High Hopes TR General Volunteer Handbook

Hopes

Volunteer Manual

Table of Contents

Purpose

Trips

Riding:

Training:

TheHistory&Benefit

BriefHistoryofTherapeutic

Benefits

HerdofTherapeutic

MeettheHerd............................................

LearnaboutourParticipants............................

WorkingwithPeoplewithSpecialNeeds:

WheelchairEtiquette:............................

Welcome to High Hopes & Thank You!

Volunteers serve a vital role in the success of High Hopes. As a volunteer, your support and dedication enable us to reach a diverse population of participants- your compassion and gift of time adds an important dimension to their lives. Should you have any questions or concerns regarding your volunteer role, please feel free to speak with the Volunteer Team.

Chelsea Bourn – Program Director

Checking In & Checking Out:

Upon arrival, we ask volunteers to wear a name badge (located in the drawers in the lounge), and check the daily schedule located at the sign-in/sign-out desk for your assignment. After completing your assignment, sign-out on the computer at the desk using your assigned volunteer number or sign-out using your phone by scanning the QR code located at the desk.

note the number of hours you have worked and the areas in which you worked.

Program Schedule, Operations & Closures:

High Hopes is able to operate year-round thanks to our indoor arena, barn area, and our climate-controlled building. However, there are rare instances when we may decide to cancel classes based on the weather or other factors. If High Hopes cancels lessons, a modified makeup opportunity may be offered to affected participants. If participants cancel due to weather while High Hopes remains open, no make-up is offered.

The Program Director will make decisions regarding class cancellations. High Hopes makes an independent decision to close and is not based on regional school cancellations. Reasons class may be canceled include:

Weather safety concerns

Road closures

State closure mandates

If High Hopes chooses to close due to the weather, the Volunteer Team will notify the volunteers and the Program Team will notify participants with at least 2 hours’ notice to the start of the participant’s lesson. Notification will be provided via personal phone calls, text messages (if text is noted as acceptable form of communication), alerts on the website, on social media, and recorded on our main phone line. In case of extreme temperatures, and High Hopes remains open, instructors will modify lessons accordingly. This may include facilitating unmounted activities for a portion or all of the lesson to limit exposure.

Get to know us

Our Mission:

High Hopes fosters a vibrant community where horse and human interactions improve lives.

Our Vision:

High Hopes’ participants and the community will be enriched by the provision of unique and impactful services which respond to the changing needs of our community with flexibility, creativity and quality.

Our Values:

Quality: We are committed to the highest level of quality throughout our programs, in our care for horses, and our interaction with participants, volunteers, donors, and other members of the community.

Teamwork: High Hopes’ certified instructors, qualified staff, and committed volunteers work together to create an inclusive environment providing the optimal experience for participants.

Education: High Hopes promotes education within the field of therapeutic riding and values learning in collaboration with our participants and community.

Facility:

Leadership & Innovation: High Hopes develops leaders who are committed to excellence, current with advances in therapeutic riding, and eager to share innovative solutions that will enhance the experience for participants today and in the future.

Serving the Community: High Hopes strives to serve its local community effectively and to be an active and valued community participant.

High Hopes operates from a 120-acre riding center built in October 1990 and renovated and expanded in 2001. The property includes 20 acres of pastures with paddocks, over 2 miles of trails for riding and carriage driving, indoor and outdoor arenas, and a specialized sensory integration trail. The primary building contains a family activity area, volunteer and staff kitchens, a 20,000-square-foot indoor arena, staff offices, a library, a state-of- the art classroom, and a therapy room for unmounted therapeutic work. One wing of the building encompasses a 21-stall barn, tack room, feed room, and a hayloft. All public areas are accessible to people of all abilities.

Our Story:

High Hopes was founded (as the Lower Connecticut Valley Educational Riding Association, or LCVERA) in 1974 by Sis Gould and a group of dedicated volunteers who believed that riding and caring for horses could make a difference in the lives of people with special needs. They began with one instructor, eight riders, ten volunteers, and borrowed horses. The program was nomadic, trailering horses and equipment to several locations around the state.

Today, High Hopes Therapeutic Riding, Inc. is a PATH Intl. Premier Accredited Center that serves nearly 175 participants each week who range from ages 4 to 82 years. Year-round programs are offered to benefit individuals with special needs, including those with physical, cognitive and emotional disabilities, youth at risk, and veterans.

Currently, we have over 20 full and part-time staff and more than 23 specially trained program horses at our facility. Each year, more than 450 volunteers dedicate their time and energy to help ensure that High Hopes continues to provide top quality programs.

As a result of more than 45 years of experience and commitment to therapeutic riding, High Hopes is one of the largest and most well respected therapeutic riding centers in the country. We continually strive to improve the safety and standards for our participants and volunteers. Our program combines the benefits of Equine Assisted Services with the unconditional love gained through the human-animal bond and the control, freedom, and mobility that the equine environment offers our participants. Perhaps, most important of all, is that Equine Assisted Services offer our participants the ability to excel in multiple areas, learn to manage a situation, gain independence, and build self-esteem.

An Overview of Volunteering

Volunteering at High Hopes is a unique opportunity that offers people highly valued, critical positions to assist us in running our daily operations.

Volunteering at High Hopes:

High Hopes is a recognized leader in providing volunteer opportunities to over 450 individuals in our community who are an integral part of daily life at our center. Speak to any volunteer and they will invariably tell you that volunteering at High Hopes gives them far more than they believe they contribute. Our volunteers include:

High School Students fulfilling volunteer requirements for graduation

College Students getting valuable vocational experience

Job seekers looking to maintain a schedule and build their resume

Retirees looking to stay physically active and cognitively engaged

Parents and children looking for a fulfilling activity they can do together

Those completing mandatory community service

Volunteers from organizations for team building and community involvement

We are delighted to offer professional and experienced support to our volunteers.

Volunteering for our Programs:

Others simply wish to give back and be part of a vibrant community where horse and human interactions improve lives. There are a breadth of options available for our volunteers: from serving on our Board of Trustees and various committees to side walking (assisting a rider by walking alongside him/her and the horse and offering physical support and encouragement when needed) or leading a horse during a lesson. High Hopes’ volunteers also work in the barn preparing horses for lessons, cleaning, and feeding our horses. Others prepare our printed materials for mailing, manage our special events, care for our horses, and/or assist with facility and pasture maintenance. Quality has always been a driving force behind High Hopes’ programs, and we are able to provide the highest quality of services to such a large participant base thanks to the outpouring of volunteer support we receive. Volunteers work with our staff of humans and horses to ensure that we provide the best possible Equine Assisted Services to all who come to High Hopes. These volunteers are an integral part of our programming, and their knowledge and support are essential to our daily operations.

