Butterfly Dreams Farm, Inc.

Crisis Communication Plan

Student Injury

Written: November 18, 2015

Revision Dates:

November 24, 2015 December 6, 2015

Jessica Sherry

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Table of Contents

Overview Introduction…………………………………………………………………………...3 Acknowledgements…………………………………………………………………...4 Rehearsal Dates……………………………………………………………………….5 Purpose and Publics Purpose and Objectives……………………………………………………………….6 Key Publics…………………………………………………………………………...7-8 Notifying Publics……………………………………………………………………..9-10 Players and Their Roles Identifying the Crisis Communication Team………………………………………...11 Crisis Directory………………………………………………………………………12-13 Identifying the Media Spokesperson…………………………………………………14 List of Emergency Personnel and Local Officials…………………………………....15 Key Media……………………………………………………………………………16 Spokespersons for Related Organizations……………………………………………17 Technical Details Crisis Communication Control Center……………………………………………….18 Equipment and Supplies……………………………………………………………...19 Tactics Pre-gathered Information……………………………………………………………..20 Key Messages………………………………………………………………………...21 Website……………………………………………………………………………….22 Blogs and Social Media………………………………………………………………23 Trick Questions……………………………………………………………………….24 List of Crisis Warning Signs………………………………………………………….25 List of Related Internet URLs………………………………………………………...26 Evaluation Evaluation Form………………………………………………………………………27 References…………………………………………………………………………….28 Appendices A: News Release Template…………………………………………………………...29 B: Organization Backgrounder……………………………………………………….30 C: Therapeutic Riding Fact Sheet…………………………………………………….31 D: Hippotherapy Fact Sheet…………………………………………………………..32 E: List of Sponsors……………………………………………………………………33 F: Liability Release Form……………………………………………………………..34

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Introduction: BDF Crisis Communication Plan

Why is this plan important? As BDF works primarily with special needs children and other vulnerable individuals, it is always advisable to be prepared for any possible situation that could damage our organization. Safety is BDF’s highest priority, and this is reflected in our good standing among our clients and in the community. We must be ready to take the necessary actions in any situation to ensure that our reputation is not impaired. What could happen if the plan is not followed? If this crisis communications plan is not followed in the event of an emergency situation, the company’s reputation in the community could be damaged, which may result in the loss of clients. Trust and reliability are incredibly important to our clients, so they must feel absolutely confident that such a problem will not reoccur and that their children and family members are safe at BDF. Has a crisis happened at BDF before? Fortunately, there have been no incidents of injury during therapy sessions at our organization. However, we should always be prepared for this type of crisis because it is a possibility in this line of work. Has a crisis happened to similar organizations? Yes. According to speakers at a PATH clinic that two of our trainers went to, a rider was killed during a riding lesson because of equipment misuse. This crisis, which resulted in a lawsuit against the instructor, damaged the organization’s reputation and serves as a warning to all other similar organizations.

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Acknowledgements

By signing this statement, I verify that I have read this crisis communications plan and am prepared to put it into effect. Cat Veeren, Founder and Owner (Signature and date) Joey Bristol, President (Signature and date) Kyle Vereen, Operations Manager (Signature and date) Taylor Adams, Head of PR Sub-Committee (Signature and date) Jessica Kirby, Instructor (Signature and date)

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Rehearsal Dates

Rehearsals for preparation in the event of student injury should be conducted on a regular basis, preferably every six months. Below is the date for each rehearsal. The president shall initial next to each rehearsal date upon its completion. Monday, January 11, 2015 ___________ Monday, June 13, 2015 ___________ Monday, January 9, 2016 ___________ Monday, June 12, 2016 ___________

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Purpose and Objectives

In the event of student injury during a therapy session, we must take immediate and appropriate action to inform our publics of the situation and demonstrate our commitment to the safety of our clients. Our open and honest communication with the media will allow for the situation to be resolved more quickly and smoothly and ensure that this problem does not reoccur. We will make every effort to:

1. Initiate the crisis communication plan within two hours of the crisis outbreak in the event of student injury during a therapy session.

