- 1. Appalachian FoothillsTherapeutic Equestrian Center Volunteer
Orientation 1
2. Welcome to AFTEC!!AFTEC wants your experience to be safe,
rewarding,therapeutic and fun. It is essential for our participants
andhorses that we uphold consistency in AFTEC activities,procedures
and policies. The hows and whys of theAFTEC way of doing things
will be explained in thispresentation and during Skills Development
OpportunitiesDays. If you have any questions, please dont hesitate
toask. We are looking forward to sharing this journey withyou!2 3.
Mission StatementThe Appalachian FoothillsTherapeutic Equestrian
Center, Inc. is dedicated to improvingthe quality of lifeof
individuals with physical, emotional anddevelopmental disabilities
by facilitating the exploration of the age old relationship between
horse and human.3 4. AFTECs missionis to provide a safe, secure
environmentin which individuals can benefit fromexperiencing,
riding and driving horses in a mannerwhich acknowledgesnot only the
special needs but the special abilities of each and every rider.4
5. Contact Information: Executive Director:Mark A. Martinoffice~
[email protected] cell~ 606-975-0757 [email protected]
Lead Instructor/ Program Director: Cheryl Martinoffice~
606-965-2158cell~ [email protected] Volunteer
Coordinator: Emily Wellsoffice~
[email protected] Facilities Manager:Jim
McCaffertycell~859-582-0654 [email protected] Lesson
Coordinator:Kerry [email protected] Web
Master:Sue Wells [email protected] 5 6.
What should I wear??Dress comfortably in durable, outdoorPlease do
not wear tube tops. sportswear.Hats should fit securely,Shorts are
acceptable but no shortstampede strings are recommended. shorts,
please. Dangling jewelry may be eaten.Please wear T-shirts that are
acceptable for children and families. Sunscreen is highly
recommended.Wear sturdy, protective andCell phones off when youre
working.comfortable footwear. No opentoed shoes, sandals or flip
flops.6 7. General Safety Guidelines Always walk around the horses.
Talk softly when approaching the horses. Do not feed the horses
without authorization. Never offer the horses food from your hands.
Do not pet or bother resting horses. Do not let horses graze during
sessions.7 8. General Safety Guidelines continued: Unauthorized
persons should not enteroccupied stalls or paddocks. Stalls should
not be cleaned with horses inside. Do not leave stall cleaning
tools in walkwaysor in the driveway of the barn. Lock the gates
when leaving the barn. Always tie horses with a quick release knot.
8 9. General Safety Guidelinescontinued: NEVER tie up horses by
their bits. Avoidleading horses by their bits. Allow horses to
become with any new orstrange object slowly and from many angles.
No dogs are permitted other than support dogs. Everyone must wear a
helmet when riding. No smoking in AFTEC areas unless marked asa
smoking area. 9 10. General EmergencyProcedures/Policies as soon as
possible.The instructor takes charge of the rider and stabilizes
the situation This may mean removing other riders and horses from
the area.The Leader will take charge of the horse and remove him
from the area.Sidewalkers will stay with their rider.First Aid, if
needed, will be administered by personnel with current CPR and
First AidTraining.Universal Precautions should be followed if body
fluids are involved. All necessary protective equipment is in the
First Aid Kits.Call emergency numbers as needed.If the emergency
involves the health or behavior of the horse it is the leaders
responsibility to inform the instructor. The instructor will
dismount the rider (unless an emergency dismount has already taken
place) and the leader will remove the equine from the arena if
possible.At all times remain calm and in control.10 11. Fire Plan
BEFORE YOU NEED TO, KNOW THE LOCATION OF AVAILABLEFIRE
EXTINGUISHERS, EXITS AND RALLY POINTS. WE MUST ACT CALMLY AND
QUICKLY IN CASE OF FIRE. PEOPLE FIRST THEN HORSES. FOLLOW POSTED
FIRE EVACUATION PLANS TO RALLY POINTS. CALL 911 11 12. Tornados If
a tornado warning has been issued for MadisonCounty it is likely
that classes for the day will becancelled. Call to confirm. If a
tornado is spotted without warning riders will bedismounted and
removed to a safe area. Horses will be evacuated from structures
and turnedout into designated areas. Everyone will remain in
designated safe areas untilthe all clear is given by the instructor
or otheremergency personnel. 12 13. Electrical Storms(If riding out
of doors.) At the first sound of thunder the instructor willcall a
line up and halt. The instructor will dismount the riders. Riders
will leave the arena and move to a safelocation. Leaders will take
the horses to a safe locationand wait for further instructions.13
14. Heat and Humidity In summer months sessions will occasionallybe
cancelled because of a high heat index. If the heat index is 95
degrees or highersessions will be cancelled due to the danger
ofheat exhaustion or heat stroke to the riders,volunteers and
horses. On hot days during lessons, water and cooltowels will be
available.14 15. Horse Care for Extreme Heat If a horse is noticed
to be in distress with elevated respirationand body temperature
remember that the best thing to do is getthe horse into a cool
shaded area and run cool water directlyonto the horse. The areas
under the throat and on the chest are good areas forfast cooling.
