Volunteer & Staff Training Manual

Volunteer & Staff Training Manual Staff Executive Director -Jerry Hynes Program Director - Sandy Jones Volunteer Coordinator/ Ameri-Corp - Jess Dropulick

Instructors Lisa Johnson Andrea Scalici-Staton Cyndi Caniglia Katie McCully

Board of Directors

Carol Granly Ulrike Berzau Greg Johnson Patty Wright Britt Kissock Chris Carney Molly Coulter Mary Rush Jeff Hanson

Located at Westar Ranch 8118 South Ramona Spokane, WA

PO Box 30893 Spokane, WA 99223 Phone: 509-979-1468 [email protected] [email protected] Website: freereinspokane.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sandy.jones.5811877

Welcome to Free Rein Therapeutic Riding

Mission: Equipping riders for life through adaptive equine activities

focusing on building strength, independence and freedom.

Vision: To serve as the regions premier therapeutic riding center with dedication to providing education and improving professionalism in the field of equine assisted activities.

Founded in the summer of 2008, Free Rein provides recreational and sport riding to individuals with physical, mental and emotional challenges. Free Rein began serving 18 riders with 5 horses at the Dix Farm in South Spokane. In September of 2008, we moved to our current home here on Westar Ranch.

Volunteering at Free Rein Therapeutic Riding

Volunteer Paperwork:

All paperwork must be completed before volunteers may begin.

Parental consent and signatures are needed for those less than 18 years of age.

As required by state and PATH standards, volunteer paperwork and background checks are updated yearly.

Please let us know if there is a change to your address, phone number, email as well as recent changes in your health as it would apply to your volunteer position

All volunteer information is kept confidential unless we have direct permission from the volunteer to give the information out (i.e. – a rider wants to send a card to their volunteer)

If you do not want your information given out please tell our volunteer coordinator.

Volunteer Scheduling:

If you have a last minute emergency and cannot make it to your scheduled time or are running late, call us at 509-979-1468. Please leave a message if no one is available to answer.

Please do not cancel by email with less than 24 hours notice.

In the event of a rider cancellation, the volunteer coordinator will notify you as soon as we find out.

Please be on time for your classes, classes cannot function without you!

Free Rein understands that scheduling conflicts will occur, yet because of the nature of our program, volunteer cancellations affect everyone in the class.

The “Free Rein WAY”

Many volunteers wonder if they can ride the Free Rein horses. Except during advanced trainings we generally do not allow volunteers to ride our horses. Since we focus on the needs of our riders, offering ride time to the volunteers would be a strain on the horses and staff. We have a group of experienced riders who are a part of our schooling team.

Regardless of your experience with horses, it is imperative to adhere to the “Free Rein Way” for handling our therapy horses. For consistency and safety, we may differ greatly from the way you handle your own horses.

Only authorized personnel are allowed in the tacking area, arena, and inside the horse pasture. Visitors must remain in observation area unless accompanied by a authorized personnel.

Children must be supervised at all times and cannot be in the arena with you when you are volunteering.

All participants must wear ASTM-SEI approved equestrian helmets at all times when in direct contact with the horses.

All volunteers and personnel must wear ASTM-SEI approved helmets while mounted.

Riders must wear close toes shoes/boots with heels or use safety stirrups/toe stoppers while riding.

Only our riders will feed treats and they will feed horses treats using a treat bucket or by placing treats in the feeder in a stall.

Do not snuggle or get close to the horse’s face. These horses are working and petting their face can make the horse feel trapped or cause the horse to rub on people and knock them over.

Keep noise and tension levels to a minimum in the arena area. Please no yelling, running or sudden movements around the horses or mounting area.

Barking dogs in and out of cars may scare horses and cause injury to our riders. Please keep dogs on leashes and away from horses.

Do not use alarming statements, such as BUCK, KICK, GET LOOSE, or THROW THEIR RIDER, to include conversations about personal negative experiences with horses. These statements may cause fear in the riders and parents.

