Equine Assisted Therapeutic Riding Program

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We are in need of volunteers, please share. training will be provided, we have listed the requirements for becoming a team member. if this sounds like something you would like please let us know we will be doing volunteer training!

1. The Sidewalker and Horse Handler must be at least 14 years of age and of sufficient maturity and competence to work with disabled riders safely and effectively. The SW and HH must be reliable for their volunteer commitment and attend when they sign-up on the volunteer sign-up sheet.

2. The Sidewalker agrees to place the safety of the rider as the highest priority and to be constantly vigilant when working in the Sidewalker capacity.

3. The Sidewalker and Horse Handler must be physically, mentally, and emotionally able to walk next to the horse, using the correct method of Sidewalking and Horse Handling for the entire therapy lesson (usually 30 -60 minutes).

4. The Sidewalker must be of sufficient stature and strength to be able to safely stabilize a rider on a horse. The Horse Handler must be of sufficient stature and strength to be able to control a horse under any circumstances.

5. The Sidewalker or Horse Handler must be willing and able to assist the riding instructor and/or therapist in helping the rider carry out their therapy lesson.

6. The Sidewalker or Horse Handler will not distract the rider during the therapy lessons or give the rider instructions independent of the riding instructor and/or therapist.

7. The Sidewalker or Horse Handler should not gossip or exclude the rider in conversations.

8. The Sidewalker or Horse Handler will not undermine the authority of the riding instructor and/or therapist.

9. The Sidewalker or Horse Handler agrees to maintain the rider’s confidentiality.

10. The Sidewalker or Horse Handler will not partake in any mind-altering substances including any degree of alcohol that would impair or inhibit physical or mental responses, before or during their time spent in lessons.

11. The Sidewalker or Horse Handler will dress appropriately, including close-toed shoes that are required for any activity in lessons.

12. The Sidewalker will use the accepted and approved method of the Sidewalking technique they were trained with and that is explained in the Sidewalker Handout.

13. The Sidewalker should never attempt to mount or dismount a rider unless they have been properly trained and are listed on the approved list of those trained in the Mounting and Dismounting Procedure. Only aid in mounting and dismounting once properly trained and have been given instructions to help by the riding instructor and/or therapist. This procedure is never to be initiated on one’s own.

14. The Sidewalker will remain aware of the emergency procedures and of their designated category of Sidewalker 1 or Sidewalker 2 in relation to the Emergency Plan. The Horse Handler also agrees to remain aware of the appropriate emergency procedures as well.

15. Each Sidewalker and Horse Handler must disinfect their hands either by washing with soap or using an antibacterial hand sanitizer before and after each ride and interaction with each rider.

The Sidewalkers and Horse Handlers are vital to the therapeutic riding program and it is therefore essential that each person working in the capacity of a Sidewalker or Horse Handler understand all of their responsibilities and carry them out consistently.