2. Inform the family of the affected student as soon as possible, preferably within one hour of the crisis.

3. Inform the BDF owner, president and other key members within two hours of the crisis outbreak.

4. Inform the media within four hours of the crisis outbreak. 5. Form and maintain mutually beneficial relationships with media personnel. 6. Ensure that all released information is accurate. 7. Keep the media and all publics informed regularly of any new information

through news briefs and updates on the company website. 8. Be seen in the media as an organization that cares about its clients and its service

in the community. 9. Develop strategies to solve current and future problems and implement necessary

changes as soon as possible. 10. Maintain our reputation in the community and resume business as usual.

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Key Publics

Enabling Publics Those with the power and authority to make decisions

• Board of Directors • Donors • Key executives

Functional Publics Those who make the organization function

• Employees • Instructors • Interns

• Volunteers • Clients • Suppliers

Normative Publics Those who share values with the organization Full Contact List http://www.pathintl.org/path-intl-centers/find-center

• Similar organizations • Angels on Horseback • Bearfoot Ranch • Bethany’s Equine & Aquatic TS, Inc. • Beyond The Barn • Beyond Limits Therapeutic Riding, Inc. • Blue Ribbon Riders • Calvin Center Therapeutic Riding Program • Chastain Horse Park • Coweta Organization for Riding, Rehabilitation and Learning • Creative Therapy, Inc. • Dream Power Therapeutic Equestrian Center, Inc. • Dream Quest EFP & Therapeutic Riding, Inc. • Enoch Ministries Inc. • Faith Equestrian Therapeutic Center, Inc. • Good Shepherd Therapeutic Center • Hands and Hearts for Horses • Highgaite Therapeutic Horsemanship • Hoofs 4 Healing Equestrian Services, Inc. • Horse Talk • Horse Time, Inc. • Horsin’ Around

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• Hozho Therapeutic Equestrian Services, Inc. • Jacobs’ Ladder Therapeutic Riding Center, Inc. • LightHorse Healthcare, Inc. • McKenna Farms Therapy Services • Saddle Up Therapeutic Riding Center, Inc. • Stride Ahead • Win Win Equine Services and Therapy, Inc. • Youth Villages at Inner Harbour

• Professional Organizations • Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association • PATH International

Diffused Publics Those who are linked indirectly to the organization

• Media • Athens Banner-Herald • The Red&Black • Online Athens • Flagpole • WGAU 98.7 FM • WRFC 960 AM

• Government officials • Athens-Clarke County Fire and Emergency Services • Athens-Clarke County Police

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Notifying Publics

In the event of a student injury during a therapy session, all key publics must be notified as quickly as possible. Below is a list of the suggested method of communication for each key public. Individual Phone Calls Phone calls are the fastest way of informing publics of a crisis and will be used to contact the most important publics, including top executives, instructors, and family members of the affected student. Parents of the affected student should be contacted first. The emergency contact information of each child is available in the farm office. Text Message Text messaging will be used to inform PR interns of a crisis. BDF’s interns are solely responsible for social media accounts, website management and PR responsibilities (aside from the PR Head) and must be contacted immediately. It has been determined that the most efficient way of getting in touch with interns is using a group text message. The message will inform interns that a student has been injured during a therapy session and ask them to call the PR Head as soon as possible for instructions. Email Newsletter BDF sends monthly newsletters and other information alerts through an email service, Constant Contact. The PR intern is responsible for writing and sending emails through this service. The organization’s Constant Contact account has the listserv of all individuals associated with BDF, including board, staff, community supporters, sponsors, volunteers, and families of therapy students. The PR intern will create a special news alert about the crisis to be sent to the entire listserv. Social Media and Website When it is time to release public information about the crisis, the crisis communication team should put statements on the organization’s social media accounts and website. A minimal post should be written for Twitter, and a longer, more detailed message should be posted on the BDF Facebook page and website. These sites should be updated regularly with new information. News Release Local media sources should be informed of a student injury with a phone call, followed by a news release. A template for a news release of this nature can be found in Appendix A. Meetings Staff and executives should attend a meeting as soon as possible in order to discuss courses of actions and instructions, share resources, and keep everyone updated.