Our facility is a private training facility. Please make an appointment before visiting Free Rein to ensure that staff will be present during your visit.

Do not interact with any other horses on the property except the Free Rein horses – this

includes photography, petting, feeding, walking through barns that are not part of Free Rein.

There is NO SMOKING anywhere on the facility grounds.

Speed limit is 5 MPH when on the property, and 25 MPH on Borden/Ramona. Observe and obey all safety signs that are posted.

Report any unsafe acts or conditions to the Free Rein staff.

If you are not sure how to do something, please ask as staff person or another volunteer. We will always help you as you gain your confidence around the horses and riders.

Preparing for your 1st Class Volunteer Attire

Hot Weather:

Long pants are always recommended; dust, horsehair, and bugs can be bothersome. If you

wear shorts, please make sure they are of appropriate length (just above the knee) Summer shirts are acceptable. Shirts can be sleeveless, but no tank tops with straps narrower than three finger width or bare midriffs. Shirts must be long enough to cover the top of pants/shorts at all times. Sunglasses and sunscreen may be needed for outdoor activities. We often go outside if the weather is nice.

Cold Weather:

Dress in layers. Removing clothing is easier than adding. Gloves are advisable for warmth and protection. If you are leading a horse, please make sure your gloves have a firm grip on the lead rope. Bring a jacket, it’s often cooler at the barn than you may think! Jackets should be zipped at all times, and scarves should be tucked into the jacket. If you remove your jacket, sweater or sweatshirt, do not tie it around your waist. As it loosens it could drop to the ground, distracting you, tripping you, or spooking the horse.

Shoes:

CLOSED TOED SHOES ARE REQUIRED! Protect your feet! Supportive tennis shoes, hiking boots, paddock or Western boots are ideal. Keep in mind that even during winter, the riders may go out for trail rides and the ground may be wet and muddy (be prepared to walk through puddles, not around them, which could take you away from your horse and/or rider).

Miscellaneous Information:

Long hair should be pulled back. Hand your jacket off to someone rather then tie it around your waist. Hang coat outside of the arena / working space. Watch your jewelry – it can get easily get lost, hung up on things or your riders may want to check out what you have on! Please refrain from wearing highly scented products, such as perfume and lotion. It can be distracting and may attract bees and flies.

Women – please dress conservatively – Some male clients could display inappropriate social behaviors directed towards women.

5 Getting To Know The Rider With Disabilities

It is important to remember that every child or adult is an individual and wants to be treated with that understanding, regardless of having a disability or not. Each has his/her own style of learning, unique personality, and temperament. One must always look beyond the disability into the person. Being around people with disabilities may be a new experience for you. You may be overwhelmed at first with things you have never seen or do not understand; this is natural for most people. Allow yourself time to get used to being with the person . Do not give up on being a part of the program without a fair try, for your experience can be very rewarding. At first you may want to do jobs which are not in direct contact with the riders. This is com- mon, feel free to talk to a staff member about this. If working directly with our riders is difficult for you, consider helping Free Rein in some other way.

Person First Terminology

Just as any tool can be powerful in a positive or negative way, language can either work to your advantage or it can result in negative effects. If you are not aware of the appropriate language, you might inadvertently offend a person or convey a message you did not intend to convey. When thinking about how to talk about disabilities, remember that a person with a disability is a person first. Referring to a person by a disability, for example “an epileptic student” or “the deaf teacher,” is inappropriate. Instead you might say “a student who has epilepsy” or “a teacher who is deaf.” People with disabilities prefer to be called just that, people with disabilities. Mention a person’s disability only if it is relevant to the issue. If it is not relevant, why mention it? Additionally some riders may not even view themselves as having a disability, they may see themselves as being differently-abled or challenged or even their own term.

