INCORRECT

NEVER wrap or loop the lead rope around your hand!  You may lose a finger or worse if the horse pulls away from you.

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CORRECT

ALWAYS fold the rope and grasp it in your hand.

INCORRECT

NEVER stand behind the horse when combing the tail... you could be asking to get kicked.

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CORRECT

ALWAYS stand to the side! Stay safe with good horse habits!

INCORRECT

Why not touch the face or nose?  How would you like being greeted by someone "patting" your face or nose?

What is she trying to say?

If the horse pulls away Stop ... Think ... maybe the horse does not want to be petted.

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CORRECT

Say HELLO with your Voice first, then reach towards the horse's neck to pet the horse.

Safety stirrups, also called irons, are a light frame or ring that holds and supports the foot of the rider.  Stirrups are also used as an aid during mounting.  They come in pairs and are attached to the saddle by stirrup leathers,  It is important to check over the stirrup leathers for weaknesses prior to riding.  HOHB uses Peacock and S-shaped stirrups in our program.

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Left: S-shaped are designed to allow a foot to slip free

Middle: Peacock have a leather strip and rubber band designed to release the foot with pressure

Right: Regular (not used in HOHB class)

ENGLISH SADDLES

HOHB typically uses English saddles.  They offer the most therapeutic value, challenging muscles and balance more than Western saddles.

SOFT SADDLE

The soft saddle (also known as bareback) allows for more movement for riders who may have difficulty stretching their legs around a saddle and for riders in wheelchairs who may need extra padding.

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WESTERN SADDLES

Western saddles offer more support for riders who need help maintaining an upright position in the saddle.  They have a "horn" that also helps stability.

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SPECIAL PADS

Special pads are fit to each hores to ensure their comfort with a variety of riders.

ALWAYS MAINTAIN DISTANCE

Trouble in the aisle begins with horses coming in contact with one another.  ALWAYS maintain distance between your horse and the stalls & horses.  WALK your horse in the middle of the aisle.

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DO NOT allow your horse to make contact with other horses in the aisle.

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Be aware of the Front and Back End of your horse - AT ALL TIMES.

CORRECT

Sidewalker and leader on point.

CORRECT

All volunteers in correct position.

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INCORRECT

Leader talking to the rider.

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INCORRECT

Sidewalker too far away from rider, and also hands in pockets.

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INCORRECT

All volunteers distracted.

Hope on Horseback
Therapeutic Riding Center
10370 Barton Road
PO Box 483
Waterford, PA 16441-0483

Phone: (814) 474-5276
Email: director@hopehorseback.org

© 2020 / All Rights Reserved