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Chart of Notifying Publics

Public Phone Call Text Message

Newsletter Social Media/Website

News Release

Meeting

Executives * * Staff * * Interns * * Volunteers * Sponsors * Community Supporters

*

Families * * Media * * General Public

*

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Identifying the Crisis Communication Team

Below is a list of individuals that will make up the crisis communication team. These individuals have been selected based on their skills, expertise of BDF, and their work within the organization. Crisis Team Manager: Taylor Adams, Head of PR Assistant Crisis Manager: Jessica Sherry, PR intern Control Room Coordinator: Mandi Mathis, PR Committee member Backup Control Room Manager: Emily Sparrow, PR Committee member Other PR personnel:

• Emma Hill, Social Media Intern • Payton Adams: Webmaster

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Crisis Directory

Key Managers Cat Veeren, Owner and Founder Phone: (706) 255-9121 Email: cat@butterflydreamsfarm.org Address: 2981 Hog Mountain Rd., Athens, GA Joey Bristol, President Phone: (706) 338-6462 Email: jbristol@uga.edu Address: 265 Duncan Springs Rd., Athens, GA Crisis Team Members Taylor Adams, PR Head Phone: (404) 376-6502 Email: taylor17@uga.edu Address: 1022A Cherry Hills Ct., Athens, GA Jessica Sherry, Assistant Crisis Manager Phone: (770) 296-0571 Email: jmsherry@uga.edu Address: 268 Ruth St., Athens, GA Mandi Mathis, Control Room Coordinator Phone: (478) 696-2912 Email: mandicmathis@gmail.com Address: 220 River Bottom Rd., Athens, GA Emily Sparrow, Backup Control Room Coordinator Phone: (706) 338-6462 Email: emily.sparrow@ung.edu Address: 690 Sandstone Dr. Athens, GA Emma Hill, Social Media Intern Phone: (678) 763-7021 Email: e.j.katherine@gmail.com Address: 199 Stone Mill Run, Athens, GA Payton Adams, Webmaster Phone: (404) 754-5156 Email: psaphotography@gmail.com Address: 1022A Cherry Hills Ct., Athens, GA

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Instructors Hillary Davis, Instructor Phone: (706) 248-7788 Email: hcd2008@aol.com Address: 541 Lakeland Ct., Athens, GA Amanda Costa, Instructor Phone: (706) 224-0563 Email: acosta5705@gmail.com Address: 164 Cedar Rock Trace, Athens, GA Jacklyn White, Instructor Phone: (706) 368-5793 Email: jacklyn68@gmail.com Address: 106 Berkshire Ct., Athens, GA Jessica Kirby, Instructor Phone: (706) 207-4328 Email: jwhite0325@lions.piedmont.edu Address: 2981 Hog Mountain Rd., Athens, GA

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Identifying the Media Spokesperson

In order to be fully prepared in the event of a crisis, a media spokesperson and several backups need to be identified. These individuals will be speaking on behalf of BDF and will be seen in the public as the face of the organization, so they must be pre-trained and rehearsed well in advance of the crisis. Criteria for selection of spokesperson(s)

• Must be articulate and professional • Must appear concerned and empathetic • Must be powerful enough to make decisions • Must be accessible throughout the crisis • Must be able to speak calmly and clearly • Must be pleasant to the eye of a camera

Suggested Spokespersons

• First spokesperson: Joey Bristol, President • First backup spokesperson: Cat Veeren, Owner and Founder • Second backup spokesperson: Emily Sparrow, PR Committee member

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List of Emergency Personnel and Local Officials

Oconee County Sherriff’s Office Scott Berry, Sheriff Phone: (706) 769-3945 Fax: (706) 769-3978 Email: sberry@oconeesheriff.org Address: 1110 Experiment Station Road, Watkinsville, GA 30677 Oconee County Fire Department Bruce Thaxton, Fire Chief and EMA Director Phone: (706) 769-3975 Fax: (706) 769-3994 Email: bthaxton@oconee.ga.us Address: 1291 Greensboro Highway, Watkinsville, GA 30677 Regional First Care Watkinsville Phone: (706) 769-0000 Address: 1960 Experiment Station, Watkinsville, GA 30677 St. Mary’s Hospital and Health Care System Phone: (706) 389-3000 Address: 1230 Baxter St., Athens, GA 30606 Athens Regional Health System Phone: (706) 475-7000 Address: 1199 Prince Ave., Athens, GA 30606 National EMS, Paramedics Phone: (706) 286-7007 Address: 8801 Macon Highway, Athens, GA 30601