Communication Techniques & Suggestions

Relax and be yourself. Be open, accepting, non-judgmental, and erase preconceived notions from your mind. Speak directly to the rider. Use active listening skills; listen for comments. Children and adults will be glad to talk about themselves. Use conversation and social behavior that you might use in any new situation. Use simple, clear, precise language. Help only when it is needed. Resist the temptation to constantly assist riders who need to develop more independence by allowing them to do things for themselves. Be guided by the wishes of the rider. Talk about the disability if it comes up naturally, but do not pry. Be patient. Be considerate of the extra time it might take a rider to accomplish something or respond to something. Do not be afraid to say to either a child or adult, “I’m sorry, I didn’t understand you. Please say it again.” Be sensitive to separating a rider from his or her assistive devices unless asked. Enjoy your friendships with the riders and enjoy their good humor, achievements and perspectives on life can be a rewarding experience for all involved.

The Therapeutic Riding Lesson

What Actually Takes Place During a Riding Lesson?

A typical therapeutic riding class will have three or four riders. The riders will arrive and get their helmets on, often with the assistance of their side walker. When the rider is called in by the instructor they will enter the mounting area with their side walker who will guide them to the waiting instructor for their mount. After all riders have mounted the instructor will run the class through a warm up, practicing of riding skills, games and often trail rides. At the end of class the instructor dismount the riders one by one and excuse them.

Preparing for Class:

Arrive early to allow plenty of time to get your horse ready and to accommodate and changes in your class. Sign in at the volunteer station, get your nametag on and check the rider list Make sure you have everything you need before you leave your car – hats, coat, gloves. Review your rider’s goals – ask your instructor to review them with you

Rider List

The Rider List is our daily schedule for each class or day; it will list the riders’ name, which horse they will use, tack and stirrups, and volunteer names and assignments. Changes are made occasionally and the Rider List is updated constantly. It is extremely important for you to check the list each time you come in before getting ready for class; a rider may cancel, a horse may be substituted, or volunteers re-assigned. If you have any questions or concerns about the Rider List, ask the Instructor for help.

Each volunteer is assigned by the Instructor and volunteer coordinator within the first couple of weeks of quarter. The Instructor will take into consideration a volunteer’s experience, age, height, and nature before pairing up with riders and horses.

If you notice your name is either spelled incorrectly, not represented correctly, or not on the list at all, please let the Instructor or Volunteer Coordinator know as soon as possible!

Sidewalker Responsibilities and Procedures You are directly responsible for the rider and their communication with the Instructor.

Until your rider mounts, you will wait inside the arena. When using the mounting ramp, you may be asked to stand on the “off-side block” as the rider mounts, then you will walk with them as they leave the mounting area. One sidewalker is the primary sidewalker. The primary sidewalker will be the one that will do an emergency dismount of the rider if necessary. If you are unsure who the primary sidewalker will be, ask the instructor. Establish one person to communicate with the rider. Talking to the rider must be kept to a bare minimum while the instructor is teaching, however, you may need to repeat the directions of the Instructor. Leaders cannot assist. Once the rider is on the horse they are in control; whether they are an independent rider or someone who needs two side walkers. When you hear cues from the Instructor, allow the rider to do as much as possible. Stay within arms reach of your rider at all times. Do not leave your rider at any time. If you become tired, or if you must stop, ask the leader to bring the horse into the center of the arena so that you can safely stop and get assistance from the Instructor. Keep your hands and arms free at all times. Do not walk with your hands in your pockets or arms crossed. At the halt remain at the riders’ side and follow the instructor’s direction and ask if unsure. The instructor will tell you how to support your rider with either a Thigh Hold, Ankle Hold or no hold. Avoid wrapping your arm around the rider’s waist; this could throw off their balance. When there are two sidewalkers, you may need to change sides. Wait until you go into the center of the arena and halt. Change sides one person at a time, while maintaining a hold of your rider at all times. If rider only has one sidewalker, request the Instructors help. If the horses equipment needs to be adjusted, let the Instructor know. Lead your horse to the center of the arena and allow the Instructor to make appropriate adjustments. If the rider is showing signs of wanting to get off the horse and is determined to do so, get help from the Instructor. Continue as instructed in the class until the Instructor says otherwise. Be mindful to not lean or rest your elbow on the horses back while you are side walking. Listen for directions from the Instructor. You have the right to let the rider know when they are being inappropriate. If your rider pulls your hair, kicks you or uses inappropriate language, us the word “No” and ask them not to repeat the inappropriate action. Be sure to let the Instructor know about the incident. Keep arena gates closed and secure at all times.