Simply put, we could not do what we do without you!

Financial Valuation

When quantified in dollars, the support that volunteers contribute to High Hopes is over $400,000 annually. In addition, High Hopes depends on financial contributions of over $1,000,000 each year

program

Continuing Learning Opportunities

High Hopes encourages its volunteers to learn more about therapeutic horsemanship and our equine friends by providing a variety of opportunities for continuing education including:

Volunteer Training

Volunteer Enrichment Seminars

Access to our resource library

Instructor Education Lectures

other workshops throughout the year

Other ways to Contribute to High Hopes: Donate:

As a result of generous donations, High Hopes is able to subsidize the cost for service to all of our participants and offer additional Financial Aid to those who need it. Almost 60% of contributions come from individual donations, while the rest are received from corporations and foundations. If you are interested in making a contribution to help support High Hopes, or know of anyone who is, please contact our Development Office by phone at 860-434-1974 ext. 119

In Kind:

Monetary contributions are not the only means in which you can support High Hopes; we also rely upon the very generous and thoughtful in-kind gifts that come to us from many sources within the community.

We are always in need of gentle, tolerant, well-behaved, and sound horses. Donations of supplements, horse care products, and riding equipment in good condition are also appreciated.

The Purpose of Volunteer Orientation & Training

To assist in providing the safest and most enjoyable environment possible, new volunteers attend a General Orientation

sessions to orient them to the High Hopes facility, introduce them

and provide an overview of the populations our program serves. You will experience hands-on training, including safety and

procedures

for working with our horses and participants.

“The High Hopes Way”

You may be very experienced with horses, in an office, organizing events, or working with individuals with disabilities. We value your experience, but you may hear staff, or our volunteers, ask that you do something “the High Hopes way.” The reason for this is simple.

With over 450 volunteers helping High Hopes deliver our services each year, we have to have a common way of doing things.

Common terminology that we all understand, common ways of interacting with our participants and other volunteers, and consistency for our horses is very important to managing our daily tasks. We strive to emulate industry-best practice, and we achieve consistency through doing things “the High Hopes way.” If you have a question about this policy, or the way in which you are being asked to do something, please ask a member of staff.

Consistency

High Hopes relies heavily on volunteer support to keep programs running. Volunteers make up 96% of the workforce at High Hopes. Because High Hopes relies so heavily on volunteers, consistency is extremely important.



Consistent sidewalkers build relationships with their riders and are key to helping their riders with skill progression.

Consistent horse leaders, barn help, carriage driving headers and feeders also build connections with the horses and provide support for our horses before, during, and after the lessons.

When a volunteer cancels, High Hopes needs to find an appropriate substitute in class, the office, or barn. Please review our cancellation policy in the Guidelines and Policies section of this manual.

We ask that you sign up for the volunteer activities you know that you can manage consistently, and that you give as much notice as possible if you need to cancel or change your slot.

Becoming a Volunteer

Volunteer Opportunities and Job Descriptions

Volunteers provide an invaluable service to High Hopes Therapeutic Riding. Whether you are able

devote

hour

Riding Program Volunteers:

Horse Handlers (also called “Leaders”):

energy

always be greatly

including:

These volunteers are responsible for handling horses during lessons in order to ensure safety and well-being by advocating for the horse.

Experience Required: 14+ years old, must have prior riding or horse management experience.

Training Required: Attend a Horse Handler Training

Commitment: 1-2 hours per week for minimum of one semester (31 weeks)

Considerations: Walk and jog over uneven terrain for up to 1 hour (not consecutively)

Sidewalkers:

These volunteers walk next to the rider during their lesson to provide physical and moral support and assist with skill progression.

Experience Required: 14+ years old

Training Required: Attend a Sidewalker Training

Commitment: 1-2 hours per week for minimum of one semester (academic or summer)

Physical Considerations: Walk/jog over uneven terrain for up to 1 hour (not consecutively)

Barn Assistants:

These volunteers help keep the barn clean, safe, and operating smoothly during program. Tasks include cleaning stalls, sweeping, dumping water buckets, and cleaning tack.

Experience Required: 14+ to volunteer independently, under 14 years old must be accompanied by an adult. Horse experience is a bonus.

Training Required: On-the-job training; Sidewalker training is recommended.

Commitment: 1-2 hours per week for minimum of one semester

Considerations: Walk on uneven terrain for up to 1 hour. Lift and carry up to 25lbs.

Carriage Driving Program Volunteers:

These volunteers assist the driving instructor in preparing driving horses and assisting with driving class. Driving volunteers include Able Bodied Whips & Carriage Driving Headers (CD).

Carriage Driving Headers: Headers “head” the horse during mounting/dismounting or other circumstances as identified by the instructor and are trained to be familiar with and assist in emergency procedures. CD Headers assist in the harnessing, hitching, unharnessing, and unhitching of the driving horse.

Experience Required: 14+ years old. Must have prior riding or horse management experience; carriage driving experience is recommended but not required.

Required: Carriage Driving Header Training & Horse Handler Training.

Commitment: 1-2 hours per week for minimum of one semester.

Considerations: Move quickly in the event of an emergency and be able to walk with carriage over uneven terrain.

Able Bodied Whips (ABW):

ABWs are specifically trained by High Hopes driving staff to use a second set of reins to assist the student driver during the lesson. ABWs assist in the harnessing, hitching, unhitching and unharnessing of the driving horse.

Required: These volunteers must be at least 18 years of age and have 75 hours of driving experience in numerous settings.

Training Required: Carriage Driving Header Training & ABW Skills Test.

1-2 hours per week for minimum of one semester.

Equine Learning Program (ELP) Volunteer Coaches:

These volunteers are responsible for working as a team with High Hopes instructors and directly with an ELP participant. They assist in presenting a cohesive, safe, and educational unmounted experience for ELP participants. Each ELP participant is working toward a set of goals specific to their needs, so ELP coaches may be assisting with a variety of activities, including: retrieving horses from pastures, setting up tack, grooming, barn chores, horse management, office work, organizational skills, etc.

Experience Required: Minimum of one semester of High Hopes volunteer experience. Candidates typically have strong equestrian and leadership skills.

Training Required: Sidewalker, Leader and ELP Coach training

Commitment: 1 hour a week minimum for 1 semester.

Considerations: Stand and walk for up to 1 hour.

Horse Care, Barn & Facility Volunteers

Feeding Volunteers:

Feeders help take care of the horses each morning, seven days a week from 8:00-10:00AM. Each feeding volunteer typically volunteers for 1 morning of the week. Feeding activities include grooming, feeding grain, filling hay feeders, and making up feed for the next meal.