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List of Key Media

The Oconee Enterprise Michael Prochaska Phone: (706) 769-5175 Email: news@oconeeenterprise.com The Oconee Leader Mike Sprayberry Phone: (706) 247-1563 Email: mjsprayberry@gmail.com Athens Banner-Herald Wayne Ford Phone: (706) 208-2218, ext. 2218 Email: wayne.ford@onlineathens.com Flagpole Magazine Stephanie Rivers Phone: (706) 549-9523 Fax: (706) 548-8981 Email: Stephanie@flagpole.com The Red&Black Nick Suss Phone: (706) 433-3000 Fax: (706) 433-3033 Email: editor@randb.com WGAU Radio Matt Caesar, Program Director Phone: (706) 410-9420 Email: matt.caesar@coxinc.com WRFC Radio David Johnson, Program Director Phone: (706) 395-1127 Email: david.johnson@coxinc.com

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Spokespersons for Related Organizations

Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association Lynn Thomas, Executive Director Phone: (801) 754-0400 Email: LT@eagala.org Fax: (801) 754-0401 Skype: eagala993 PATH International Kay Marks, Director of Marketing and Communications Phone: (303) 452-1212, ext. 117 Fax: (303) 252-4610 Oconee County Sherriff’s Office Scott Berry, Sheriff Phone: (706) 769-3945 Fax: (706) 769-3978 Email: sberry@oconeesheriff.org Address: 1110 Experiment Station Road, Watkinsville, GA 30677 Oconee County Fire Department Bruce Thaxton, Fire Chief and EMA Director Phone: (706) 769-3975 Fax: (706) 769-3994 Email: bthaxton@oconee.ga.us Address: 1291 Greensboro Highway, Watkinsville, GA 30677

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Crisis Communications Control Center

As BDF does not have an office equipped to handle a crisis of this magnitude, the control center will be located at another location. Emily Sparrow, the Control Room Coordinator will be responsible for securing one of the following facilities and transforming it into a functional control center. Faith Presbyterian Church Contact: Melissa Hessenthaler, Church Secretary Phone: (706) 769-8315 Address: 2191 Mars Hill Rd, Watkinsville, GA 30677 Oconee County Civic Center Contact: Shawn Wheeler, Director Phone: (706) 769-3902 Email: swheeler@oconee.ga.us Address: 2661 Hog Mountain Rd, Watkinsville, GA 30677 The Classic Center Contact: Maureen Baker, Director of Sales Phone: (706) 357-4403 Email: mbaker@classiccenter.com Address: 1197 S Lumpkin St, Athens, GA 30602, Suite 298

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Equipment and Supplies

Certain equipment and supplies are already included in the above facilities, so they will not need to be provided by the Control Room Coordinator. These items are:

• Chairs and desks • Bulletin boards • Extension cords • Televisions

Other necessary equipment and supplies will need to be provided for the crisis communications team. These items are:

• Telephones and cell phones • Computers, printers, copiers • Company letterhead • Pens, pencils • Contact lists and media directories • Media kits • Crisis communication plan • First-aid kits • Food and beverages

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Pre-gathered Information

During a crisis, it is essential to have access to thorough information about the organization. Such information is included in this crisis communication plan so it can be quickly and easily disseminated throughout media platforms. The following documents can be found in the appendices of this plan.

• Appendix A: News Release Template • Appendix B: Organization backgrounder • Appendix C: Therapeutic Riding Fact Sheet • Appendix D: Hippotherapy Fact Sheet • Appendix E: List of Sponsors • Appendix F: Liability Release Form

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Key Messages Preparation of key messages is essential in ensuring that BDF’s principal objectives are clearly and consistently communicated during a time of crisis. Publics need to be confident that the organization is doing everything possible to rectify the situation while keeping stakeholders’ interests at top priority. Each message must be accurate, brief, easy to use in a quote, and memorable. The spokesperson must be able to easily work the key message(s) into responses to questions. Most importantly, these key messages will establish credibility for the organization in the event of a crisis. BDF will stress the following key messages:

1. Our first and primary concern is for the affected student and his/her

family. 2. We are currently investigating the cause of the incident, and we will

inform you of the facts as soon they have been determined. 3. We are deeply sorry for what happened, and we take full responsibility for

this tragedy. 4. Once the cause has been determined, we will do everything in our power

to rectify the error and prevent future problems of this nature.

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Website

BDF should consistently update its website in the event of a crisis, as this will be a major source of information for the organization’s publics. Making information easily accessible will reduce both the amount of inquiries by the public and the time spent on crisis recovery.

Posts on the website should be continually updated as the crisis communication team receives information. They should express the concern of the company and reflect the key messages stated in the above section.