Mounting and Dismounting Procedures Mounting is conducted by the Instructor; trained volunteers or guardians assist as directed by Instructor Three Types of Mounting: 1. Mounting Ramp used for riders using wheelchairs, who are unable to climb stairs or need the height advantage of the ramp.

2. Block Mount used for small riders or taller horses to get the rider to stirrup level.

3. Ground Mount – used when the rider is tall enough and capable of reaching the stirrup from the ground.

Mounting at the ramp: Leaders wait until the Instructor asks you to bring the horse toward the mounting area. Before bringing the horse into the ramp, stop, get into the halt position and wait for the Instructor to check the equipment and tighten the girth – step back from horse for this. After the equipment is checked, bring horse to ramp, halt, get into the halt position and walk carefully backwards, slowly guiding the horse between the mounting ramp and the block. Keep an eye on your horse’s shoulders and the stirrups to make sure nothing gets caught on the ramp. Keep the horse as quiet as possible. Stand directly in the halt position and be alert at all times; do not allow anyone to distract you from the horse during this time. Do not hold the bit! This could cause the horse to throw its head. Allow the horses to relax, hold him quietly and don’t restrict his head. When the horse is positioned, stay in the halt position until the rider is secure and the Instruc- tor is ready, and the rider gives a “walk on” command. Walk slowly out of mounting area and into the arena, be sure to stay close to the ramp so the instructor does not have to leap off the ramp. Stop when clear of the ramp so the Instructor can make tack adjustments.

Mounting in the Arena: DO NOT EVER ATTEMPT TO MOUNT OR DISMOUNT THE RIDER YOURSELF. The Instructor will always assist the rider. Position yourself in the halt position; in front of the horse and slightly to one side, and keep the horse steady while the rider mounts. Side walkers can assist on the off-side by supporting the saddle and stirrup while the rider mounts and guiding the rider’s foot into the stirrup.

Dismounting in the Arena: The horses will line up at leaders direction. Be sure to watch your safety spacing! The Instructor will dismount the riders one by one. Leaders will stand in the halt position during the dismount to assure the horse does not move. When appropriate, the rider will help put their stirrups up. Do not lead the horse from the arena until all riders have dismounted, Instructor has removed the horses bridles and the Instructor excuses the horses. The riders will exit the arena as soon as they are dismounted. The horses are taken back to their stall, untacked and groomed.

End of Class Procedure

If the rider has brought treats for their horse they must be wearing their helmet, be escorted to the horses stall by a volunteer when horse is ready, have the treats in a “treat bucket” (horse standing in stall and leader holding horse with head out stall door and rider and any caregivers remaining on the concrete of the isle way).

The leaders and side walkers will take the horse back to their stall. Check to see if it is used in the next class. If not, you can remove and put away the tack and equipment and check with instructor to see if horse needs to go back to paddock.

Some riders can help with grooming or putting away tack. If this is your first time with this rider, you can ask the instructor specific questions regarding how much the rider can help with.

The rider should wait to approach the horse until the he/she is tied to the wall. Constant supervision of the rider is required at all times and you can ask for help from the instructor.

Volunteers clean the horse’s feet; riders should not do this task unless they are an independent rider.

Have the rider step away before you unhook the horse from the wall..

Have the rider help put away tack and equipment.

