Volunteer Guidelines
The benefits for the challenged have proven to be enormous for individuals with all types of challenges. Research shows that students who participate in therapeutic riding can experience physical, emotional and mental rewards. Because horseback riding gently and rhythmically moves the rider's body in a manner similar to a human gait, riders with physical challenges often show improvement in flexibility, balance and muscle strength.
Benefits of Riding
Physically: Improves balance, posture, stamina, encourages muscle development and coordination.
Mentally: Develops concentration, vocabulary, knowledge, stimulates interest in animals and surroundings, encourages receptive and expressive language.
Emotionally: Gives pride in accomplishment, encourages individuals to try new adventures and challenges, helps to overcome fears such as heights, animals and meeting new people.
Socially: Encourages a friendly, outgoing, cooperative attitude.
Volunteer
Dreams Go On provides riding opportunities to those physically, emotionally & mentally challenged. Providing a quality riding program requires a great commitment from the community and individuals like you. You are the backbone of the program and without you Dreams Go On could not exist. Your generous donation of time is greatly appreciated.
HORSE / PONY LEADER
Leading a horse being that is being ridden
The person leading the horse or pony should be well experienced with horses and capable of controlling the horse in unexpected situations. The proper position for the leader is to walk just back and to the left of the horse or pony's head. Do no get in front or fall too far behind. The lead shank should never be used to pull the animal forward. Keep your hands away from the mount's mouth. A good rule to follow is to hold the lead shank in your right hand approximately six inches from the ring or buckle. Hold the extra shank in your left hand. Never wrap it around your hand, but loop it and hold it loosely.
As the size of the mount varies, so do his steps. You must adjust your step to that of your mount so that you are not pulling him forward or holding him back unnecessarily. The leader should keep the horse walking at a good march for the rider to experience the benefits of the horse's movement. Once the rider is able to influence the horse's walk, the leader should not take the place of the rider by pulling the mount forward. The rider must be encouraged to control his mount with a minimum of assistance. The instructor will point out when you need to provide more control.
If reins are used, care should be taken to ensure that the lead shank does not run over the reins on the near side. This will cause pressure which will in turn cause the animal to turn in that direction. The lead shank should hang between the reins and run out under them.
At the Mounting Block
Please pay close attention to the instructor as she tells you where to position the horse. You will want to position the animal as close to the platform as possible. Your responsibility while the student is mounting is to keep your mount as quiet as possible. You might stand directly in front of the pony or horse. The horse handler should be able to tell you how best to keep the horse still. Be sure the rider does not get pinched against the platform or railing. After the student is mounted, move the animal a few steps away from the platform in order for the instructor to adjust the stirrups and for the side walkers to take their places. At this time, again move directly in front of the mount. The instructor will tell you when to take your position at the side of the horse's head.
At the Walk
If you have side walkers with your student, be careful not to get too close to the fence or wall. Do not get too close to the animal in front of you. Though none of the horses or ponies are kickers, constantly walking too close to the hind end tends to upset them, and they may use their only defense. Keep at least a full horse length behind the animal in front of you. If the rider cannot maintain this position, you must do so. Some of the students may have perceptual problems and may not be able to judge distances. The instructor will alert you to this in advance. Also, if the instructor asks you to turn for your rider, never turn sharply, as this will unbalance the rider. Do not assist however, unless you have been told to do so by the instructor.
At the Halt
One of the most important tasks of the leader takes place at the halt, while the students are doing their exercises. Again, unless otherwise instructed by the horse handler, step in front of the mount to keep them from moving. Your animal should be a few feet away from the others so that they are able to turn their heads, but not close enough to sniff their neighbors.
During Games
The instructor will give you the directions for the game to be played. If you have no side walkers, make sure your student understands the directions. Talk to him, pep him up, and get him ready to play. During the game, let the student do as much as possible for himself. The student will know she has accomplished something if she has done it for herself.