Ice may also be applied. When the horse feels cool to the touch,
scrape off the waterand place him in his stall with a fan to keep
him cool. Regularchecks should be made for an hour. Do not feed or
water an overheated horse withoutauthorization from the Head
Wrangler. If the horse does not respond quickly to the above
procedurescall one of the vets whose numbers are posted. 15 16.
Horse Health EmergencyExamples of such emergencies may include:
Lameness, Colic,Unusual BehaviorIf this happens during a lesson:
The instructor will call to Whoa all horses and dismount
theeffected rider in the center of the arena. The sidewalkers will
accompany the rider out of the arena. The leader will take the
horse to a safe area and notify theHead Wrangler. The lesson will
resume with the remaining riders, horses andsupport personnel.If
the horses condition is serious, the Head Wrangler or
otherdesignated person will call the Vet (numbers are posted).Other
persons will remain away from the area in which thehorse is being
treated.16 17. Stewardship AFTEC is a non-profit agency. All
materialsand equipment are provided by or throughdonations from
others. It is, therefore, important to practice goodstewardship.
Good stewardship involves propermaintenance, cleaning, storage and
repair ofmaterials and equipment. 17 18. Stewardship, continued
Good stewardship also involves recycling andreusing. AFTEC makes an
effort to recycle all appropriatematerials including- but not
limited to- plastics,paper, glass, cardboard and aluminum and steel
cans. Please help us in this effort. Please consider recycling in
your own home andworkplace. 18 19. Introduction to Equine
AssistedActivities and Therapies (EAAT)EAAT uses horses, ponies or
mules for the purpose ofcontributing positively to the cognitive,
physical,emotional and social well-being of people
withdisabilities.The following classifications reflect the primary
fieldsof EAAT and their different approaches. Anintegrated approach
uses the therapeutic benefits inall four fields, however each can
be practiced as aspecialty. 19 20. 20 21. TherapyEquine activities
are used as a form of therapy toachieve physical, psychological,
cognitive, behavioraland communication goals.Health professions
including physical therapy,occupational therapy, speech therapy and
psychologyhave specialized forms of treatment using the horsewithin
their professions.These include, but are not limited to,
ClassicHippotherapy, Hippotherapy, Developmental RidingTherapy, and
Equine Assisted Psychotherapy21 22. Equine Assisted Learning
(EAL)Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP)The emphasis is to
incorporate cognitive, behavioral, psychological and physical goals
into the program plan while teaching adaptive riding, driving or
vaulting.Therapeutic riding instructors, educational specialists
and health professionals are involved in the design and
implementation in the programs. 22 23. Pilot Participant/Family
Feedback Questionnaire (2009) ~Dreager & SrsicRESULTS 23 24.
SportActivities are directed toward the acquisition of skills
leading to the accomplishment of specific horsemanship
goals.Therapeutic riding instructors are primarily responsible for
the design and implementation of the program.24 25. 25 26.