Requirements: 16+ years old. Horse experience is helpful but not required.

Training Required: On the job training provided

Available one day per week for 1.5-2 hours for a minimum of 6 months.

Considerations: Walk over uneven terrain, which is sometime snowy or muddy. Lift and carry up to 50 lbs. Feeding occurs outdoors in all weather, including heat, rain, snow and ice.

Facility Volunteers

These volunteers work directly with the Equine Operations Director. They help with farm maintenance such as grass cutting, replacing fence posts, fixing fences, and trail maintenance.

Required: 18+ years old.

facilities tasks require prior experience such as operating farm equipment.

Hands-on

Considerations:

carry up to

Equine Operations Director.

lbs.

operate heavy machinery.

Office, Events & Special Events/ Skills Volunteers

Office volunteers:

Office volunteers perform a variety of duties including assisting at the reception desk by taking phone inquiries and performing general clerical duties such as filing, data entry, making copies, assisting with special mailings, etc.

Required: 14+ years old. Knowledge of technology recommended.

Required: General Orientation, office training provided by the Office Manager

2 hours per week.

Special Events Volunteers:

Special Events Volunteers assist with the various functions that are hosted by High Hopes throughout the year, such as—Horse Show Days and Holiday Market. Duties may include assisting with coordinating an event, serving on a committee, and/or assisting the actual day of the event. High Hopes staff will provide Special Events Volunteers with the necessary training and information required to successfully perform their duties. Volunteers in this area are encouraged to share a special skill or technical experience that may benefit the program. Areas of special skills/experience may include—graphic design, public relations, photography, computer knowledge, etc. If you think you would fit into this unique and creative role, please contact the Volunteer Team for more information.

EquineOperations

EquineResource

Caretaker

Our Instructors & Therapists

Barbara Abrams, LPC

Chelsea Bourn

Marie Cahill

Lauren Fitzgerald Carolyn Jagielski

Hopes

Jane Bolles

Nancy Bulkeley (Secretary)

Sarah Canning

John Catlett

Scott Douglas (Treasurer)

Mark Fader

Jackie Kangley Sarah Keenan Todd Machnik

More information on

Trustees

LessonManager

EventManager TrudyBurgess

Developement Manager KerrieGuarino

FinanceDirector LesleyOlsen OfficeManager DianaArtiles

Sarah Miller Kitty Stalsburg

Hayley Plas

Jess Morgan

Board of

follow:

Mac (Margaret) Mummert (Chair)

Vicki Newton (Vice Chair)

Jeffrey Ridgway

Gary Rogers

Robin Schonberger

Gregory Varga Maris Wacs

Peter Watt (Vice Chair of Development)

Natalie Yonker

Offerings & Programs

Programs:

Through our year-round therapeutic riding and horsemanship programs, High Hopes offers opportunities for skill building and achievement to individuals of all ages who face a multitude of challenges each day: A young adult dealing with mental illness, a child challenged by physical disability, a troubled teen who has been moved from foster home to foster home, a parent recovering from a stroke, and the caregiver who may be overwhelmed by stress and worry. The High Hopes experience combines the healing power of the human-animal bond with targeted and attainable goals reached through individualized equine assisted activities.

Therapeutic Riding:

High Hopes offers day and evening therapeutic riding lessons to children and adults with cognitive, physical, psychological, and developmental disabilities. A key component of our therapeutic riding program is the integrated, collaborative team approach.

Common participant diagnoses include autism spectrum disorders, anxiety, depression, Down syndrome, learning disabilities, and many others.

To comprehensively address these needs, High Hopes incorporates the support of various Licensed Therapy Professionals such as occupational, expressive arts, recreational, speech & language, mental health, and physical therapists who provide direct and indirect input into our programs.

The addition of these professionals helps train and develop our staff and program volunteers.

Carriage Driving:

Carriage driving provides a recreational, social, physical experience that offers mental challenges. Physical benefits from carriage driving include increased core strength, improvement in balance and increased fine and gross motor coordination.

Carriage driving encourages the development of selfconfidence and empowers individuals to make choices and demonstrate a relationship with the horse as various maneuvers are learned. It can improve the cognitive skills of sequencing, following directions, and differentiating between left and right, etc.

Driving is a meaningful venue for prosocial interaction with other participants, the volunteers, instructors, and of course, the horse. It offers another opportunity for developing relationships, equine and human, of mutual respect and trust. Our carriage driving program serves a variety of people with a wide range of diagnoses.

Equine Learning Program (ELP):

These unmounted sessions provide a one-on-one or small group learning experience with High Hopes’ staff and volunteers to develop horse care and stable management skills and to achieve personal goals through working with and around horses.

This may include grooming, tacking, feeding, bathing, and other equine related activities.

Community Riding:

The community riding lessons at High Hopes provide the opportunity for beginners and intermediate riders to learn the fundamentals of dressage/balanced seat. These lessons are a great opportunity for siblings of our participants. Spots and availability may vary semester to semester.

community riding programs also contribute funds to

cover

operating costs.

Summer Camps:

High Hopes offers a comprehensive curriculum on horsemanship, including horse care, stable management, carriage driving, games, and daily riding lessons. This is an inclusive program for children with and without disabilities, ages 4 to 13. Weekly sessions are grouped by age and riding ability with instruction given by PATH Intl. certified instructors. The camp is licensed by the State of Connecticut. Our summer campers often go on to volunteer at High Hopes.

Field Trips & Birthday Parties:

High Hopes Therapeutic Riding offers a variety of community outreach programs designed to bring equine related services to people throughout the community. Field trips include mounted, unmounted and educational opportunities. Birthday parties include a two-hour event with up to 6 horses, a mounted riding session, grooming time, and barn activities. Visit our website to learn more about our community outreach offerings.

Instructor Training:

High Hopes serves as a leader in our profession not only in terms of our program innovation and quality, but also as a training and education center for prospective therapeutic riding instructors from all over the world. Because of our reputation for excellence and high standards, students come from all over the United States and abroad to take our courses. The presence of our Instructor Training Candidates enriches our programs much like resident doctors do in a teaching hospital and provides a valuable cultural exchange within our community.

Training and Education:

In addition to our PATH Intl. Approved Instructor Training Curriculum, High Hopes hosts PATH Intl. Certifications. To meet the growing demand for quality education in the field of Equine Assisted Services. High Hopes offers lectures and workshops on topics related to equine assisted services including disabilities, equine care, effective instruction and non-profit administration. These sessions are offered to prospective and current professionals in the field, as well as volunteers and others with an interest in learning more about these topics.

Volunteer opportunities available throughout the year include leading, side walking, lunch and workshop set-up.