Dismounting
You will receive specific instructions as to whether you lead the horse to the mounting platform or remain in the ring. Move in front of your horse and keep him quiet. The instructor will dismount the student. NEVER dismount on the mounting block or ramp.
SIDE WALKERS
Maintain Rider's Sitting Balance
The primary responsibility of the side walker is to support the rider in maintaining their sitting balance. The rider's spine should be centered over the horse or pony's spine. Most students have balance problems in the beginning. There will usually be two side walkers with each rider. The instructor will inform you of the student's particular requirements. As you become familiar with the rider you will learn what level of support is best for them. If the student starts to slip, try to right him in the saddle. When a surcingle is used, the side walker places their near hand on the surcingle with their arm firmly but comfortably over the rider's leg.
Focus on the Instructor
Since the side walker is so close to the student, they may want to do a great deal of talking. Don't ignore them, but try to get them to focus their attention on the instructor. You will want to share names with the rider and exchange niceties, but please keep in mind that one of the worst distractions in the ring can be excessive talking. If the student has not heard instructions, reinforce them. Please don't talk to the leader or other side walkers when you are working. Talk just to the student, and only when necessary.
The volunteer should not teach but should reinforce what the instructor has said. The student should be allowed to do as much as possible for himself. It may be easier and faster if you don't, but the student will learn far less. Encourage the rider to follow the instructor's directions saying for example, "What should you do now?"
Riders as well as side walkers, leaders, instructors, horses, etc., should all be treated with dignity and respect. If there is a question regarding a rider's performance or behavior, please clarify your role in supporting them with the instructor. It is important to have the emotional health of the rider better than when they came. Avoid telling the rider "no" or "that's not right," by saying instead, "try again," or model the behavior and say "do it this way." Riders typically may not respond correctly the first or second time. Please support them by reinforcing close approximations, then ask for the movement or activity closer to the intended goal.
In Case of Emergency - Stay with Your Rider
The side walker should always stay with the rider (just as the leader stays with the horse/pony). In the event of a fall or other type of emergency such as a seizure or horse spooking, the side walker must not leave the rider unless someone else takes over for you. If the rider needs to be dismounted quickly, he should be removed on the leader's side by the side walker behind the leader (on the left side). This should be agreed upon by both side walkers and the leader prior to the student mounting.
If your rider becomes upset and is not able to focus on the lesson, you should have the leader stop the horse and consult with the instructor.
Side walker Expectations
Side walkers should be able to reach the sursingle and provide support to the rider comfortably while keeping stride with the horse. Side walker volunteers should be at least 16 years of age and be able to do some jogging and at least 45 minutes of walking.
Volunteers are expected to come at their scheduled time each week. Ideally, side walkers will be assigned to two or three riders with whom they will become familiar. Please call if you are unable to attend at your regular time. Give plenty of notice so that a substitute may be arranged. Remember, the students are depending on you so that they may ride.
GENERAL HORSE GUIDELINES
Treats/Feeding
Please do not hand feed the horses. They may mistake a finger for food!
Psychology of the Horse
Horses are more like deer than, for example, dogs. They may instinctively run or startle in response to sudden, loud noises or movements. It is important for the horse to get to know the people quietly and calmly. It is best to consult with the horse's owner or handler if you are not sure how to approach him.
Do not approach horses suddenly from behind. Likewise, do not clap your hands or wave your arms near the horse's face.
What to Wear
When working around horses, you should not wear clothing that is loose or baggy. Sturdy shoes or boots are recommended when leading or side walking (sneakers are not so good). Definitely wear boots if you are going to help with the stable chores.
STABLE HELP
Stable help is an important part of the overall riding program. It is not a very glamorous job, but is one that is vital. It is a well known fact that horses return to you what you give them. Therefore, they need a good feeding program, good grooming, daily exercise, clean buckets with fresh water and clean stalls. Stable work is hard work and often messy, but is satisfying in as much as you know that your horses and ponies are being given the best care possible. If you are comfortable around horses, brushing them, for example, please talk to the horse owners about any particulars.