Recreation and LeisureThe emphasis is on an enjoyable, relaxing
experience thatprovides additional therapeutic benefits in the area
ofsocialization, posture, mobility and an overall improvedquality
of life.Individuals may participate in horse-related activities to
their maximum ability in an atmosphere of support, structure and
socialization for the primary purpose of the intrinsic enjoyment of
the activity.Therapeutic riding instructors and recreational
therapists areprimarily responsible for program development.
Healthprofessionals and educational specialists are involved on
aconsultative basis.26 27. 27 28. Hippotherapy (HPOT) Hippotherapy
is a direct medical treatment. Medical professionals, primarily
physical andoccupational therapists use this treatment fortheir
clients who have movement dysfunction.28 29. Horses for Heroes H4H
was developed by PATH Intl. and is a program of Equine
AssistedActivities and Therapies (EAAT) for veterans and active
duty soldiers. EAAT have been found helpful in assisting wounded
warriors reconnectwith their families and communities and to rise
above psychological andphysical challenges through the age-old
relationship between horse andhuman. Participants are supported by
volunteers as needed. Volunteers supportriders through horse
management and through encouragement andfacilitation with
activities. It has been proven that military helping military is an
additional benefit ofthe program. Everyone benefits from this
experience.29 30. 30 31. The Support Team 31 32. The Role of the
Leader 32 33. The LeaderA leaders first responsibility is the horse
but she must also be aware of: The Rider The leader should
reinforce the Riders attempts to control the horsebut allow time
for the rider to process the instruction. The Instructor Listen for
directions from the Instructor. The Sidewalkers Make sure there is
enough room and help them be aware of possibleobstacles. Any
possible hazards in the arena Footing Elevation changes33 34.
Leader Qualifications Demonstrate a strong understanding of
andexperience with horse handling. Minimum age of 14. Walk and jog
on possibly uneven surfaces with thehorse for the duration of the
lesson. Adequate vision and hearing to ensure safety ofhorses and
participants. Ability to read a horse and the knowledge
andconfidence to calmly prevent unexpected movements. Ability to
adapt to change, be flexible and patient. 34 35. Leader
Responsibilities Commitment to attend your scheduled lessons. Must
remain focused on the horse at all times duringthe lesson to ensure
safety, calming the horse and toanticipate any unforeseen
situations. Ensure the horse is warming up in the arena 10minutes
prior to the lesson. Lead the horse in class. Give guidance to the
horsefrom the riders cues if necessary. Listen to the directions of
the instructor. Untack and rest the horse after the class.35 36.
The Role of the Sidewalkers36 37. Effective SidewalkingSidewalkers
are directly responsible for the safety andsupport of the
rider.Sidewalkers should help the rider focus on theinstructor.
Allow the rider plenty of time to process the instruction. Avoid
unnecessary conversation, too much input can beconfusing to
everyone. Reinforce the Instructors directions. Use
Hand-Over-HandAssistance if necessary. Maintain a position by the
riders knee. Hold the rider without interfering. The Instructor
will suggestthe proper hold.37 38. Arm Over the Thigh 38 39. Ankle
Hold 39 40. Walk Along/ Floater40 41. Sidewalker Qualifications
Walk and occasionally jog alongside the horse for the duration of
thelesson on possibly uneven surfaces. Ability to hold your arm,
slightly raised and out to the side for up to 30minutes, providing
support to the rider as necessary. Adequate vision to ensure the
safety of the rider. Ability to adapt to change, be flexible and
patient. Comfortable working with horses and children and/or adults
withdisabilities and special needs (including physical contact).
Minimum age is 14. 41 42. Sidewalker Responsibilities Commitment to
attend your scheduled lessons. Assist rider with correct fitting of
helmet. Assist with supporting rider duringmounting/dismounting.
Bridge the instructions to the rider. Repeatdirections, redirect
attention, Cheer,Encourage and Praise. 42 43. WranglersThe
Wranglers are the behind the scenes volunteers involved in horse
care, feeding, training, and preparing the horses for EAAT.43 44.
