Terms and Conditions

Outline

Gisborne RDA policy 2005 OVERVIEW:
The Gisborne Riding for the Disabled Club aims to provide a quality therapy, sport and recreation based service to the disabled community.
This is best achieved by working with the rider, their parent/ guardian and their support network. Teachers/ teacher associates therapists, caregivers and support staff all have an important role to play in the RDA program development phase.

Clients:

Weight of rider not to exceed 70-75Kg.
All appropriate forms to be completed before riding program is started.
Determine the clients’ suitability to participating in the RDA program.
Consider whether (we) the Gisborne RDA have adequate resource to support the clients needs.
Rider is graded and matched to horse type.
First ride will be an assessment type ride and in consultation with teacher (or therapist and support staff, parents and guardians) SMART goals can be set.
Closed in footwear and suitable riding clothes to be worn.
Helmets (provided) to be worn when riding and working with the horse (grooming, leading etc…)
Session length is determined on an individual client basis, riding time no longer than 1/2 hr with additional time for equine skills and education (usually 15min)

Staff and volunteers:

Regular health and safety meetings.
In service education.
NZRDA training.
Tasks that volunteers are asked to do at RDA are within their individual skill range.
Person with first- aid certifications on site during work hours.

Horses:

Welfare needs are met.
New horses are orientated and screened for suitability.
Training for horses and ponies is on going.
Weight carrying limits are set for each horse.
Daily workload limits are set for each horse.

Session times length and group size:

The Gisborne RDA will endeavour to timetable sessions to a time that is mutually suitable.
Session length will very considerably for each rider and each group from 10 minutes- 30 minutes riding plus equine skills.
Group size is dependant on the resources the our group has available at the time the ride is timetabled for and how much support each rider requires in his or her program.

Rider to helper ratio:

There are many considerations when deciding rider to helper ratios.
It can take up to four people to assist one rider. Combinations can be as follows
Assisted visually (but not lead)
Fully independent at the walk only (or trot, in the arena only or in all environments) supervised.
Lead with one visual side walker.
Lead with two hands on side walkers (for high needs or seizure riders).
Lead only.
Lead with two side walkers and a back rider.
The minimum assistant number is one - five

Rider to helper ratio is decided in consultation with parents, teachers, therapist from information provided on medical consents and within NZRDA guidelines.

Complaints procedure:

Any complaints, concern and feed back is best made to management out of session times so not to interrupt the program. In person, by phone, email or in writing.
Management will deal with any problems quickly on a case-by-case basis and endeavour to solve any issues.
If you feel the outcome was not satisfactory, you will need to put your concerns in writing and forward to the Gisborne RDA chairperson.

Sources:

NZRDA health and safety manual.
NZRDA resource manual.
NZRDA contradictions and precautions to therapeutic riding.
MAF code of minimum standards for the welfare of the horse.
Club Vet consultation.
Gisborne RDA management policy for health and safety of clients, staff, volunteers and horses.

All persons attending Gisborne RDA are advised to read the visitor’s notice located in the arena.