An extra step that is very helpful is to wipe down all the equipment – the saddle, the leather of the bridle and rinse the bit if needed.

Before Leaving the Barn

Be sure horse is not left tied to wall.

Be sure all tack is put neatly away.

Clean any empty stalls, sweep isle ways or tack room

Empty tub in arena.

Clean horses outside pen if horse is in class

Sign out on your log sheets to help keep track of your hours including your commute time.

Risk Management Plan

Natural Hazards: Moose - Moose come to the ranch in the fall. We keep close tabs on moose sightings and pay close attention to how our horses are reacting to their surroundings during this time. There will be days that we do not go outside so we do not encounter moose.

Ground Wasps- We keep a close eye out for ground wasp nests. If one is found we will avoid that area for the rest of the summer and alert Westar Ranch of the issue so that they can take care of it. We make sure we know if any of our volunteers or riders are allergic to bees and are prepared to deal with the emergency if they should get stung.

Man Made Hazards: Road Traffic - We will have one or two people stand in the road and be acting crossing guards when our horses and riders are crossing the road.

Disasters: Forest Fires We stay aware of any fire activity near the ranch and will cancel classes if there is a threat to the ranch.

In the case of an evacuation we have several volunteers with horse trailers who will haul the horse to their property or to the Spokane County Fair Grounds if there is a forest fire threat to the property so extensive that we cannot move the horses to another area of the ranch.

Carol Granly – (H) 509-448-4362 (C)509-993-8911

Windstorms/Falling Trees/Power Outages: In the case of a windstorm that is powerful enough to cause falling limbs or trees we will stay in the arena and avoid trail rides in the trees. If it is disruptive enough in the arena, we will cancel our classes.

In the case of a power outage after dark we have flash lights to safely move people to their cars to leave the property. One flashlight is located on the windowsill near the front entrance of the office and one is located on the file cabinet by the west door of the observation area.

Hazards Specific to the use of Equines: In case of a health emergency contact: Scott Habegger DVM – 509-443-1131 Sandy Jones – (H) 509-448-1592 (C) 509-475-5139 Lisa Johnson – 509-370-1133

Operation of Facilities and/or Equipment: Ranch Traffic Ranch traffic is asked to avoid our area of the ranch during class times.

Emergency Procedures Mounted Activity Emergency Plan

Emergency Dismount:

In the case of a horse spooking or for some reason losing control, it is the responsibility of the primary side walker to do an emergency dismount. While both side walkers and the leader should make every attempt to stay with the horse and rider.

Primary side walker will get a firm grasp on the rider and either lift them into their arms or lower them as gently to the ground as possible. In a case where there are no sidewalks the leader will control horse while rider dismounts.

Emergency During Class — Medical Plan 1:

Major Injury The instructor will appoint someone to each of the following duties:

Call 911- This person needs to remain with the injured person while on a cell phone (emergency services will use the GPS in the phone to help locate the injured person). Per- son calling will need to be the liaison between the injured person and 911. They will be able to report if injured person is: conscious and breathing and if there are any changes to the person’s condition. Person on phone with 911 will be able to report when services will arrive.

Get the Emergency Medical Release form from the office or barn–This person will locate the folder in the office or barn (files will be in both places) with all of the releases in it (has releases for riders, volunteers and staff). This is of great importance as services cannot be given to a minor without the release if parent is not present. Files are in order by first name.

At road/driveway – One person will be sent to the driveway entrance or trail head and assist directing emergency services to the injured person.

With parent/guardian – One person will be assigned to the parent or guardian. As all of the above maybe done out on the trail/away from the barn it is best if all volunteers know the address of Westar (8118 S. Ramona, Spokane, 99224).

Emergency Procedures Mounted Activity Emergency Plan

Emergency During Class — Medical Plan 2:

Minor Injury

The need of the individual should be met, i.e. Band-Aids, ice, rest

If the injured is a rider, the volunteer will remove the horse and appropriately care for it.