Wrangler Qualifications Ability to adapt to change, be flexible
andpatient. Horse handling experience preferred. Minimum age of 12
Can not be fearful of horses.44 45. Wrangler Responsibilities
Commitment to attend to your scheduled duties. Leading horses from
and to pasture, feeding,grooming and tacking. Evening turn-out.
Chores such as haying, stall cleaning, cob webbing,tack cleaning.
Report to the Head Wrangler, Mark Martin.45 46. InstructorThe
Instructor is responsible for planning for, setting up for and
teaching the classes.She/He is not only to teach horsemanship
skillsand riding but it is also the Instructors job toensure the
safety of those students who areparticipating in the classes.This
person should have passed the PATH, Intl. standards for Registered
Instructor or above.46 47. Volunteer Coordinator The
responsibilities of AFTECs VolunteerCoordinator are to schedule
volunteers for ridingsessions and other activities. When possible
the Volunteer Coordinator will useemail contact to schedule
volunteers. It is appropriate for eager volunteers to contact
theVolunteer Coordinator to advise him/her ofavailability. AFTECs
current Volunteer Coordinator is Emily47 48. Hay Crew Hay Crew
members are those volunteers whowill be available on a rotating
basis to helpwith horse care at Jacks Creek Riding Stables. Hay
Crew members will be supervised by theHead Wrangler, Program
Director orExecutive Director. If you are interested in becoming a
Hay Crewmember, speak to Mark, Cheryl or Jim. 48 49. Hay Crew
Qualifications Attendance at AFTEC Volunteer Orientation.
Successful completion of Hay Crew Training. Previous horse
experience is required. Ability to have reliable, on-time
attendance. Will feed hay, grain and supplements. Clean and fill
water buckets and troughs. Check horses for illness and injury.
Bring horses in and out of barn as needed. Clean and prepare stalls
for horse occupancy. Put on or take off muzzles, fly masks and
blankets as needed. Clean and put away feed pans, buckets, rakes,
muck tubs andother tools used. Rake barn aisle.49 Assist in
maintaining a clean and orderly feed area. 50. Disabilities
AwarenessWe are obliged to respect, defend and maintain the common
bonds of unionand fellowship that exist among allmembers of the
human race.Cicero 106 BCE-43 BCE 50 51. Person-First Language Refer
to the person first rather than thedisability. Person First
language says that we believe inand value individualized,
people-orientedsupports and services. Person-First language is
respectful andconsiderate. 51 52. Labels as StereotypesLabels:
Define peoples lives. Devalue and Limit what we
expectdepersonalizethe person to achieve.individuals. Dont allow
Make it appear that anopportunities for growthintellectual
disability isand inclusive lifestyles. a sickness or disease. 52
53. General Information About Disabilities Congenital- presented at
or before birth. Acquired- presented after birth. Progressive- gets
worse over time.53 54. Presenting ConditionsMight Effect: Mobility
Muscle Tone Hypertonic Hypotonic Fluctuating Endurance Strength
Flexibility Bilateral Coordination Stability 54 55. Presenting
ConditionsMight Include: Pain Deformity Low Self-Esteem Sensory
Integration Disorder Anxiety 55 56. Our Diverse Students (CDC)About
1 in 6 children (16.7%) in the U.S. hada developmental disability
in 2006-2008 : mild disabilities such as speech &
languageimpairments to serious developmental disabilities,such as
intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy, andautism. 1 in 88
children has been identified with an autism spectrumdisorder (CDC)
Prevalence of learning disabilities was 7.66% Prevalence of ADHD
was 6.69% Prevalence of other developmental delay was 3.65%
Prevalence of autism was 0.47%. The average prevalence of CP was
approximately 3.3 per1,000 or 1 in every 303 8-year-old children
living in areas ofAL, GA, MO, WI; 33% had limited or no walking
ability. 56 57. Our Diverse Students (US Census)U.S. civilian
non-institutionalized population of children age 5-17, about 2.8
million (5.2% ) were reported to have a disability in 2010with more
students with diagnoses outside the metropolitan areas (6.3%) vs.
inside Metro areas (5.0%).Difficulties: Cognitive, Self-Care,
Vision, Hearing, AmbulatoryKENTUCKY: 6.6% in Metro; 7.4% outside
Metro 57 58. Getting to Know the Person with Special Needs58 59.