High Hopes Facts & Figures 2021

With your support we will continue to provide equine assisted activities to over 1098 people including: individuals with physical disabilities; veterans and their families; youth-at-risk of substance abuse; adults who have lived their entire lives

a cognitive impairment; families at risk of domestic violence, and seniors in our community

dementia or debilitating neurological conditions.

Our participants:

• Over 29 different diagnoses including autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, multiple sclerosis, visual and hearing impairments, emotional and behavioral disorders, intellectual delay, and traumatic brain injury.

• Approximately 170 participants served each week aged between 4 and 74 years old.

• Over 30% of our participants receive additional financial aid up to 100%.

• Come from over 55 towns in Connecticut and more from neighboring states.

• 58% from New London County, 26% from Middlesex County, 2% from Hartford County, 8% from New Haven County, and the remaining 6% from Fairfield, Tolland, Windham Counties and out of state.

• We served approximately 31 veterans and families dealing with PTSD and service-related injuries.

• We run camps and single-day programs for children and teens, including IMMERSION for children with language and sensory development needs and those with an autism spectrum disorder. VETKIDS for the children of service personnel and veterans who have unique challenges when a parent is deployed. HORSE SENSE for youth-at-risk.

Our services:

• We provided 5,934 activities in 2020-2021.

• Activities include riding (63%), carriage driving (8%), natural horsemanship and unmounted equine assisted learning (22%), and community programs (7%).

• Over the past 24 years, we have trained Instructor Candidates from 31 U.S. states and 22 different countries.

Our volunteers:

• 96% of our workforce is volunteer.

• 327 people donated 12,270 hours (market-place value of over $400,000,) helping to make High Hopes a center of excellence – High Hopes is a recognized leader in volunteer management.

• High Hopes offers a vibrant, caring community where volunteers can learn, grow, socialize, and often heal too.

Our staff:

• 12 full-time staff include PATH Intl. (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International) Advanced and Master level instructors.

• 8 part-time staff include educational, medical and mental health professionals.

have a 19-member Board of Trustees.

Our herd and facility:

• Our herd of 22 highly trained therapeutic horses consumed 4,500 bales of hay and 18,750 lbs. of grain last year.

• High Hopes operates from a 127-acre farm built in 1990 and expanded in 2001.

• We have 30 acres of pastures, 3 miles of riding and driving trails, as well as indoor and outdoor arenas.

Our partners:

• High Hopes serves the school districts of New London, Montville, Guilford and Lyme/Old Lyme.

• As well as over 12 different agencies including Brian House, CT Dept. of Victim Services; CT Dept. of Family Services; CT Dept. of Developmental Services, Gilead Community Services; Safe Futures of SECT, VISTA; Norwich Vet Center; ARC of New London; and Yale New Haven - Lawrence + Memorial Hospital.

Donor support:

• High Hopes’ operating budget for 2021-2022 is approximately $1.7 million.

• Donor support covers 63% of operating costs. Fees for service cover only 24% of operating expenses.

• In 2020-2021, 34% of donor revenue was from individual contributors, 19% from foundation support, and 28% from corporate support.

The History & Benefit of Therapeutic Horsemanship

A Brief History of Therapeutic Riding

References to the physical and emotional benefits of therapeutic horseback riding date back to writings in the 1600’s. However, when Liz Hartel of Denmark won the silver medal for dressage at the 1952 Helsinki Olympic Games despite having paralysis from polio, medical and equine professionals took active notice. It wasn’t long before therapeutic riding was used for rehabilitation in Europe and then in North America. The first centers for therapeutic riding in the United States began operation in the 1960’s. The Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.), formerly known as NARHA, was established in 1969, and today there are over 850 PATH Intl. affiliated centers internationally.

The Benefits of Equine Assisted Services

There are five main beneficial aspects of therapeutic horsemanship:

Physical:

The horse’s movement has a dynamic effect on the rider’s body. The movement of the horse causes the rider’s pelvis and trunk to move in a manner that very closely resembles the typical gait of a human. This movement can produce physical changes in the rider including improvements in posture, balance, coordination, increased endurance, and normalization of muscle tone.

Sensory:

Both the horse and the riding environment offer a wide variety of sensory input to participants. The sensory experience is impacted by movement exploration on the horse combined with the many other sights and sounds encountered in the equestrian environment.

Emotional:

Individuals realize self-worth and increase self-esteem through the success of overcoming fear/anxiety and the ability to achieve “mounted” activities and other related skills. The camaraderie that develops between participants, volunteers, horses, and staff are an integral part of the positive emotional experience provided by a therapeutic horsemanship program.

Cognitive/

Educational:

The horse provides a strong motivator for focusing on educational goals. Activities and games on horseback are designed to help achieve specific goals such as following multi-step directions, staying on task, recognizing colors and numbers, and reinforcing existing skills.

Social: Equine Assisted Services provide excellent opportunities for participants to interact with their peers, program volunteers, and staff in a positive and enjoyable environment.

Our Herd of Therapeutic Horses

Our horses are an integral part of our equine assisted services. The horses at High Hopes come from a variety of backgrounds. Some of their careers have been as show horses, trail horses, or family horses. Some are on lease, some are donated, and others have been purchased by High Hopes. Each has his or her own unique personality and needs.

When selecting and training the horses used in our program, many factors are considered. Horses must meet basic criteria including: possessing an exceptional level of tolerance; being gentle and well mannered; being in good general health; and the ability to offer sound rhythmic movement as this is a key benefit of therapeutic riding. Horses that meet the criteria are accepted on a trial basis and placed on an extensive training program to introduce them to their potential role in the program and the activities they will be exposed to, prior to their final acceptance.

High Hopes’ horses receive the very best of care. Each horse is on a schedule to assure good overall health including veterinary, chiropractic, hoof, and dental care. Additionally, each horse’s work schedule is tracked and recorded to ensure their workload is equitable. Their happiness and well-being is our highest priority.

As a volunteer, you may interact with our horses regularly, playing a critical role in preparing horses for lessons and assisting with their daily care. We encourage volunteers to gain additional knowledge of our equine friends through a variety of opportunities. This includes additional training and a variety of horse related educational workshops or offerings offered throughout the year.

Meet the Herd

Addie isa2001blackandwhitePaintmare.Addie’spaintmarkingsarecategorizedas “Overo”meaningthatherwhitemarkingsdonotcrossoverherbackormane.Addieisa fairlytalllady,at16.1handstall,butsheisverypatientandcalmwithasteadystride.

Aladdin betterknownas“Al”wasbornin1996.HeisapalominoMiniatureHorsegelding. Hehashisowncarriagethatheenjoyspulling.Alisthesmallestmemberofourherdat only9.1handshigh!