If the injured is a volunteer, a replacement will be put into their position while the injured person is taken to get care.

The rest of the class should continue in the orderly manner.

Sudden Extreme Weather Conditions or Facility Problems In the Arena

All riders’ halt and leaders get into the halt position. Listen for directions from the instructor. If the horse is nervous, try to calm him down, using low voices. Side walkers do a thigh hold on the rider and reassure them, using low voices. You may be directed to exit the arena; stay calm, and watch your safety spacing.

Severe Weather Wind, rain, hail, thunder and lightning) can come up suddenly. If the Instructor deems appropriate, classes may be cancelled for safety.

Closures Free Rein follows the District 81 snow closures. Local TV and radio broadcasts will list any schools closed or late starts due to snow; otherwise Free Rein is open for classes as usual, so plan on attending your scheduled class. If driving conditions in your area are not safe, call Free Rein as soon as possible so that we may arrange for a substitute in your place.

Fire Extinguishers Located near the west door of the observation area and outside the tack room.

First-Aid Kit Against east wall on mounting block and in tack room.

Emergency Procedures

If a Rider has a Seizure:

Stay calm and use low voices. Leader stops the horse and gets in the halt position. Side walkers secure the rider; do not remove them from the horse. Get the attention of the Instructor as quickly as possible. Other riders, Leaders and Side walkers come to a halt in the arena. Listen for directions from the Instructor.

If a Horse gets Loose in the Arena:

All riders’ halt and leaders get in the halt position. Listen for directions from the Instructor. The other horses may get nervous so try to keep them under control using low voices. Side walkers do a thigh hold on the rider to secure them. All volunteers stay with the rider; do not leave the rider to help catch the loose horse! The loose horse may come over to the horse you are with. If this happens, tell the horse to whoa, speaking softly.

If a Rider Falls Off:

Do not attempt move the rider. Get the Instructor’s attention and follow their directions. Leader move the horse a safe distance away from the rider. Side walkers stay with the rider. All other riders come to a halt and leaders get in the halt position. The instructor will determine if medical personnel are required and will request assistance in contacting personnel.

16 Emergency Evacuation Plan

In the event of an emergency everyone the emergency dismount procedures will be put in place.

Everyone will evacuate the arena and barn and congregate across Ramona Rd. (opposite side from the barn) at the purple pony cut out.

Please do not leave the premises until everyone is accounted for. We do not want to be looking for someone who is no longer on the property.

Westar

White Free Rein Arena Barn Free Rein Office

Volunteer Parking Runs Drive Way For

Horses

Pasture

S. Ramona Rd.

Pasture Meeting Place at Purple Checkered Pony

DEFINITIONS (Horse and Tack)

Bridle The complete outfit of headstall, reins, and bit used to guide the horse when riding.

Canter An English term, a natural three beat gait. Same, basically, as the gallop, except the speed is slower. A horse at the canter takes either the right or left lead, usually depending on the direction of movement. The canter may be working, medium, collected, or extended in dressage terms.

Noseband Part of headstall or bridle; fits snug next to horses face. Should rest 1 finger below the horse’s cheekbones.

Circle Continue in the direction of riding by making a complete circle while riding in the arena, usually to create a safe riding distance between riders.

Cooling The walking and attention given to a horse after he was worked hard to be sure his heart rate is normal and sweat has dried.

Curry Comb Rubber bumpy mitt or hard round rubber device used in circular motion on horses coat to release dirt and loose hair.

Gaits Various movements of the horses at different speeds, e.g. walk, trot and canter.

Gelding A male horse that has been castrated and is incapable of breeding.

Girth (Dressage) Short perforated leather girths used with English saddles that have long billets, also used with surcingle.

Girth (Hunt Seat) Long leather girth, usually with one elastic end, to be used with English saddles with short billets.

Grooming Cleaning and caring for the horse’s skin and coat, including brushing, currying and picking the feet.

