Ashmount RDA

Registered Charity No1074287

HINTS FOR HELPERS

Before we get into this little Aide Memoire we want to say Thank You. Now that may seem an odd way of starting, but without your help we would not he able to provide the opportunity of riding for the pupils. Few of us who form the Group Committee can get away from work to help with the riding periods and so we miss the opportunity to say a personal thank you to all of you who help in this very practical way, so please accept our heartfelt thanks now for all your efforts.

We and the riders really do appreciate all the hard work.

We have based this leaflet on several papers produced by the RDA and advice from our Group Instructor. We have tried to make the content non-technical (and as "unhorsey" for those Helpers who are not riders themselves - where there is a horsey expression that might be useful I’ve included an explanation) as possible and hope that it not only helps you support our riders more effectively but also helps you get more from the experience.

______________________________________________________________________

Chairman

Ashmount RDA

April 1999

What are you likely to be asked to do?

- Support a Rider (side walking)

- Support the School Staff

- Fetch or take a pony to or from the training area (Indoor School)

All of these tasks are vital to a safe and enjoyable riding period hut first we must all know each other, let the pony you are to work with get to know you and most importantly introduce yourself to the rider - remember you, the rider and the pony will all be working together as a team!

Supporting a rider – side walking

Many of our riders need a supporter (or even two) as well as someone to lead the pony. If only one supporter is needed it is easier to walk on the opposite side of the pony from the leader.

Your main task is to ensure that the rider does not fall off - don’t hang on to them but you may have to help them maintain a balance by placing a hand on their thigh or lower leg as directed by the Instructor. This may be particularly important when trotting.

Help the rider by ensuring they have heard the instructor’s commands and then help them carry them out.

Always approach a pony from the side, where the pony will be able to see you. Never go round the back of a pony as you might get kicked.

Check the girth before and after mounting and adjust the stirrups to the right length - the Instructor will advise you on this.

Listen to the instructor at all times and make sure the rider and any other helpers are ready for a change of pace or direction.

The pony will understand commands such as ‘Walk on’, give the command and walk with him. To stop say in a slightly long drawn out tone ‘Whoa".

Aim to keep the pony’s movements smooth – don’t ask for sudden turns.

Keep a safe distance from the tail of the pony in front of you - approximately 2 metres, and try and keep this distance when turning into the centre at the end of the ride.

Remember the games are for the riders’ enjoyment. Try and keep a suitable speed with no sudden stops.

Be prepared to stop if your rider becomes unbalanced or has a problem. Any minor or routine adjustments should be made off the line of the ride ("off track") to allow the other riders to continue.

All of our riders have very specific special needs only their teachers have a full understanding of these and they will advise you of anything of which you should be aware.

When it is time to dismount, check the riders has both feet out of the stirrups and do not allow them to dismount until you are ready. Ensure you are aware of how the rider will dismount as this may vary with the individuals capabilities.

Please remember we need you there to give our riders confidence and to prevent accidents. Try and allow the rider as much independence as possible so that they gain the maximum from their ride.

Support the School Staff

There may be the time when it is best that a particular rider is led and supported by School staff and they may ask you to care for the other riders. Your concentration at this point must be on the pupils not on the riding. Ensure that they are all within the safety area and are quietly occupied with something, talk with them so that they feel secure and taken notice of

Fetch or take a pony to or from the training area

Bring the reins over the pony’s head and use them as a rope but remember that there is direct contact with the pony’s mouth so please treat it gently.

If the pony is saddled, loosen the girth a hole or two, but not that much that the saddle can slip, and run the stirrups up, pulling the leathers through to hold them in place.

Final thoughts

Always try and be with the riders a few minutes before the session is due to start. If you cannot make it please let the session organizer know as soon as you can.

Always come suitably dressed - working around horses in all weathers can be damp, cold and smelly at times (but also invigorating, enjoyable and decent exercise as well!!)

Please be prepared to help with ANY job that needs to be done.

Our riders are individuals with individual needs but can be challenging at times so gentle firmness as guided by school staff and a sense humour are essential.

Always be alert, the safety of everyone (including the pony) at a riding session is the number one priority.

Remember:

Alertness without anxiety

Always ask if you are unsure

Interest in the rider as a person

Unlimited patience

Attention to the instructors commands

And finally you are a vital member of the team without whom we could not provide riding to the School.