Arthur isapalominoDraftCrossgeldingbornin2003.Arthuristhetruedefinitionof “stocky”,atermusedtodescribeahorsewhoisnearlyaswideastheyaretall.Arthur’s widebackisverycomfortableforridingandprovidesourriderswithagoodbaseof support.

Blessing isa2004sealbrownStandardbredgelding.Blessingstartedoutlifeasa racehorsethatpullsa2wheeledcarriage(calledasulky).Blessingwasnotavery competitiveracer,whichwasbadluckforhisownerbutgoodluckforussinceheisnow enjoyingpullingacarriageatamuchslowerpaceinhis“retirement”.

Candy isa1995darkbayClydesdale/Hackneycross.Herskillasadrivinghorsehas broughthertoHighHopeswhereshewasinstrumentalintherevivalofourdriving programin2005.Sincethenshehasbeenasteadypartnerformanydrivingstudentsand volunteers.

Charmer isa2001greyPercheron/Thoroughbredcross.Heisveryhandsomeandhaslong legsthatcanreallycoversomeground.Still,he’dratherstandandbescratched.

Chip isa1993Appaloosagelding.FromadistanceChiplookslikeagreyhorse,butgeta littlecloserandyouwillseeheiscoveredinbrownspots.Chiphastowearsunscreenon hisnoseorhegetsasunburn!

Gracie isa1999darkbayandwhitePaintmare. Gracieusedtocompeteintheshowring intheHuntSeatdiscipline. Gracieaimstopleasebutrequiresthatherriderstryashardas shedoes. Herloftytrotisgreatforsomeofourriderswhoseekmoresensoryinputfrom thehorse’smovement.

Joe isa2004chestnutQuarterHorsegelding.Joe’spreviousjobwasworkingasajumping horseandhecompetedinmanyhorseshows.Joe’scopperredcoatisveryprettyinthe sun!Joeisverysweetandmakesfriendsquickly.

Neon isa1996bayDutchWarmbloodgelding.Neonhasbeenachampioninmanyhorse shows,competingalloverthecountryintheHunterandJumperdisciplines.Hisextensive experiencemakeshimawiseandsageteacherforourriderswhoarelearningindependent ridingskills…plusheisverypretty!

Nifty wasbornin1988andisadunQuarterHorsegelding.Hewasusedasashowhorsein English,western,andreiningcompetitionsbeforecomingtoHighHopes.Niftyisthe longestresidentatHighHopes–hehasbeenworkinginourprogramssince2002!

Penny isa2006chestnutWelshcrossmare.Pennydidagreatjobofhorseshowinginhunt seatandjumpingclassesbeforecomingtoHighHopes.Sheisthesmallestridinghorsein ourprogram,soshegetstoworkwiththesmallestriders!

Petra isa1995NorwegianFjordmare.Sheisadunwithadorsalstripe.Hermaneis “roached”(clippedshorttostandstraightup)toshowoffhertwotonedmane.Thisisa customarystylefortheFjordbreed.

Petraisverypatient,kindandconsistentandhasbeenaloyalpartnertocountless students.

Rolex isa2000chestnutWestphaliangelding.Rolexhastraveledfarandwide(evenonan airplane!)tocompeteasajumpinghorseinlargehorseshows.Rolexhasaverylight blondemaneandtailsoheisknownasaflaxenchestnut.Eventhoughheisnotthetallest horseinourherd,hehasverylonglegs!

Savannah isa2008bayQuarterHorsemare.SavannahcametousfromafarminCT whereshewasworkinginanactivelessonprogramthatfocusedonteachingridersto jumpfences!Readyforalessdemandingjob,Savannahisnowhappytoteachourriders theinsandoutsofsteeringandposting.Savannahhasaverysmoothtrot,ahallmarkofher breed.

Taylor isa1993chestnutQuarterHorsegelding. TaylorwasbredinFloridaandmadehis waytoCTasa7yearoldtoworkintheHuntSeatdiscipline,despiteoriginallybeing riddenwesternstyle. HewastheQuarterHorseUnderSaddleChampioninthestateofCT

fortwoconsecutiveyears.His“beenthere,donethat”attitudemadehistransitiontowork atHighHopeseasyandhehasbeenahappymemberofourherdsince2009.

Teddy isa1998bayMorgangelding. HewasbredattheUniversityofVermontat ManchesterintheirworldfamousMorganbreedingprogram. Hispreviousownerlikedto ridehimonthetrails.Teddyhasshortlegswhichcausehimtohaveabouncytrotthat makesriderslaugh!Teddyisquiteacharacterandisalwaysuptosomethingmischievous inhispaddock.

Val isa1996greyDanishWarmbloodmare.ValwasbredbythefamousOlympicShow JumpingriderandtrainerPeterLeone.Shespentseveralyearsasacompetitivehunter mountuntilherretirementfromjumpingin2017.Valisveryprettyanddaintyandlovesto bedotedon,butshealsoLOVEStorollinthemud!

Vixen isa2002bayPercheron/Thoroughbredcrossmare.Vixenwasbornonafarmin CanadaandcametolivewithherownerinCTjustbeforesheturned1yearold.Vixenhasa wonderfuloutgoingpersonalityandlovestobearoundpeople!

Warrior isa2000bayNewZealandSportHorsegelding.Warriorwasimportedtothe UnitedStatestocompeteintheWorldEquestrianGamesbeforeretiringtoapleasure ridingandjumpingjobseveralyearslater.HejoinedtheHighHopesherdin2019andhas proventobeagentlemanthroughandthrough.

Learn about our Participants

High Hopes serves individuals from age of four years and older. Staff conduct an assessment and screening process to determine eligibility into the program. The assessment process provides an opportunity to determine if our program activities would be safe and appropriate for the individual as well as what resources would be needed, such as which horse, riding equipment, volunteer and staffing needs. Once accepted into the program, individual goals are established for each participant and their progress is documented. Most participate in one 30-60 minute session each week. Lesson activities may include developing basic riding skills, playing games, and riding the trails.

Working with People with Special Needs:

Working with people who have special needs may be a new experience for some volunteers. Please take the time to get to know your participant and direct any questions to the instructors. Physical or mental impairments may be present at birth, or may be due to injury, disease, or aging. Often, a major barrier for people with special needs is not the disability itself, but the lack of awareness and knowledge by others. Above all, please treat individuals with respect, being both considerate and sensitive to their needs.

Wheelchair Etiquette:

Many people are unsure how to act when meeting someone in a wheelchair. Please try to keep the following in mind:

Always ask the wheelchair user if they would like assistance before you help.

Be respectful—people’s wheelchairs are an extension of their body space. Don’t hang or lean on them unless you have permission.

Speak directly—be careful not to exclude the wheelchair user from conversations.

