High Hopes TR Horse Handler Handbook by High Hopes Therapeutic Riding Inc.

Horse Handler Manual Updated: March 2020 If you need a copy of this manual in an ADA Compliant format please do not hesitate to ask our Office Manager.

High Hopes Therapeutic Riding, Inc. 36 Town Woods Road, Old Lyme, CT 06371 Call: 860.434.1974 Fax: 860.434.3723 highhopestr.org @highhopestr.org #horsesandhumansimprovinglives

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Table of Contents The Role of the Horse Handler .................................................................. 3 IN AN EMERGENCY, THE HORSE HANDLER STAYS WITH THE HORSE. ........................................................................................................... 3 Promoting Independence ................................................................. 4 On lead with leader controlling the horse: .................... 4 On lead with rider controlling / directing the horse as much as possible: ................................................................... 4 Off lead with rider controlling the horse: ....................... 5 Off lead with leader spotting from instructor designated point in the arena: ............................................... 5 Horse Handling.................................................................................................... 6 Grooming: ................................................................................................... 7 Tacking up the Horse: ......................................................................... 9 Leading in Class: ................................................................................... 11 Arena Etiquette: ............................................................................. 12 Common Arena Figures: ........................................................... 12 Proper Leading Position: .......................................................... 13 Common Leading Mistakes: ................................................... 13 General Horse Safety .................................................................................... 15 Equine Senses ................................................................................................... 16 Reading The Horse: ............................................................................. 16 Language and Definitions.......................................................................... 20 Parts of the Horse .............................................................................. 20

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The Role of the Horse Handler Volunteers who come to High Hopes program with some horse experience may be asked or want to be a horse handler. Horse handlers are primarily responsible for the horse and must be alert and aware of the horseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s movement and behavior at all times. A horse handler must be able to respond appropriately to provide safety for everyone. Horse handlers should arrive 30 minutes prior to session. It is your responsibility to ensure that your assigned horse is well groomed and the tack is put on and adjusted properly. If at any time, you are unsure of your assignment or the resources needed, please seek advice from a staff member.

IN AN EMERGENCY, THE HORSE HANDLER STAYS WITH THE HORSE.

At High Hopes we use the terms horse handler and horse leader interchangeably.

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Promoting Independence Each rider will need a different level of support based on their abilities. Our goal is to promote riders to be as independent as possible. Here are some basic levels of support that riders might need from their horse handlers.

On lead with leader controlling the horse: This is used for riders who are unable to independently control the horse due to physical or cognitive challenges. However, they may be working on cueing the horse, so allow for processing time, taking direction from the instructor. The sidewalkers, typically are responsible for reinforcing the instructorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s directions to avoid confusion which allows the leader to remain focused on the horse. If there are no sidewalkers, the leader may be asked to help relay information to the rider.

On lead with rider controlling / directing the horse as much as possible: As the rider progresses, the leader should allow them to practice the skills being taught to them. This may require allowing the rider to make mistakes. This is fine as long as safety for everyone is maintained. The rider may be off lead for the walk and steering practice, but on lead for trot work and trail.

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Off lead with rider controlling the horse: The leader should remain in the correct leading position while the rider is off lead; allowing rider to make safe mistakes. Watch for safe spacing between horses, obstacles, etc. If the horse gets too quick with the rider off lead, do not chase the horse. Reinforce directions to the rider – “sit tall, pull back, say whoa.”

Off lead with leader spotting from instructor designated point in the arena: Staying on the inside of the arena (never between horse and wall), continue to have awareness of horse’s behavior and rider position; bringing any concerns to the instructor’s attention. As a spotter you may be asked to assist other riders in class who are in close proximity to you. The instructor will provide instructions if this is needed.

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Horse Handling When entering a stall, get the horse’s attention, speak gently and move slowly so that you do not startle them. • • • • • • •

Close the stall door three quarters of the way behind you. Place the halter on the horse’s head, and connect the lead line. Hold the lead in your right hand, fold excess in left, open the door all the way and lead the horse out of the stall by standing on the horse’s left side. Ask the horse to walk on and step out into the aisle, be sure to keep the horse walking next to you. Place the horse on cross ties facing the indoor arena and remove the lead line. When a horse is on crossties the leader should be able to see the horse at all times. Upon returning horses to their stall, remove halter, close door securely and leave the halter and lead rope hanging on the stall door. When leading a horse a halter and lead line should always be used for safety.

