rider with spina bifida will have a fragile spinal column and should be tre=
ated
with care; many will have a shunt to prevent hydocephalus, which requires
careful fitting of helmet; may have long or short leg braces; may be in a
wheelchair or on crutches; may have limited skin sensation below the waist =
and
are therefore susceptible to pressure sores and/or friction injuries. This
rider will usually have one or two sidewalkers, depending on the severity of
the condition and the planned instructional activity. Volunteers should be ready at all =
times
to execute an emergency dismount as this rider cannot be allowed to fall.
Spinal Curvature: &=
nbsp; The
rider with a spinal curvature (scoliosis, kyphosis, or lordosis) may have
difficulty assuming a correct posture on horseback; avoid backward and forw=
ard
bending; stirrup length may need to be uneven. Volunteers need to be alert to the
rider’s appearing to lean to one side or the other; the saddle may ne=
ed
to be readjusted from time to time.
Emotional
Disorders:
Emotional Impairment: The =
rider
with an emotional impairment has difficulty with expressing emotions
and feelings in appropriate and socially accepted manners;
responses and reactions may be extreme.&nb=
sp;
Volunteers
must set firm limits and encourage high levels of
performance. Work closely with
instructor to maximize task
performance and minimize opportunities for manipulation and
defiance.