General Approach and InteractionIt is important to remember that
every child or adult is an individualand wants to be treated with
that understanding regardless of having adisability or not. Each
has his/her own style of learning, uniquepersonality and
temperament. One must always look beyond thedisability into the
person. Provide each participant with an enrichedexperience with
warmth and a favorable environment in which tolearn and grow. All
people, disabled or not, want to feel that they arenot all that
different from the rest of their peers. 59 60. SUGGESTIONS TO HELP
YOU RELATE TO A PERSON WITH A DISABILITY. Be yourself. Respect the
persons right to independence and Relax.her request for the type of
assistance she Speak directly to the person with the disability.
requires.Your attention should be on him and not the Be guided by
the wishes of the person with aperson escorting him. disability.
Talk about the disability if it comesup naturally, but dont pry. If
a person has difficulty speaking, allow her tofinish her sentence.
If you dont understand Appreciate what the rider can do.
Rememberwhats being said, tell her so. Dont pretend you that the
difficulties a person might be facingunderstand if you dont.could
stem from societys attitudes and barriersrather than the disability
itself. People with Use conversation and behavior that you
woulddisabilities generally do not view themselves touse in any
situation.be as handicapped as society perceives them to Offer
assistance when asked or when the be.situation obviously requires
it. Be patient. Be sensitive to separating a rider from his Let the
person set the pace in walking andwheelchair, crutches, or braces
uness asked.Never move any mobility aid unless asked to.talking.
Communicate with your heart and see eachperson from his/her
heart..Acknowledge that every person has the opportunity for vast
potential in his life.Share the feeling that each persons potential
is found in the present moment.60Source: Healing Reins Therapeutic
Riding Center 61. Sensory Integration The process by which the
brain organizessensory information for appropriate use. The process
of organizing sensory inputs sothat the brain produces a useful
body responseand also useful perceptions, emotions andthoughts. 61
62. Disorders of Sensory Integration Gravitational Insecurity
Hyper- or Hypo- sensitivity to Movement Developmental Dyspraxia
Tactile Defensiveness62 63. Sensory Integration Dysfunction:
Benefits of Therapeutic RidingTR combines Vestibular,
Proprioceptive and Tactileinputs. Slow Vestibular input can be
calming. Vestibular input can effect muscle tone. TR gives the
opportunity to move in all planes. Joint compression, which occurs
during TR, assists inmodulating vestibular input. Tactile input
provides a calming, focusing, organizingreaction. Movement drives
language.63 64. ArthritisAn inflammatory disease of the joints
Types- Osteo, Rheumatoid, JuvenileRheumatoid. Characteristics-
Pain, lack of mobility,deformity, loss of strength. Benefits (of
Therapeutic Riding)- Generalrhythmic movement to promote joint
mobilityand relieve pain.64 65. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) A
developmental disability that typicallyappears during the first
three years of life,affecting a childs development. Autism affects
all aspects of an individualslife. Autism affects how an individual
thinks,communicates and interacts with others. Autism occurs in
approximately 1 in 100individuals.65 66. Autism Spectrum DisorderIs
NOT: A mental illness. The result of bad parenting. Unruly
individuals who choose not to behave. Always associated with mental
impairment. Always associated with behavioral challenges. The same
in every individual.66 67. Autism Spectrum DisorderCharacteristics
may include: Unresponsiveness to the presence of others. Withdrawal
from physical contact. Delayed or disordered language.
