Name:____________=
________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________=
_________________________________________
Address:_________=
_________________________________________________________________________ <=
/span>
City:____________=
___________________ &=
nbsp; State:___________________ &=
nbsp; Zip_______________
=
Telephone: (Home) _________________=
_ (Work) ____________________=
(Pager) ___________________
=
=
Company Name:_______________=
________________________
Occupation:_________________________
=
=
Does your company participate in any kind of “Gift
Giving” program? _____________________________
=
If yes, please explain:_____=
__________________________________________________________________
=
E-Mail:__________=
_____________________________________ Birthdat=
e:_________ 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 limi=
t)***
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, grantwriting, 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 period 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 authoriz=
e the
1.
Secure and retain medical treatment and transportation =
if
needed.
2.
Release volunteer records upon request 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 provis=
ion
will only be invoked 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 ________________________________________________________
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. ______
&=
nbsp; &nbs=
p; 2. =
Reece
Center Training Video has been viewed. =
; &n=
bsp; N/A=
__
=
; &n=
bsp; 3. =
; Barn tour =
has
been conducted. &nbs=
p; &=
nbsp; &nbs=
p; &=
nbsp; ______
&=
nbsp; &nbs=
p; 4. =
“Hands
on” training has been conducted. =
; &n=
bsp; =
; ______
&=
nbsp; &nbs=
p; 5. =
Emergency
procedures have been reviewed. &=
nbsp; &nbs=
p; &=
nbsp; ______
6. &=
nbsp;
=
; Safety
rules and regulations have been received.&n=
bsp; =
; ______
I hereby acknowledge that I h=
ave
completed and understand all paperwork that was given to me, that I have se=
en
the training video, that I have been given a complete barn tour, that I have
been given complete hands on training by the Volunteer Training Coordinator=
or
by another Reece Center staff member, and that I have reviewed and have been
given copies of Reece Center emergency 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 Reece Center for Handicapped Horsemanship, which is a
non-profit organization providing free therapeutic recreational horseback
riding for disabled children in the Atlanta area.
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 horses, the equipment and facilities, and also assist in t=
he
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, 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 side of the ring.
Volunteers park to the right of the signs.
2.
NO SMOKING. Not only is smoking=
a
safety hazard for our facility, but many of our riders (and volunteers) are
adversely affected 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!&nb=
sp;
Some of our riders are very susceptible to illness.
4.
Wear sensible clothing.
Wearing sturdy, close-toed shoes is especially important when working
with and around horses. Sanda=
ls are
not appropriate and can contribute to accidental injuries.
5.
Please do not wear wide-brim hats; on windy days they can be especi=
ally
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.<= o:p>
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 while around the horse=
s.
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 around your hand; it
should be folded in such a way that allows you to hold the line IN your han=
d.
h.
Keep alert at all times when around horses. Practice C=
IA
(constant intelligent awareness) and watch for riders and other volunteers when
leading or grooming a horse in the barn area.
i.
Treat our horses gently and with respect. 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 Coordinator 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 describ=
e the
behavior in as much detail as possible.&nb=
sp;
See the Volunteer Coordinator or other appropriate staff member to
record the incident.
m. Report any
injuries of horses or students to appropriate staff members immediately and
assist them in filing an incident 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 f=
irst
responsibility is to prepare your assigned horse for class. “Sidewa=
lkers”
assigned to your rider should assist you.
2.
Practice good horsemanship when working with your horse. If you are uncertain that you reme=
mber
the “Reece Center” way to perform a certain task (haltering,
leading, tying, grooming, tacking, etc.), please ask an appropriate 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 sidewalk=
ers
may assist.
5.
Your responsibilities in the mounting process will 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.<=
span
style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'> If your rider is a more advanced r=
ider
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 t=
he
halter and the left hand holding the rest of the lead line folded. DO NOT L=
OOP 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. =
Do not
walk in front or drag your horse along.
9.
