This 3-hour interactive training goes over the responsibilities and requirements of being a Horse Handler in a therapeutic riding program.
Please note that this is an evaluation and there is a minimum requirement of either horse experience (leading, grooming, and tacking included) or at least 6 months as a volunteer Side Walker. You must have prior horse experience to attend. Below is a list of the skills that will be assessed at the training. You should only sign up for this training if you have prior horse experience and feel confident you can pass the evaluation.
Catching/Grooming
- Demonstrates appropriate method of approach, gives verbal greeting to horse
- Safe spacing in paddock and stall
- Proper placement of halter on horse
- Secures horse safely in stall
- Completes full grooming safely and correctly (curry, dandy, body)
- Safely and comfortably picks hooves
- Safely and accurately puts on/removes blanket (if needed)
Leading
- Horse does not leave stall before leader
- Demonstrates appropriate method of holding lead rope
- Correct position of handler at halt
- Correct position of handler at walk
- Correct position of handler during turns
- Safely requests horse to trot with appropriate release
- Accurately requests horse to back up
- Maintains horse’s rhythmic, active walk
- Demonstrates smooth, timely transitions
- Leader does not contribute to horse stress level
- Leader promotes straightness of horse
- Ability to motivate horse from hind end
- Praises horse
Use of Aids
- Consistent use of clear voice aids and appropriate inflection
- Ability to read horse’s mood and body language
- Walks with eyes forward and head up
- Uses energy stick effectively
- Appropriate release of demand
- Generally uses aids correctly
Overall Safety
- Candidate is willing and able to work in a team setting, to fill a variety of roles, and to communicate with staff and other volunteers.
- Follows VTRA safety protocols
- Does not wrap lead rope around hand or let lead rope drag on ground
- Tacks up safely