If the conversation lasts more than a few minutes, it is appropriate to sit or kneel to get yourself on the same level as the wheelchair.

Escorting an Individual with a Visual Impairment:

If an individual with a visual impairment looks like they need assistance, please ask first if help is needed.

Remember that they may only need verbal direction/cues.

If physical assistance is needed,

the individual to hold onto your arm above the elbow and walk one-half step ahead.

The individual may also have a specific way that they prefer to have assistance. Be respectful of this as well.

Repeat/verbalize information that may be written/posted.

If you’re uncertain of what to do, ask your instructor how you can be of further assistance.

General Guidelines for Working with Individuals with

Hearing/Language Impairment:

Try to maintain good eye contact by looking at the individual when speaking to him/her. Speak clearly, avoid talking slowly or over-emphasizing words, and avoid long verbal instructions/conversation. Become familiar with hand gestures/body positions that the participant may be using to represent words and concepts. See your instructor with any questions. Provide assistance with communication when needed (i.e., visual cues, gestures, etc). Alert the instructor if the participant is having difficulty with a hearing aid (i.e., ringing).

Non-Verbal or Limited Verbal Expression:

Many of our participants are non-verbal or limited in their verbal expression.

To enhance communication with these individuals, instructors and volunteers may reinforce requests and directions with basic American Sign Language (ASL).

Processing Delays – Expressive &

Receptive:

Many of our participants have sensory processing concerns that may increase the amount of time it takes for them to reply to their instructor or volunteer. In these cases, it might appear as though they were not listening or did not understand- however, they may simply need 30-60 seconds to process before they respond. Please be patient and thoughtful in expectations around response time.

General Guidelines & Policies

Communication & Questions:

If at any time, you are unclear regarding your volunteer role or responsibilities, please direct questions to a staff member. During lessons, the instructor is responsible for each rider, horse, and volunteer. All directions from the instructor should be followed including the assignment of riders, horses and volunteers, mounts/dismounts, and lesson structure. To ensure everyone’s safety, it is important to adhere to the instructor’s decisions. High Hopes also provides program information through email updates, phone calls, social media, and postings on the volunteer bulletin board.

MOST IMPORTANT:

High Hopes is a NO-SMOKING property – that means in the building & outside.

Cell Phones must be turned off, on silent, or “do not disturb” – phone notifications disrupt class and can startle the participants and the horses.

Car Alarms must be turned off as they disrupt class and startle horses and participants. While volunteering, there will not be ample time to leave a class to switch off your alarm.

The consumption of alcohol prior to and/or while at High Hopes is prohibited, except for events run by, or approved by, High Hopes.

Use of illegal substances prior to and/or while at High Hopes is strictly prohibited.

Please use a quiet voice while in the barn and working around the horses.

Please refrain from offering food to participants without permission as they may have a medical condition such as food allergies, diabetes, etc. but may not be able to communicate that to you.

Hand feeding High Hopes horses is strictly prohibited. To avoid nipping, we never hand feed the horses. Please place treats in the bucket located outside the tack room door, and they will be distributed in the horse’s feed.

No dogs or other pets, with the exception of Service Animals (not to include emotional support animals) per ADA, are allowed on High Hopes property. Please leave your pets at home while you perform your volunteer role.

Please do not perform a volunteer role you have not yet been trained for.

Please do not enter the barn, horse stalls, paddocks or pastures without staff permission.

No weapons of any kind will be allowed on the grounds of High Hopes.

Photo & Publicity Policy:

High Hopes takes the privacy of our participants, their families, volunteers, visitors, and staff seriously. At the same time, we value the use of real images in the promotional and reporting activities which enable us to provide subsidized therapeutic activities. High Hopes has an intensive photo approval process for all photos that are taken and used in marketing, informational, and training materials, digital and print.

All persons who participate in our program must complete the following waiver:

By engaging in activities at High Hopes Therapeutic Riding, Inc. I understand that I/my child/my ward may be photographed, filmed, or videotaped and I hereby give High Hopes Therapeutic Riding, Inc. the unqualified right to take pictures and/or recordings of me/my child/my ward and grant the perpetual right to use that likeness, video, image, photograph (collectively “image”), without compensation, for broadcast or exhibition in any medium and to put the finished images/recordings to any legitimate use without limitation or reservation. I hereby waive, release and forever discharge High Hopes Therapeutic Riding, Inc. from and against any and all claims or actions arising out of, or resulting from any use of your image. High Hopes Therapeutic Riding, Inc. shall not be obligated to use, and may elect not to use, any image.

There are many reasons why High Hopes implements a strict photo approval process. High Hopes takes the confidentiality of participants very seriously. Additionally, a moment in time when a photo is taken captures that specific moment forever – we review all photos to ensure that they are telling an accurate, safe story for the participants, volunteers, and horses at High Hopes.

Commitment & Availability:

Adequate support is critical in serving our participants and equine friends. Therefore, High Hopes requests that volunteers must be willing to commit to a minimum of one (1) hour each week (same day and time) for the length of a semester, either summer (9 weeks) or academic (31 weeks). We understand there are times when emergencies arise, so please notify High Hopes as soon as possible if you are not able to make your scheduled time and please make every attempt to volunteer another day to make up for your absence.

Volunteer Cancellations:

We understand that you are volunteers, and that you have lives outside of High Hopes, but our horses and participants do get to know you and look forward to seeing you. After you complete orientation, we try our very best to match you in a spot with a participant and horse that will set everyone for the best chance at success. It can be difficult to match up substitute volunteers when cancellations are made last minute. If you have to cancel your session, for whatever reason, please try and give us 48-hour notice so that we can find an appropriate replacement volunteer.

If you need to cancel less than 48 hours before your lesson, it is important that you call High Hopes at 860- 434-1974 as soon as possible so a replacement may be found. Please do not email or text an individual staff person or the message might be missed. If it is after hours, please call 860-434-1974 then dial “1” for the cancellation mailbox. Please do not leave a message on an individual staff-member’s voicemail as this may not be picked up until after your scheduled slot.

Please only cancel the day of your scheduled shift for emergency situations. For Cancellations being made 48 hours or more in advance, a cancellation form is available online at https://highhopestr.org/volunteers/ /volunteer-cancellations/

encourage making up for your absence by volunteering another day or time.

General Considerations

High Hopes requires that volunteers be able to perform their assigned role independently and follow all policies and procedures with minimal staff supervision.

Physical Considerations

Some volunteer roles such as leading, sidewalking, and assisting in the barn can be physically demanding at times. It is important for you to inform High Hopes staff if you have a condition that may prevent you from performing your assigned role. If you feel like helping in class or in the barn is too physically demanding, you may want to consider volunteering in another area at High Hopes such as in the office or with special events.