BDF would be advised to create a “dark site,” which can be activated in the event of a crisis. This site can then be linked to the website’s homepage and will provide publics with information relevant to the crisis. The following points should be included on the dark site:

• Details about what happened • Key messages • A statement from the president or owner • Links to the organization’s social media sites • Contact information

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Blogs and Social Media

Blogs and social media are great platforms for quickly and easily disseminating information and establishing two-way communication with publics. BDF currently has accounts on the following sites:

• Facebook • Twitter • Instagram

Interns are currently manage these sites and will continue to do so during a crisis. Key messages should be used in all posts, along with pictures, clips and links when necessary. Below are suggested posts for each platform: Facebook On (date)/Today one of our program students was injured during a therapy session. We are currently investigating the cause of the accident, and we will release the facts as soon as possible. Our primary concern is for the student and his/her family, and we ask you to keep them in your thoughts and prayers. BDF is committed to the care and safety of each and every one of our beloved program students, and we will work continuously to determine the cause of the accident and rectify the problem. Thank you for your support. The cause of the student injury has been determined. During the therapy session _________________ (describe the equipment malfunction/other error), which caused the student to _________________ (what happened). He/she was rushed to the hospital and was determined to have ____________ (what injury/problems). The student is currently in critical condition but is hoped to recover within ________ (how much time). We take full responsibility for the accident and are deeply sorry for what has happened. Please keep this student and his/her family in your thoughts and prayers. Twitter A student has been injured during a therapy session. Our primary concern right now is for him/her and his/her family. Investigation regarding the accident is underway. We will keep you updated with further information. Here’s what we know: _____________ Instagram (Once the student can be identified) [Photo of the student] _____ (Name) was injured today/yesterday during a therapy session. Please keep _____ (name) and his/her family in your thoughts and prayers.

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Trick Questions

The media spokesperson should be prepared to answer a variety of questions asked by the media. Some of those questions may be difficult to answer, and it is vital that the spokesperson can answer them professionally and competently. The following are some examples: Speculative

• “If a student hadn’t been injured today, would you ever have changed the ways you use equipment?”

Leading • “You do agree that BDF could’ve avoided this crisis, right?”

Loaded: • “Isn’t it true that you knew you were using equipment incorrectly and didn’t do

anything to correct it?” Naïve:

• “What type of services does BDF offer?” False:

• “This isn’t the only incident of student injury at your organization, right?” Know-it-all:

• “I have all the details, but could you give me some wrap-up comments about this crisis?”

Silence: • This tactic aims to get you talking more because the silence can be

uncomfortable. Accusatory:

• “Who is actually responsible for this crisis?” Multiple-part:

• “Have you known about the improper use of training equipment, and if so, where did you learn about it, and why didn’t you change your procedures?”

Jargon: • Even if the person asking the question uses jargon, such as the technical names of

the equipment, the general public doesn’t know what these words mean. Chummy:

• “You did a great job. Off the record, why do you think this happened?” Labeling:

• “Would you say that BDF is a stressful place to work?” Good-bye:

• “Thank you. Have a good one. Oh, by the way, who was actually at fault for this crisis?”

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List of Crisis Warning Signs

A list of crisis warning signs can help the organization prevent a crisis and show that the organization is concerned with resolving problems. If the warning signs have actually happened, list when it occurred and what the company did in response. This section of the crisis communication plan should be regularly updated. Below is a list of possible warning signs for the incident of student injury.

• Lack of attendance at safety seminars • Inadequate testing of frequently used equipment • Stories of equipment malfunction leading to student injury at similar

organizations • Equipment not working correctly

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List of Related Interned URLs

• PATH International: http://www.pathintl.org/component/content/article/27-resources/general/193-eaat-definitions

o About therapy services o Guidelines o Definitions

• Equine-Assisted Learning Guidelines: http://www.pathintl.org/60-resources/efpl/1029-learn-about-eaat-equine-assisted-learning

• American Hippotherapy Association: http://www.americanhippotherapyassociation.org

o About hippotherapy o Guidelines o Definitions

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Evaluation

Evaluation is a crucial step in preparing an effective crisis communications plan. As assessment, it is helpful in determining what did and did not work. It also helps plan for, prevent, and cope with future crises by pointing out what needs to be revised in the crisis communications plan. Below is a sample survey for various key publics:

Media Relations

1. Could BDF have been portrayed more positively? How so? 2. Did our existing relationships with media personnel help us during this

crisis? 3. Could we improve our methods of communication with the media? How

so?