Half Circle/ reverse Changing direction of riding by turning the horse toward the center of the ring and back to the rail.

Halt Command to stop the horse from any gait and remain standing until the riders next cue.

Halter Leather or nylon bit less headstall, used to control the horse when leading outside of paddock.

Hand Equal to four inches, a standard unit of measure in determining the horse’s height from the ground to the point of the withers.

Hard Mouth Said of a horse whose mouth is unresponsive to cues from the bit.

Hippotherapy Use of the movement of the horse as a tool by therapists to address different disabilities in the rider. The horse’s movement promotes active and variations of responses in the patient. No saddle or reins are used. The rider will sit on different types of pads.

Inside The area between the horse and the center of the ring.

Jog A western term for a slow trot.

Lead To walk the horse, guiding him with a rope and halter.

Lope A western term, same as the canter.

Leader Primary responsibility for the horse. Helps the horse follow directions of the rider, helps the rider to follow the directions of the Instructor. The leader will prepare the horse for class, lead up to mounting block, be sure horse is squared up for mounting, walks well spaced from other horses in class, and helps to keep horses gait at even speeds.

Long Line Long reins running from bit, through drop rings on surcingle and are held by Instructor who steers from behind the horse. Used in Hippotherapy.

Lunge Exercising, warming up, or schooling the horse in wide circles on a long lead line.

Mare A female horse.

Mounting Block Step block for able-bodied riders needing little or no assistance to step into stirrup to mount into saddle.

Near Side Refers to the left side of the horse. Most horses are handled from this side.

Neck reining Used mostly in western riding where the horse responds to the rein on the neck and not the pull on the bit. Reins are held in one hand.

Nose Chain Chain used with halter over horses nose. This is sometimes needed for very strong horses, i.e., the Fjords.

Off Side Refers to the right side of the horse.

Outside That area away from the center of the arena; sometimes designated as the rail or wall.

Posting The movement of the rider up and down, rising to the trot, in rhythm to the two beat of the trot, usually in English riding.

Ramp Mount Ramp built to accommodate wheelchairs and/or walkers with room for assistants to help rider mount at level of horse.

Rainbow Reins Attached to the bit to help control the direction of the horse. Rainbow reins have four different colors, green, blue, yellow and red. This helps the rider to shorten or lengthen their reins evenly by holding the same color in each hand. Leather reins have no colors, and cloth reins may be used for riders who have sensitive hands.

Reverse Changing direction of riding by turning the horse toward the center of the ring.

Side Pull Bitless headstall used in place of bridle for horses who work better with out a bit.

Sidewalker Primary responsibility for rider safety. Person to walk alongside the horse to support the rider. Helps rider mount, sit correctly in seat of saddle, may walk on either side of horse, or one on each side. Helps the rider to follow directions of the Instructor.

Sit the Trot Sitting, not posting, the trot.

Sport Riding Activities are directed toward the acquisition of skills leading to the accomplishment of specific horsemanship goals. Equine activities can be adapted to that each individual participates in the sport of riding to the best of their ability.

Snaffle Bit The snaffle bit is usually jointed at the center, and there is a ring at each end to which single reins are attached. One of the most popular and widely used bits because of its wild and gentle action on the horse’s mouth.

Stallion A male horse capable of breeding.

Surcingle Flat, narrow cloth covered device placed just behind horses withers and fastened with a girth. Used to hold pads in place for Hippotherapy riding.

Tack Equipment used in conjunction with the horse.

Take the Rail Left Command given to the rider instructing them to ride to the rail with their left hand to the center.

Take the Rail Right Command given to the rider instructing them to ride to the rail with their right hand to the center.

Trot A two beat diagonal gait.

Unclip Unclip the lead rope from the halter or the bit-lead. This allows the rider to ride independently.

Western Pad Long rectangular cloth pads with fleece lining, or woven wool pads, used with western saddle or surcingle.