Self-stimulating behaviors. Unawareness of danger. Ritualistic
behaviors. Resistance to change.67 68. ASD Benefits of TR and EAAT
Improves attention span. Improves sensory processing. Improved
social functioning. Improved communication skills. 68 69. Cerebral
Palsy Brain damage occurring before, at or shortly afterbirth. It
is a non-progressive motor disorder. Characteristics-
Hypertonicity, hypotonicity, muscleimbalances, increased startle
response, slow anddeliberate speech, difficulty with fine motor
skills. Benefits- Normalization of tone, stimulation ofpostural and
balance mechanisms, musclestrengthening and perceptual motor
coordination. Associated problems- Seizures, hearing
impairments,vision impairment, sensory impairment,
perceptualproblems.69 70. Cerebral Vascular Accident- Stroke A
hemorrhage or blockage in the brain which causesvarious degrees of
functional impairment. Characteristics- Flaccid or spastic
paralysis of limbs.May impair oral-motor function, sight,
balance,posture, coordination and strength. Benefits- TR promotes
symmetry, stimulates balance,improves posture, motor planning,
speech andsocialization.70 71. Down Syndrome A condition in which
the person is born with an extrachromosome, resulting in
developmental delay. Characteristics- Usually hypotonic, have
hyper-mobile joints, prone to respiratory infections. Benefits- TR
improves muscle tone, expressive andreceptive communication skills,
gross and fine motorskills, balance and coordination.71 72.
Emotional Disabilities A congenital or acquired condition often
compoundedby learning and/or physical disabilities
incorporatingnumerous other pathologies. Characteristics- Trouble
coping with everyday lifesituations and interpersonal relations.
Behaviors such as short attention span, avoidance,aggression,
paranoia, and schizophrenia may beexhibited. Benefits- EAAT
increases feelings of self-confidence,and self-awareness and
provides an appropriate socialoutlet.72 73. Epilepsy/Seizure
Disorder Abnormal electrical energy in the brain marked byseizures
and altered consciousness. Types and characteristics- Petit
Mal/Absence Seizures- usually last 10-20 seconds.They begin and end
suddenly. During the seizure,awareness and responsiveness are
impaired. Grand mal/Tonic-clonic- Loss of consciousness with lossof
postural tone.Note- An active seizure disorder is a
contra-indication forhorseback riding.73 74. Hearing Impairment
Congenital or acquired hearing loss varyingfrom mild to profound.
Characteristics- Communication difficulties-may use adaptive
equipment, finger spelling,or lip reading. Benefits- TR promotes
self-confidence,balance, posture and coordination. 74 75. Learning
Disabilities A catch-all phrase for individuals havingproblems
processing and sequencinginformation and problem solving.
Characteristics- Short attention span, easilyfrustrated,
immaturity. Benefits- TR and EAAT stimulate attentionspan, group
skills, cooperation, languageskills, posture and coordination.75
76. Multiple Sclerosis (MS) A progressive neurological disease with
adegeneration of spinal column tracts resulting in scarformation.
Characteristics- Most commonly occurs in the 20-40year old range.
It is progressive with periods ofexacerbations and remissions.
Individuals are easilyfatigued. Symptoms include weakness,
visualimpairments, fatigue, loss of coordination andemotional
sensitivity. Benefits: Maintains and strengthens weak musclesand
provides opportunities for emotional therapy. 76 77. Muscular
Dystrophy (MD)Deficiency in muscle nutrition with degeneration
ofskeletal tissue. A hereditary disease which effectsmostly males.
Characteristics: Progressive muscle weakness,fatigues easily,
sensitive to temperature extremes. Benefits: Provides opportunities
for group activities,may slow progressive loss of strength,
stimulatespostural and trunk alignment and allows movementfree of
assistive devices. 77 78. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Post-traumatic stress disorder is a type ofanxiety disorder. It can
occur after a personhas seen or experienced a traumatic event
thatinvolved the threat of injury or death. PTSD can occur at any
age and can follow anatural disaster such as a flood or fire,
orevents such as war, a prison stay, assault,domestic abuse, or
rape. 78 79. Post Traumatic Stress DisorderBenefits of Equine
Assisted Activities: Increased self-confidence. Renewed feelings of
efficacy. Improved self-concept. Improved ability to read
non-verbal communication. Restoration or development of trust.
