Equine Leader/Horse Handler
The primary responsibility of the equine leader/horse handler is to manage the equine before, during and after the lesson and ensure participant safety during grooming, tacking and while leading. If there is no side walker required for the participant, the equine leader may need to reinforce directions from the instructor and keep “an eye” not only on the horse but also on the participant.
Requirements - Equine experience including an understanding of equine behavior, haltering, leading, grooming and tacking. Experience working with people with disabilities is encouraged. Must be able to walk on uneven surfaces for up to an hour and jog for short distances. Must be X years or older. Ability to volunteer in one, hour-long lesson per week per session.
Responsibilities
· May bring equine in from the paddock or retrieve equine from its stall.
· Assist participant with grooming and tacking the horse. Other team members may help with this process too but in general one individual should work directly with the participant for clarity of instruction.
· May assist participant in leading the equine in the arena prior to mounting.
· Allow the participant to be as independent as possible. Always ready to assist by supporting the horse through reinforcement of a participant’s cue to the horse if the participant shows an attempt to perform the instructor’s direction or is unable to direct the horse effectively.
· Hold the lead rope with enough length of line to allow for the natural motion of the horse's head while still maintaining control. Walk between the equine’s head and shoulder, not dragging from in front, or pulling from behind. Be aware of and responsible for how your body language and energy are affecting the equine.
· Be present and engaged in the lesson to be aware of what is happening now and next.
· Give other equines and volunteers lots of space when passing. Keep one horse-length distance from the horse in front of you. Allow plenty of room for the side walker to walk safely with no impediment (rail, cone, tree, etc.) while in the arena or out on the trail.
· In case of emergency, manage the equine in a manner that keeps everyone safe and calm which may include removing the equine from the arena once the rider is dismounted.
· Assist with untacking, brushing down the horse and putting tack away with other team members.
· Return the equine to their stall or paddock (with another volunteer) as directed by the instructor.
Sidewalker
The primary responsibility of the sidewalker during a lesson is to ensure the safety and well-being of the participant.
Requirements - Experience working with equines and/or people with disabilities is helpful but not necessary. Must be able to walk on uneven surfaces, often times with at least one arm raised at or above shoulder height supporting moderate weight for 10–15-minute intervals and jog for short distances. Must be X years or older. Ability to volunteer in one, hour-long lesson per week per session. A history of shoulder injury is a precaution to sidewalking.
Responsibilities
· May assist the horse handler with bringing the horse in from the paddock or stall.
· May assist the horse handler and/or participant with grooming and tacking.
· May assist the instructor with setting up the arena in preparation for the lesson.
· Assist instructor with mounting and dismounting the participant as directed.
· Stay beside the participant and equine throughout the entire lesson and be aware of the participant at all times. Never leave a participant unattended unless directed by instructor.
· Notify the instructor immediately if you have any safety concerns or need participant behavior modification/redirection assistance.
· May provide physical or cognitive support to the participant and interact with the participant during all aspects of the lesson as directed by the instructor.
· Allow participant time to process and respond to directions given by the instructor.
o Reinforce instructor’s directions as needed after processing time.
· Communicate with horse handler to convey participant’s responses to the horse’s pace/movement and instructor’s directions for where the team should go.
· Offer positive, specific, reinforcing feedback to the participant.
· Limit and redirect distracting and unnecessary conversations to encourage participant focus and lesson success.