Confidentiality Policy

At High Hopes, we place great importance on protecting the confidential information of our participants, our staff, and our volunteers. Confidential information includes, but is not limited to, personally identifiable information such as surnames, telephone numbers, addresses, emails, etc., as well as the non-public business records of High Hopes. In particular, medical information about participants, and information about their disabilities or special needs, must be protected as confidential information. Volunteers shall never disclose confidential information to anyone other than High Hopes staff. Volunteers must seek staff permission before taking any pictures or videos. Photos should not be shared on social media without staff permission.

Conduct & Behavior

Volunteers involved with the program are expected to conduct themselves in a cooperative and appropriate manner at all times. Examples of inappropriate behavior would include – any form of harassment, aggressive or abusive behavior to self or others (including horses). If you are subject to any type of inappropriate behavior, please do not approach the individual. Notify

immediately. Individuals exhibiting inappropriate behavior will be requested to leave immediately, and if determined

assistance

Reassignment & Termination Policy:

be called for (911).

High Hopes policies have been developed to serve the best interests of the entire High Hopes community. Safety, confidentiality, respect for each other – human and equine – and the preservation of an optimal environment for beneficial therapeutic riding are the primary reasons for strict adherence to these rules. Individuals who are not able to perform their volunteer role, maintain a reasonable level of commitment, or fail to observe the rules and procedures of the program will be given an opportunity to discuss any situation that is perceived to be a violation of High Hopes policies and may be provided with job re-assignment. However, High Hopes reserves the right to determine at its discretion that it may be in the best interest of the program to terminate a volunteer’s involvement with the program.

Injuries:

Because we care about your well-being, please report all injuries to High Hopes staff immediately after they occur.

The Facility:

Please respect posted off-limit areas. All volunteers should leave the facility at the end of their scheduled shifts.

Visitors:

High Hopes enjoys having visitors. Please make an appointment and check in at the front desk to receive a tour. After completing a one-day visitor form, a staff member will be happy to guide you through the facility.

Horse Behavior:

Please notify staff immediately of any concerns regarding any irregular behavior of program horses.

Cell Phones:

Cell phone use shall be limited to non-office and non-program areas. Cell phone use during any program activity is strictly prohibited for the safety of our participants, except in the case of an emergency. Cell phones should be left in your car, in the designated volunteer area on silent, or in your pocket on silent – not vibrate.

Helmets:

All participants and personnel (staff & volunteers) of High Hopes are required to wear protective headgear that is ASTM-SEI approved for horseback riding while taking part in any mounted or carriage driving activity. Helmets must be worn at ALL times when mounted. Instructors are responsible for ensuring proper helmet fit for participants. Helmets are disinfected and inspected on a regular basis.

Safety Stirrups:

Stirrups with safety features that reduce the chance of foot entrapment are required on all High Hopes saddles. Approved safety stirrups include “S” shaped and Peacock style.

Footwear:

Riding boots or sturdy, hard-soled shoes are required to be worn for all equine related services (no loafers, sneakers, converse, crocs, UGGS, open toed shoes or sandals). Volunteers are required to wear shoes or boots that are comfortable yet offer foot protection. Sturdy footwear is important to provide protection to the foot and also decreases the chances of tripping.

Clothing & Accessories:

Participants, volunteers, and staff should dress suitably for the weather and season in clothing appropriate for equestrian activities. Clothing, hats, or jewelry that restrict movement or vision are considered unsuitable. Make sure to tuck in any loose clothing such as scarves that might get caught. Large jewelry pieces such as hoop earrings or large bracelets should be removed before working with either horses or participants. Please refrain from wearing fragrant perfumes or body sprays, horses have a keen sense of smell.

Closed Herd:

High Hopes is unique in that we have a "closed herd". Since our horses rarely leave our farm, they have no direct contact with horses from other farms. This minimizes their exposure to transmittable equine diseases. It is possible, though, for some of those diseases to be carried onto our farm by people - on their clothing, shoes and hands. There are reasonable measures we can all take to avoid carrying any “bugs” into High Hopes with us.

How you can help: Avoid wearing the same clothing and shoes from your barn to ours. Clothes and shoes can be disinfected but a better idea, if possible, is to have a different set of clothes entirely. Washing your hands before working with our horses is an important and easy measure in control of infectious disease. We also have hand sanitizer at our sign in desk and in various places throughout the facility for your convenience.

NondiscriminationPolicy:

High Hopes Therapeutic Riding, Inc. is committed in policy, principle and practice to embrace and maintain an environment that prohibits discriminatory behavior and provides equal opportunities for all persons. We affirm our commitment to provide a diverse, inclusive and welcoming work place and environment for employees, volunteers, students, participants and families that benefits and fosters understanding from each other’s experiences and divergent views.

It is the policy of High Hopes to prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, mental or physical disability, political belief or affiliation, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination under state or federal law. Furthermore, High Hopes policy includes prohibitions of harassment of employees, participants, volunteers and students, i.e., racial harassment, sexual harassment, and retaliation for filing complaints of discrimination.

High Hopes is committed to ensuring equitable access to our programs and facility. In doing so, we work to foster a community where horse and human interactions improve lives.

Emergency Policies & Procedures

High Hopes’ intention is to provide a safe environment for all individuals involved with the program. Being prepared in the event of an emergency is part of providing a safe atmosphere. Please review the following policies and procedures on how to handle specific emergencies. It is important to remember in any emergency situation to remain calm, reassure participants, and take direction from High Hopes instructors. While High Hopes instructors are responsible for managing the emergency and applying any first aid required, volunteers may be called upon to assist.

Safety & Risk Management

Volunteers are responsible for knowing and following all safety rules, emergency policies and procedures as indicated. This includes supporting all efforts to promote safe working conditions, making full use of safety equipment, immediately reporting any unsafe working conditions or behaviors, and knowing the location of first aid kits, fire extinguishers, emergency exits, and emergency plans.

Medical Emergencies

High Hopes staff must be notified of any injury or medical emergency and are responsible for managing the emergency

evaluating the scene, determining if additional medical assistance

required, and providing any first aid required. A Risk Management Report form

be completed by staff and involved individuals for every incident.

Calling for Emergency Medical Assistance

In the event of an emergency, volunteers may be asked to call for emergency medical assistance. Telephones are located in the barn between the aisles, the runway, as well as at the main entrance reception desk. Emergency call information and facility diagram are posted near each telephone. If needed, the closest phone outside the facility is in the caretaker’s cottage.

Location of First Aid Kits

A primary first-aid kit is located in the lounge with smaller kits in the tack room, classroom, carriage shed, and arena. A horse first aid kit is located in the tack room as well as at each activity site.