WHEN THE HORSE IS STOPPED FOR ANY REASON, STEP TO THE FRO=
NT
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 riders need more time =
to
process information. 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 aro=
und
the ramp.
2.
When directed to do so by mounting staff, lead your 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 out of the ramp slow=
ly
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 rail 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 comfort of your assigned
rider. (It is advisable for y=
ou 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 get=
ting
the horse ready for class. If=
you
are not comfortable working directly with the horse, your assistance in get=
ting
the tack, warming the bit, etc. is invaluable.
3.
When your horse is ready, accompany your horse and 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 will 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 for 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 progress of other riders a=
lso
working on the rail. If you n=
eed
additional assistance, ask the instructor for help.
7.
Give the rider only as much support as is needed and in an appropri=
ate
manner. Sometimes the rider w=
ill
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 rider, ask the instructor for more direction.=
8.
Regardless of what kind of assistance you are asked to provide,
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 ring and =
ask
the instructor for help.
10. Make corrections physi=
cally
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 turn the horse.&n=
bsp;
On occasion the instructor may ask you to work on a particular probl=
em
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 aro=
und
the ramp.
2.
When the leader is directed to walk the horse into the mounting ram=
p,
you should walk AROUND the ramp and stand in front of the ramp until the ho=
rse
is led out. PLEASE DO NOT WALK ONTO THE MOUNTING RAMP IN ORDER TO GO FROM ONE SIDE=
TO
THE OTHER!
3.
Sidewalkers take over responsibility for the rider at
the end of the mounting ramp and should support the rider securely as direc=
ted
by the mounting staff.
4.
After entering the ring, provide any needed support as you walk with
your rider until the instructor calls your rider into the center of the rin=
g to
adjust stirrups, etc. Be especially 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.&=
nbsp;
Leaders will be asked to assist the Volunteer Coordinator in putting=
all
horses in their stalls and 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; =
2.
The telephone number:&nb=
sp;
=
404
281 8096 or 404 314 5450 3.
The nature of the emergency: (Information
as provided by the instructor) Please remain on the phone until directed to do otherwise by 911
staff.
Carol Cortino, Volun=
teer
Coordinator
Home: 770 922 7640
Email: Carol4820@aol.com
Julie Cortino, Barn =
Manager
Home: 678 878 8914
Email: Sweetj317@aol.com
&nbs= p; &= nbsp; &nbs= p; &= nbsp; &nbs= p; &= nbsp; &nbs= p; &= nbsp;
Denise
Wheeler, Assistant Director
Home: 678 423 0858
Cell: 404 314 5450
Email: Cherub2mom@aol.com
Wade Whe=
eler,
Executive Director/Program Director
Home: 678 423 0858
Cell: 404 281 8096
Email:wadehwheeler@bel=
lsouth.net
The
=
Introduction
to Disabilities
Our philosophy at the
Cognitive
Disabilities:
=
Autism: The autistic ri= der tends to have little or no speech and a short attention span; may engage in repetitive and/or meaningless movements; may be abusive towards self and others; is resistant to change; is socially withdrawn. Voluntee= rs interactions with the student need to be positive and reaffirming, with lot= s of praise for correct actions. <= o:p>
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 D=
isabilities:
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
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: The rid=
er
with cerebral palsy will tend to have spastic movements along with speech,
hearing, and other sensory problems; poor balance and difficulty with
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
convulse, even when on medication.
This rider will always have two sidewalkers
who are aware of this condition. If
the rider has a seizure while riding, the horse is halted in place by the
leader, who notifies the instructor about the situation, and the two sidewalkers provide physical support to the rider.
Spina Bifida: =
; The
rider with spina bifida will have a fragile spi=
nal
column and should be treated with care; many will have a shunt to prevent <=
span
class=3DSpellE>hydocephalus, which requires careful fitting of helme=
t; may
have long or short leg braces; may be in a wheelchair or on crutches; may h=
ave
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 t=
he
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 cor=
rect
posture on horseback; avoid backward and forward 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 need 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.