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Grooming: Thirty minutes prior to class â&#x20AC;&#x201C; begin by thoroughly grooming the horse. Please check the information card on the stall door to indicate if horse is to be groomed in the stall or on cross ties. If it is not clear, please ask staff. Each horse has their own grooming bucket. Please never share grooming buckets. It is important while grooming to check the horse for any signs of illness or injury (unsoundness) and alert the staff. PICKING HOOVES

Begin by picking hooves. To lift a horseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hoof, begin by running your hand down the leg below the knee until you reach the fetlock, gently pull and ask the horse to lift their foot. Holding the hoof securely, pick from the heel and forward to the toe, removing any caked dirt, and clean well between the frog (V shape) and the flat sole of the hoof, especially where dirt gets packed at the back corners near the heel. Use the brush side of the hoof pick tool to brush away loose debris. Notify the barn staff of any foul-smelling discharge, tenderness, or hoof cracks.

CURRY COMB

Continue by using the oval Curry Comb in a firm circular motion starting with the neck area and working down the body to the hind end to remove loose dirt and hair. The oval Curry Comb can be used anywhere but the face, being mindful of pressure used on the legs. Each horse also has a soft, rubber fingered round curry comb that can be used anywhere on the horse including the face and legs.

HARD BRUSH

Next use the hard brush with a flicking motion to remove hair and dirt, brushing in the same direction as the hair, always working from the neck to the back of the horse. The hard brush may be used on the legs and with gentle pressure on the face.

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SOFT BRUSH

Finish with the soft brush, to remove fine dust from body, legs and face.

MANE COMB

Horseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s manes and tails are maintained by staff, please only use the hard brush to remove any caked-on mud or shavings.

Grooming should take about 15 to 20 minutes and all major dust and dirt spots should be removed. Once the horse is groomed, please remove hair from brushes, place grooming tools back in their bucket and return it to the tack room. If any brushes are missing from their bucket, please let the staff know.

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Tacking up the Horse: The horse’s bridle, assigned saddle, pads and girth should be placed outside the horse’s stall when you arrive. If it is not, please refer to the Daily Assignment Sheet for scheduled equipment or check with staff.

Saddle Saddle the horse first by placing the cotton saddle pad on the horses back, covering the withers with the Velcro on top. (If the horse has any corrective pads, i.e.: non-slip, gel lift, black bump pad or mattes pad; check with Team Captain or other barn staff for proper placement).

Place the saddle on top of the pad, pulling the pad up into the pommel so the pad will not rub on the horse’s withers. Then, fasten Velcro saddle pad keepers to the billets and pass the girth through the bottom saddle pad keeper before attaching to the billets.

Next, attach the girth to the billet straps on both the right and the left. (If a saddle has three billets please use the first and third billet.) Please leave the girth comfortably loose at this point. You should be able to fit your fingers between the horse’s sternum and the girth. A final tightening will be done by the instructor in the arena, prior to riders mounting.

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Bridle To bridle, place the reins over the horse’s head to go around the neck, unbuckle the throat latch and slide the halter around the horse’s neck. This help to keep the horse in place. Place the grooming halter on the horse. Then, holding the bridle crown in one hand, and the bit in your other hand, slide the crown piece toward the front of the horses head working the bit into the mouth GENTLY. Your arm should be under the horse’s head, reaching up around and up to guide the crown piece into position. Place the crown piece over one ear at a time. Taking care to not rub the cheek pieces into the eyes. Attach the throat latch leaving enough room to place the width of your four fingers between the horse’s throat and the strap. Tie up the end of the reins so they don’t drag. Please note: never take the bridle apart or adjust the length of the cheek pieces. If you have any concerns, please see the Team Captain or a staff member.