Community Relations 1. How did the community react to this crisis—positively, negatively, or

other? 2. Could we improve our relationship with the community in the future?

How so? 3. How does BDF appear overall in the Watkinsville community? 4. Did our role in the community help our reputation during this crisis?

Crisis Management Team

1. Did team members perform their duties effectively and efficiently? 2. Would it benefit the organization to add or replace members of the team? 3. Was the crisis control room functional? 4. What did the team do well in handling the crisis? 5. Was there anything that didn’t go well? 6. What are some ways the team could improve?

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References

Some of the information in this plan was adapted from Crisis Communications: A Casebook Approach by Kathleen Fearn-Banks. Fearn-Banks, Kathleen (2011). Crisis Communications: A Casebook Approach, 4th Ed.,

New York: Routledge.

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Appendix A: News Release Template

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: ______, PR consultant ________ (date) Phone: Email:

Student Injured During Therapy Session

WATKINSVILLE, Ga.—A student of Butterfly Dreams Farm was injured during

a therapy session on ______ (day) at ______ (time) due to the malfunction of training

equipment.

______ (student’s name), ______ (age), was rushed to ______ (hospital) and is

currently in ______ condition. He/She is hoped to make ______ (what kind of recovery)

within ______ (amount of time).

No other students were injured during this incident, but all therapy sessions have

been cancelled until further notice. BDF President Joey Bristol will announce further

details at a news conference scheduled for ______ (date and time), at ______ (location of

news conference).

###

About BDF Butterfly Dreams Farm is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that partners with horses to provide unique therapies for special needs individuals. BDF was established in 2005 and is situated on a 9-acre farm in Watkinsville, Georgia. To learn more about our mission and services, visit our website at www.butterflydreamsfarm.org.

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Appendix B: Organizational Backgrounder

Butterfly Dreams Farm Therapeutic Riding Program, Inc. Organization Backgrounder

Organization: In 2005, Butterfly Dreams Farm Therapeutic Riding Program was

incorporated as a non-profit organization that uses horseback riding as a form of therapy for children with special needs. BDF was first a vision that was inspired by the memory of one child, Alli, and the healing brought to her by a horse. While on the back of a horse, Alli gained the strength and balance to walk, learned the power of communication and found a reason to laugh and smile. She found a place where her body and heart felt safe. BDF strives to bring this same fulfilling experience to other children like Alli.

Mission: Butterfly Dreams Farm aims to bring comfort, joy and therapy to

children with special needs by giving them the unique opportunity to bond with and learn from horses. We want to enhance these children’s physical and mental skills in a setting that is both fun and effective.

Services: BDF is recognized as a PATH, Intl. (Professional Association of

Therapeutic Horsemanship International) facility and offers two forms of therapy — therapeutic riding instruction and hippotherapy. Therapeutic riding teaches horse care and riding to special needs children, and hippotherapy allows children with motor and speech deficits to participate in therapy in a setting that is more fun than traditional clinical therapy. Horses are fantastic animals to work with because they give a unique sense of purpose and freedom to children who need help with ordinary tasks of daily life.

Employees: A volunteer board of directors governs the program, and the staff

consists of a speech pathologist, a physical therapist, four therapeutic riding instructors, a barn manager and seven gentle, patient and loving horses.

Contact:

### (REVISED: March 25, 2015)

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Appendix C: Therapy Fact Sheet