Handling Bodily Fluids

It is good policy to treat all bodily fluids as infectious. To protect volunteers and participants we recommend: washing hands before and after class and use a protective barrier should you come in contact with bodily fluids; i.e. runny nose, saliva, blood, etc.

Fire

The facility is equipped with a sprinkler system; fire pull-boxes and fire extinguishers are located throughout the facility (see facility diagram for locations).

If you see a fire and the alarm has not sounded,

Pull a fire alarm and call 911 requesting emergency vehicles turn off sirens as they approach.

All individuals should evacuate the facility through marked exits.

Designated staff will assist with evacuation & roll call from daily sheet & sign-in log.

The designated evacuation assembly area is the outdoor arena.

Do not leave the evacuation assembly area until or unless you are instructed to.

If it is safe to enter the barn, a staff person will designate a crew to assist with evacuating the horses to the turnout paddocks.

Severe Weather

In the event of severe thunder storms, high winds, or threat of hurricane – program activities

discontinued.

“Emergency” Dismount

During mounted sessions, the instructor performs participant mounts and dismounts. However, in certain situations, the instructor may ask volunteers to perform an emergency dismount as follows:

When an instructor calls for an emergency dismount, the horse leader halts and heads off their horse. Sidewalker(s) inform the rider of the emergency dismount and make sure the rider has removed their feet from the stirrups. To perform the dismount, place your arms around the rider’s waist and gently guide the rider off by bringing their hips to your hips while bringing them safely away from the horse. Horse leaders must keep the horse a safe distance from rider. Once the rider is dismounted, please await further direction from the instructor.

Fallen Rider or Medical Emergency:

Should a rider fall from a horse, become injured, or have a medical emergency during a lesson—all activity will stop. The instructor is responsible for managing the incident, including applying any first aid needed. Designated volunteers may be asked to assist by retrieving a first aid kit, calling for emergency medical assistance (911), and/or locating the rider’s pink emergency medical form (located in “rider” file drawer in program office). In the event of a fallen rider, the horse leader will move the rider’s horse away from the rider then halt and head off the horse. All other horse leaders are to halt their horses and head them off. Sidewalkers of the fallen rider remain with the rider until directed otherwise. All other sidewalkers are to apply “arm over thigh” support and stay with their riders waiting for further direction from the instructor. No one, including riders’ parents, should enter or leave the arena without direction from the instructor.

Spooked Horse:

Should a horse become frightened or overly nervous, sidewalkers are to apply “arm over thigh” support to the rider. The horse leader should always stay with the horse, being aware that the horse may move quickly forward or side step in either direction. As the horse moves, sidewalkers need to continue their support to the rider, staying close to the horse’s side and following its movements. Both the sidewalkers and horse leader should continue to follow directions from the instructor.

Loose Horse:

To retrieve a loose horse—whether in the arena, stable or on the facility grounds—one person should approach the horse from the side and using a quiet voice, place a lead rope around neck, followed by putting on the halter. Do not chase the horse. If needed, a small amount of feed in a bucket can be used to encourage the horse to come to you. Should a horse become loose in the arena while a lesson is in progress, all activity immediately stops. Horse leaders are to halt and head off their horses, sidewalkers should apply “arm over thigh” support and await further direction from instructor. If a horse is loose in the barn; bring any participants to a safe area, remove any horses from cross ties, close open doors, and attempt to herd the loose horse into an empty stall.

Appendix 1 – Definitions and Common Terms

Aids signals used by a rider to communicate instructions to the horse. Aids may be natural—hands, legs, voice, seat; or artificial—crop, spurs.

Bay color term for deep brown to blackish colored horse with black mane and tail.

Bit used to control the horse and generally made of metal, bits attach to the bridle and are placed in the horse’s mouth.

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

Canter a three beat gait of the horse, faster than a trot, a bit slower than a gallop.

Cantle back of the saddle behind the seat.

Cavaletti small jumps, made or poles on the ground.

Chestnut color term used for a horse with a reddish-brown coat color, mane & tail are usually the same color.

Conformation the structure and general make-up of the horse.

Double Ended Lead a lead line with two ends, each end with a snap, to be placed on each side of the bit or halter while leading.

Dressage Letters letters placed around the arena and used as markers.

Dressage Pad the largest of the cotton pads which goes under the saddle.

Farrier profession of trimming and shoeing horses hooves.

Gaits the various movements of the horse at different speeds; e.g. walk, trot and canter.

Gallop the fastest of the horses gaits; a four beat gait.

Gelding a male horse that has been castrated.

Girth a long strap with buckles on each end, attaches to saddle’s billet straps and holds the saddle in place.

Girth Cover a soft fabric tube that slides over the girth to help prevent the horse from getting girth sores.

Gray color term used for horses with a coat color from white to dark gray.

Ground Poles wooden poles placed in the arena that are used to school the horse and/or practice rider’s two-point/half seat position.

Grooming caring for horse’s coat, includes: currying, brushing, and picking feet.

Half Circle

& Reverse change of direction by turning horse toward the center of the ring and back to the rail.

Halter a leather or nylon bitless headstall used to control the horse when leading in or out from the paddock.

Half seat or TwoPoint Position rider places hands on horses neck and stands up in stirrups.

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

Hand Hold for

Saddle a strap located in the center top of the saddle to provide the rider with extra grip to balance.

Hoof or hooves the horse’s feet.

Lead line used to lead the horse, often a cotton or nylon rope with snap on one end which attaches to halter.

Long line use of long reins which run from the bit, through the sides of the saddle or surcingle, and used to steer the horse from behind.

Long side the longer side of the arena

Lunging exercising the horse by placing it on a lunge line, and having the horse go around in a circle.

Mare a female horse

Mounting ramp the area used to mount the rider onto the horse.

Near side refers to the left side of the horse.

Off side refers to the right side of the horse.

Off side block square block used to keep the horse next to the mounting ramp during the mounting process, sidewalker stands on block to assist rider onto the horse.

Posting a rider moving up and down in rhythm with the horse at the trot, may also be practiced/taught at the walk.

Rail the outside area of the arena along the fence line or wall.

Reins long leather straps that attach to the bit and are held by the rider, used to steer and control the horse.

Saddle usually made of leather and placed on the horse’s back for a rider to sit on.

Saddle pad cloth pad used under the saddle to help protect the horse’s back.

Stirrups are often made of iron, they hang from the saddle and the rider places their feet in them to aid in balance.

Tack the term used to refer to riding equipment.

Trot a two-beat diagonal gait.

Walk on command used to have the horse move forward into a walk.

Withers the bony projection between a horse’s back between the shoulders. Whoa command used to stop the horse from any gait.