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Leading in Class: The horse may then be brought into the arena. Please call “horse” before entering, wait for the response “enter”, closing the arena barrier behind you. Begin by warming up, walking the horse in both directions making large circles and transitions (halt, walk, trot). During this time a staff member will check the tack to assure proper fit and condition. Please bring any problems or concerns regarding horse or tack to the attention of the instructor. During class, handle the horse according to the instructor’s direction. To help save stress on the horses’ backs, all riders mount from a mounting block or ramp. Instructors will advise regarding dismounts. Dismounts may be done from either the mounting ramp or the center of the arena, depending on the rider. The Horse Handler’s primary role during mounts and dismounts is to prevent the horse from moving away by heading the horse. Horse Handlers use a double-ended lead line, which may be attached to the bit or the halter as directed by the instructor. The Horse Handler leads from the horse’s left or right side as directed by the instructor. When leading, keep slightly behind the horse’s head, but in front of the shoulder. For mounts, dismounts and extended halts, Horse Handlers position themselves in front of the horse about two feet away, facing the horse’s head with a loose lead. This is referred to “Heading-off” your horse. When a horse has finished a session, if they are not used in the next lesson, please bring the horse back to his stall and untack. Then pick the horse’s feet and groom their saddle area, and return the horse to the appropriate paddock under staff supervision. Wipe bits clean and return all saddles, bridles, blankets/pads, and grooming tools neatly to their appropriate place.

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Arena Etiquette: • • • • • • • •

Announce Your Intentions: Tell the other riders what you plan to do: "passing on your left", "leaving arena", "entering arena". Cue Quietly: Voice commands should be done quietly. Try Not to Interrupt Lessons: When warming a horse up in hand with a lesson going on, please give them the right of way and try to stay out of the way. Keep Two Horse Lengths Between: Please keep at least two horse lengths between you and the horse in front of you. When passing to the inside, please leave two horse lengths between the horses. In Case of Emergency: Stay with the horse. Move the horse away from any people on the ground and to a safe space if possible. Await further instructions from staff. Keep all doors or gates closed. Be Aware: Be respectful if another leader is having problems with a horse, is a beginner, or timid rider. Give Right of Way: Be generous, giving right of way even it if it is not technically the correct right of way.

Common Arena Figures: • • • • • • • •

20 meter circle: Large circle using about one third of the arena 10 meter circle: Smaller circle Change direction across the long diagonal (K to M, or H to F): used to change direction via shallow turns and without a large group running into each other Change direction across the short diagonal (for example, K to H) Centerline (A to C) Quarter line: Half way between center line and rail Figure 8: combines 2 circles Serpentine – full arena: S shape down the arena, with several loops of equal size and shape.

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Proper Leading Position: A leader should stand between the horseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s head and shoulder. A loop is left in the line so that the horse is allowed to walk with the leader, rather than being pulled. Horses can be lead from either the right side or the left side.

Common Leading Mistakes:

Leading from too far back:

Leading from too far ahead:

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Adjusting the Riderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Stirrups this should be left to the sidewalker

Holding the Lead Rein too tight:

Wrapping the Lead around your hand:

Heading the Horse: The leader stands just in front of the horse and slightly off to the side.

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General Horse Safety •

Always think safety first!

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Never wrap a lead line around your hand or yourself.

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Hold the lead with the hand closest to the horse, and fold the excess in your opposite hand.

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Walk beside the horse when leading, not ahead or behind.

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Approach a horse from the side, avoiding quick movements, and speaking in a low voice.

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Pat horses on the shoulder, not on the face.

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When on cross-ties, have horses facing the indoor arena.

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Never allow horses to pass each other in the barn aisle.

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Walk under the cross-ties to switch sides. Do not duck under horse’s neck or walk behind.

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Never let reins or lead lines hang to the ground.

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Always call “horse” or “door” before entering the arena with a horse.

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Maintain a safe distance between horses (two horse lengths).

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Shouting and/or running may startle horses. Use quiet voices and avoid quick movements.

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Avoid walking around the back of the horse or approaching a horse from the back end.

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When working near the hindquarters, stay close and keep one hand on the horse.

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Equine Senses When developing relationships and working with horses, communication is key. It is critical to provide a safe environment in a therapeutic riding setting. Beginning a process of understanding the horse’s senses, instincts and body language is a step towards predicting behaviors, managing risks and increasing positive relationships.