Reduction of anxiety. Decreased isolation. Improved impulse
modulation. An opportunity to be in the moment. 79 80. Spinal Cord
InjuryTrauma to the spinal cord resulting in loss ofneurological
function. Characteristics: Paralysis of muscles below the levelof
the injury. Fatigue, sensory loss and pressuresores. Benefits: TR
stimulates posture and balance,strengthens trunk muscles, provides
an opportunityfor sports participation and recreation.80 81.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)Injury to the head resulting in
intra-cranial bleedingwith death of brain cells. Characteristics:
Gross and Fine motor skills deficits.Often have impaired memory,
speech, balance and/orvision. May have psychological effects.
Benefits: TR stimulates balance, posture, fine andgross motor
skills, speech and perceptual skills. 81 82. Vision
ImpairmentModerate to severe loss of sight. Characteristics:
Insecure posture, lack ofvisual memory, anterior center of
gravity,fearfulness, and developmental delay. Benefits: TR
stimulates spatial awareness,proprioception, posture and
coordination. Provides a social outlet, structured risk-training
and freedom of movement. 82 83. 83 84. Understanding Horse Behavior
84 85. Equine Senses When developing relationships and workingwith
horses, communication is the key. It is critical to provide a safe
environment in aTR setting. Beginning a process of understanding
thehorse senses, instincts and implications is astep in predicting
behaviors, managing risksand increasing positive relationships
betweenequines and humans.85 86. Smell The horses sense of smell is
thought to be very acuteand it allows him to recognize other horses
andpeople. Smell also allows horses to evaluate situations.
Implications: Allow horses the opportunity to becomefamiliar with
new objects and their environment bysmelling. It is recommended
that you not carry treats on yourperson as horses may try to go
after them. Volunteers should be discouraged from eating andhaving
food in the arena or barn.86 87. HearingA horses sense of hearing
is also thought to be very acute. The horse may also combine their
senses of hearing and sight to become familiar with new or alerting
sounds.Hearing and not seeing is often the cause of the fright,
flight, or fight response. 87 88. Sight The horses eyes are set on
either side of the head, sothere is good peripheral (lateral)
vision, but poorerfrontal vision. A horse focuses on objects by
raising or lowering hishead. The horses visual memory is very
accurate. Horses are thought to see quite well in the dark, dueto
the large size of their eyes. It is now believed that horses do see
in color butrather like a human with red/green color blindness.88
89. TasteTaste is closely linked to the sense of smell andhelps the
horse to distinguish palatable foodsand other objects.89 90. Touch
A Horse can feel a mosquito landing on hisback. Use light hands
whenever possible. 90 91. The Sixth SenseHorses do have a sixth
sense when evaluating the disposition of those around them.Horses
are masters of using and understanding body language and can be
hyper-sensitive in detecting the moods of their handlers and
riders.A good therapy horse is often chosen for his sensitive
response to the rider.It is important to let the
instructor/therapist know if you are having a difficult time
relating to or getting along with a particular horse.91 92. Reading
the EarsMany times you can tell what a horse is thinking by looking
at his ears.Note the position of the horses ears on the next few
slides and see if you can guess whats on their minds.92 93. 93 94.
94 95. 95 96. 96 97. 97 98. 98 99. 99 100. The Horses LifestyleIn
addition to understanding the horses sixsenses, we need to increase
our awareness ofthe horses lifestyle so that we can
respondappropriately to his needs, reactions andsituations. 100
101. Flight is a Natural InstinctA horse would rather turn and run
away from danger than stay and fight it.101 102. Herd
BehaviorHorses like to stay together in a herd or group with one or
two horses dominant and a pecking order among the rest.102 103.
Natural Horsemanship Concepts Love, Language and Leadership in
equal doses. Use phases of pressure. Ask, Tell, Demand
Communication, Understanding and Psychology VSMechanics, Fear and
Intimidation. Mutual Respect.103 104. Happy Trails! The Appalachian
FoothillsTherapeutic Equestrian Center7822 HWY 2004MC Kee, KY
[email protected]