Butterfly Dreams Farm Therapeutic Riding Program Inc. Therapeutic Riding FAQ

What is therapeutic riding? Therapeutic riding is the use of horses and horse-related activities in order to achieve goals that enhance physical, emotional, social, cognitive, behavioral and educational skills for people with disabilities. It focuses on therapeutic riding skills and the relationship between the horse and rider. Where did therapeutic riding originate? Horses have been therapeutic aids since the time of the ancient Greece, and documentation of the benefits of therapeutic riding date back to the 17th century. Current therapeutic riding techniques began with Liz Hartel of Denmark, whose legs were paralyzed with polio. She participated in therapeutic riding and then went on to win the silver medal for dressage (training) in the 1952 Olympic Games. The first riding centers in North America were established in the 1960s. How exactly does therapeutic riding work? Unlike exercise machines that only focus on one muscle group at a time, horseback riding allows the rider to use the entire body to steer, control and adjust the horse while maintaining balance. Horses move in a rhythmic motion that mimics the way a human moves when walking. The horse’s stride moves the rider’s pelvis in the same rotation and side-to-side movement that occurs when walking, and the adjustable gait (seat) allows the rider to continually adjust the horse’s speed to keep the desired pelvic motion. Together, the riding and adjusting promotes strength, balance, coordination, flexibility and confidence. What are the benefits of therapeutic riding? Horseback riding and horse care can give children a sense of purpose, freedom and independence. There are numerous benefits including, but not limited to: improved self-confidence, feelings of accomplishment, improved concentration, improved listening and communication skills, improved sensory awareness, development of empathy and patience, improved balance and motor and social skill development. Is therapeutic riding safe? Safety is a top priority of the program. All riders are required to wear regulation safety helmets and are supervised at all times by either a spotter or one to two side-walkers, depending on their functioning ability. Horses are matched to the rider’s ability level and are all thoroughly trained. What kinds of horses are used for therapeutic riding? Any type of breed or horse is eligible for the program, but we only use those that have great attitudes. Most of our horses are older and have had other previous jobs. It is essential to have a calm horse with a steady rhythmic pace. Who teaches the therapeutic riding? Therapeutic riding instructors go through a training program and are certified by PATH, the national organization for therapeutic riding. Are there age requirements for participation in therapeutic riding? Children must be at least four years old to participate in therapeutic riding.

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Appendix D: Hippotherapy Fact Sheet

Butterfly Dreams Farm Therapeutic Riding Program Inc. Hippotherapy FAQ

What is hippotherapy? Hippotherapy is a form of physical, occupational and speech therapy in which a therapist uses a horse’s movements to provide motor and sensory input. Medical professionals use the movement and temperament of the horse to meet specific goals that cannot be duplicated in a clinical setting. The horse’s walking gait almost perfectly simulates the movement a child makes when walking, which allows children with motor deficits to develop muscle strength, normalize tone and gain endurance. The movement also facilitates improved auditory and verbal processing, communication and interactive skills. Where did hippotherapy originate? Hippotherapy comes from the Greek word hippos (horse) and literally refers to treatment or therapy aided by a horse. The earliest record of the concept originates in Ancient Greece, but hippotherapy as a formalized discipline began in the 1960s in Germany, Austria and Switzerland as an addition to traditional physical therapy. In the late 1980s, the first standardized hippotherapy curriculum was officially formed by a group of Canadian and American therapists who traveled to Germany to learn about the program. They applied the discipline to North America, and it was formalized in the U.S. in 1992 with the formation of the American Hippotherapy Association (AHA). How exactly does hippotherapy work?

• Physical therapists incorporate the horse’s multi-dimensional movement to achieve gait training, balance, postural/core control, and strengthening and range of motion goals.

• Occupational therapists use the horse’s movement to improve motor control, coordination, balance, attention, sensory processing and performance in daily tasks. The therapist incorporates the movement of the horse to engage the sensory system in preparation for a therapy treatment goal that leads to a functional activity.

• Hippotherapy uses horses to accomplish traditional speech, language, cognitive and swallowing goals. Children with speech deficits learn to vocalize because they must give commands to the horse, which builds confidence and strengthens speech clarity.

What are the benefits of hippotherapy? Hippotherapy is a widely accepted treatment modality within medical and educational communities. The unique combination of the horse, the horse's movement and a non-clinical environment produces an extraordinary effort on all the systems of the body and allows children to improve functions in a fun way. Is hippotherapy safe? Safety is a top priority of the program. All riders are required to wear regulation safety helmets and are supervised at all times by either a spotter or one to two side-walkers, depending on their functioning ability. Horses are matched to the rider’s ability level and are all thoroughly trained. What kinds of horses are used for hippotherapy? Any type of breed or horse is eligible for the program, but we only use those that have great attitudes. Most of our horses are older and have had other previous jobs. It is essential to have a calm horse with a steady rhythmic pace. Who teaches the hippotherapy? Hippotherapy is taught by licensed professionals, and BDF has both a speech pathologist and physical therapist. Are there age requirements for participation in hippotherapy? Children must be at least two years old to participate in hippotherapy.

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Appendix E: List of Sponsors

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Appendix F: Liability Release Form