Reading The Horse: Alert

Content

Grumpy

Hearing The horse’s sense of hearing is very acute. The horse may also combine their sense of hearing and sight to become more familiar with new or alerting sounds. “Hearing and not seeing” is often the cause of the fright/flight response. When working with horses, note the position of the horse’s ears. Forward ears communicate attentiveness and interest. Drooping ears indicate relaxation, in-attentiveness (easily startled), exhaustion or illness. Flattened ears indicate anger, threat or fear. Ears flicking back and forth indicate attentiveness or interest. If your horse is acting nervous, talk to him in a quiet, calm and reassuring voice. Watching your horse’s ears is an excellent way to increase communication between you and your horse.

Sight Horses’ eyes are geared to finding danger. They don’t have very accurate vision close up, but they can detect tiny movements from a distance. The horse’s eyes are set on either side of the head; this design lends itself to good peripheral (lateral) vision, but poorer frontal vision. Unlike the human eye, the lens of the horse’s eye does not change shape. Instead, a

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horse focuses on objects by changing their head position—raising and lowering its head. The horse’s visual memory is very accurate and due to the large size of their eye, horses are thought to see quite well in the dark. There is still some controversy as to whether or not horses see in color and what colors they may or may not be able to detect, but horses can and do notice if something in the arena or out on a trail is different or has changed. Because of this, allow the horse an opportunity to look at new objects and introduce new props that the horse may be unfamiliar with. Taking into consideration that the horse has better peripheral vision, a slightly looser lead which enables him to move his head when taking a look at objects. Although the horse has good peripheral vision, consider his two blind spots: directly in front and directly behind. The best way to approach a horse is at his shoulder. Approaching from directly behind or in front may startle the horse.

Touch The horse’s sense of touch is incredibly sensitive. They can detect even very light touches or amounts of pressure. All horses have sensitive areas, and it is important to be familiar with them (i.e. flank and belly areas). Touch is used as communication from horse to horse and from horses to people. Horses may also use touch to examine strange objects by looking, sniffing and feeling an object with their muzzle. The tongue, lips, and bars of the mouth are especially sensitive places, so we need to use caution when a horse has a bit in his mouth. Horses are trained by applying and removing pressure, this means that they may be sensitive to soft or rough touch with a person’s hands or legs. Riders may need assistance to reduce squeezing a horse with their legs. Handlers should treat the horses gently but firmly. Ask the instructor what is the best handling technique for the horse you are leading.

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Smell The horse’s sense of smell is thought to be very acute which gives him the ability to recognize other horses and people. Smell also enables the horse to evaluate new situations. Allow horses the opportunity to become familiar with new objects and their environment by smelling.

Taste Taste is closely linked with the sense of smell and helps the horse to distinguish palatable foods and other objects. A horse may lick or nibble while becoming familiar with objects and people. Be careful, as this could lead to possible biting.

Sixth Sense Horses do have a “sixth sense” when evaluating the disposition of those around him. Horses are often hypersensitive in detecting the moods of their handlers and riders. A good therapy horse is chosen for their sensitive response to the participant. At times, there may be a personality conflict between handlers and horses. Because of this, it is important to let the instructor know if you’re having a difficult time relating to, or getting along with a particular horse.

Flight as a Natural Instinct While most horses chosen to work in a therapeutic riding setting have less of an instinct to flee; if frightened, horses would rather turn and run away from danger than face and fight it. At a sudden movement or noise, the horse might try to flee. If the horse appears anxious or frightened, speak to the horse in a calm tone. A frightened horse being held tightly might try to escape by pulling back, so relax your hold or untie him quickly and usually he will relax. If flight is not possible, the horse could either turn to kick out or face the problem and rear, especially in a tight area such as a stall. If a horse appears to be frightened or fearful alert program staff as soon as possible.

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Horses prefer to stay together in a herd or a group with one or two horses being dominant and with a pecking order amongst the rest. Because some horses may not like being alone, this is a consideration when horses are leaving the arena or a horse loses sight of the others while on a trail ride. Be aware that if the horse in front of a line is trotting or cantering, the horse that is following may also attempt to trot or canter. Similarly, if one horse spooks at something, the surrounding horses may also be affected. For safety, it is recommended to keep at least two horse’s length between horses when riding within a group to respect each horse’s space and pecking order.

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 attempt to halt the horse and head it off if able. 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.

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Language and Definitions Parts of the Horse

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