If you are not sure which forms to fill out, select whether you are a volunteer, staff, or a rider/participant and the correct forms will be provided. Rider/Participant Volunteer Staff Physician Statement and Medical History Application and Health History Emergency Treatment Release Release of Liability Seizure Disorder Volunteer Information

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Hamony Ranch Policy and Barn Rules

Harmony Ranch Therapeutic Riding Center will implement the following policies for the 2006-2007 riding season. Please keep this information for future reference.

Rider Participation:

Recognizing that equine related activities hold inherent risks, all new and returning participants will be evaluated by our NARHA (North American Riding for the Handicapped Association) Certified Instructors to ensure a safe and beneficial experience. Returning participants will be re-evaluated each year or as necessary for changes in medical, physical, cognitive, and behavioral status.

All riders, - disabled AND able-bodied, must have a completed, signed, and dated registration packet, including basic information, a Liability release, Media Release, Form for Authorization for Emergency Medical Treatment, and physician-signed Medical Release form on file in the Harmony Ranch office prior to participating in any aspect of the program. Disabled riders must also have a complete, signed and dated Consent for Release of Information Form on file. All forms must be updated annually.

Riders at Harmony Ranch shall have no history of inappropriate behavior with fire or any tendencies or history of abuse or violence directed toward other people or animals.

Harmony Ranch reserves the right to deny services to any individual based upon concerns for the applicant’s safety and/or the safety of the horses, volunteers, staff, property owners, or for other reasons in accordance with NARHA operating center guidelines.

It is the responsibility of the participant or the participant’s parent or guardians to inform Harmony Ranch of any changes in the participant’s medical, physical, mental, or behavioral status. A Participant is defined as a Harmony Ranch client, volunteer, or staff member.

For disabled riders:

Please note that horseback riding is contraindicated for some conditions/individuals.

Harmony Ranch follows the NARHA guidelines for precautions/contraindications for physical restrictions of riding. See the NARHA Guide (in the Harmony Ranch office) or the NARHA website www.narha.org for detailed information.

In addition, at Harmony Ranch, currently riders must have some trunk control and be able to sit up with little or no assistance (e.g., no backriding is performed at Harmony Ranch).

Weight considerations for all riders: Maximum weights are listed below, but decisions regarding participation will be based on the availability of a suitable horse relative to the height, weight, cognition, and balance of the participant. The results of a risk/benefit analysis will also be considered. Final determination for participation will be made by the instructors at Harmony Ranch TRC. The maximum upper weight limits for disabled riders are:

• 250 lbs. for an independent rider or a rider who only needs a spotter
• 175 lbs. for a rider who needs a leader only or a leader and spotter only.
• 150 lbs. for a rider who needs a leader and 1-2 sidewalkers.

Age restrictions for disabled riders:

• Children with disabilities must be at least 4 years of age.
• Children under the age of 5 will require a leader and at least one sidewalker and will only ride at a walk.
• Children will not ride independently until they are at least 7 yrs. or older.

• The minimum age for able-bodied riders is 7 yrs.
• There will be no more than 10 able-bodied riders registered and active in the program at any one time. Able-bodied riders that are affiliated with the families of Harmony Ranch’s disabled riders will be given preference for these limited slots. Secondary preference will be given to Harmony Ranch volunteers who wish to take lessons.

Harmony Ranch Policy for the Discharge of Participants

Riders at Harmony Ranch may be asked to leave the program for a number of reasons, including, but not limited to:

• The development of a contraindicated condition or the deterioration of a condition to the point the therapeutic riding is no longer beneficial or could be harmful to the participant or where safety for the rider or others has become a concern.
• Weight gain above the maximums stated previously.
• Incomplete annual forms: (Registration, Liability and Photo Releases, Authorization for Emergency medical Treatment, Consent for Release of Information, and Physician-signed Medical forms.
• A display of fire-starting, threatening behavior, animal abuse, the abuse of children or adults, verbal abuse of volunteers or others, alcohol or drug use on grounds, or behavior that is disruptive for the normal functioning of the program on the part of the rider.
• Frequent missed lessons, without advance notification.
• Mainstreaming of an advanced independent rider whose riding has progressed beyond the ability of our program horses.

All dismissals will be handled by the Riding Instructors. The Program Director will be informed of the situation and be part of the decision-making process whenever possible. A written reason for dismissal will be recorded in the client’s file. The grounds for dismissal will be discussed with the rider and/or the rider’s parent or guardian in private. Riders or parents or guardians of the rider may appeal the dismissal in writing at the next Harmony Ranch Board of Directors meeting, but the decision of the board will be final.

ATTENTION!! The following rules apply to everyone who visits, participates, volunteers, or works at Harmony Ranch. Please read these and become familiar with them and pass this information on to anyone who may come with you to the barn.

Harmony Ranch Barn Rules

At Harmony Ranch, safety is one of our primary concerns. Please help us to enforce these rules!

• No abusive, threatening, or violent behavior will be tolerated on these premises.
• Alcohol and illegal drug use is prohibited on grounds or during Harmony Ranch-hosted events.
• Absolutely NO smoking or use of open flames is permitted in the barn or any other part of the premises.
• Do not drink the water out of the hoses or faucets. Use the bottled water in the dispenser in the barn.
• No one is permitted at the barn or on the farm unless a staff member is present on the premises.
• Children must be supervised at all times.
• No running or screaming is allowed in the barn or around the horses.
• No one is allowed to handle horses, feed, or pet horses unless supervised by a staff member. No one may enter a pasture containing horses unless accompanied by a staff member.
• No one may ride a horse unless supervised by a staff member. Everyone who rides must have a current and complete (annual) Registration/Release packet on file.
• All riders must have a completed, signed and dated current registration packet on file. All riders must wear an ASTM-approved helmet while mounted and use safety stirrups or wear hard-soled shoes with heels.
• All volunteers must have a completed, signed and dated current Volunteer packet on file in order to work at Harmony Ranch. All volunteers must complete a volunteer training course. Volunteers must sign in and out whenever they volunteer at Harmony Ranch.
• Instructors will routinely check all tack and equine and human first aid and emergency equipment for safety.
• The barn aisleways must be kept clean and free of obstructions.
• Dogs must be on a leash.
• Report all accidents, injuries, or hazardous conditions to a staff member as soon as possible.
• Proper riding attire is mandatory
• A waiting list may be in effect.

Harmony Ranch Policy for the Dismissal of Volunteers

Volunteers at Harmony Ranch may be asked to leave the program for a number of reasons, including, but not limited to:

• The use of drugs or alcohol on the grounds or at a Harmony Ranch event.
• Breach of the confidentiality policy.
• Verbal or physical abuse or sexual harassment or other inappropriate behavior toward participants or other volunteers or staff members.
• Mistreatment of the horses or other animals at Harmony Ranch.
• The expression of vulgar language, inappropriate jokes, or disrespectful language.
• Frequent missed work times, without prior explanation.
• Abuse of phone or computer privileges.
• Smoking or the use of open flames in prohibited areas.
• Persistent disruption of staff during lessons or special events.
• Any behavior deemed inappropriate by property owner.

All dismissals will be handled by the Riding Instructors and/or the Program Director. The grounds for dismissal will be discussed with the volunteer and/or the volunteer’s parent or guardian in private, and a written record of the reasons for dismissal will be attached to the volunteer’s registration forms and kept on file. Volunteers or parents or guardians of the volunteer may appeal the dismissal in writing at the next Harmony Ranch Board of Directors meeting, but the decision of the board will be final.