Volunteer Tips
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Arena – 629-5107
Facebook – Crossroads Therapeutic Ricing Center
Volunteer forms
You must have all the required volunteer forms on file. Please let us know if any of your information changes. You will be asked to review your information annually and update it if needed.
What to wear
If you are working around the horses, boots are highly recommended. DO NOT WEAR SANDALS or any open-toe shoe. Be sure to wear boots or closed toe shoes that are sturdy and safe. If you are working as a horse leader or side walker, you will walk a lot.
Dangling earrings should be avoided. Necklaces and bracelets can also be a hazard. It is possible that your jewelry could get caught on something, or a rider catch your jewelry with a finger.
Please use good taste in selecting your clothes. Old and worn is OK (we are working with horses!), but avoid anything too revealing or with questionable wording or images. As a Crossroads volunteer, you are representing our organization. We want to make sure we present a professional appearance.
Safety helmets
SAFETY HELMETS ARE REQUIRED FOR ANYONE PARTICIPATING IN A CROSSROADS CENTER MOUNTED ACTIVITY. This includes staff and clients. Helmets must meet or exceed ASTM regulations. This is a PATH mandatory standard.
Stirrups
All riders must wear proper riding boots unless they are using safety stirrups. (stirrups with the rubber bands or western stirrups with a basket) This means NO athletic shoes or street shoes can be worn when riding with a standard stirrup. The instructor is responsible for making sure riders have the correct footwear/equipment. Staff and volunteers must also follow these rules when riding. This is a PATH mandatory standard.
Keep your appointment
We rely heavily on our volunteers. If you have to cancel, be sure to let us know as soon as possible so that we can make other arrangements. We do understand that volunteers have other commitments. If we don’t have enough people for a riding session, it throws everything off, so try to let us know in advance if you will miss a session.
If the temperature is above 95 degrees, we will cancel. We will post on Facebook if we cancel riding. Generally, we offer lessons for six weeks, Monday through Wednesday, and then have two weeks off. There will be no riding in August.
Who does what
The Crossroads Executive Director is the ultimate authority. When in doubt, ask. Safety is extremely important. If you see something that needs attention during a lesson bring it to the instructor’s attention.
Instructor. The instructor plans the lesson, and is responsible for how the lesson is carried out. The instructor will assign jobs and let you know what to expect. The instructor is responsible for safety checks and mounting and dismounting. The instructor makes sure the rider has a correctly fitted helmet and that the stirrups and rider footgear are correct. After the lesson is over, the instructor may ask for your input.
Horse Leader. The horse is the leader’s primary responsibility and should be where attention is focused. The instructor will direct the leader. Do not turn around and watch the rider while you are leading the horse. Be sure to hold the lead rope correctly. NEVER WRAP THE LEAD AROUND YOUR HAND. At the halt, stand to the side and slightly in front of the horse, facing the horse’s head. Wait for the rider’s instructions if appropriate. Let the instructor know if you notice any problems with the horse.
Side Walker. Your responsibility is to the rider. If the horse makes a sudden move, you must be prepared to go with the rider. This means you have to stay focused at all times. You will learn a variety of positions, depending on the rider’s balance and stability. Some rider’s don’t require any physical contact. Others may need quite a bit of assistance. Be sure to let the instructor know if your arm gets tired, as we can switch sides. If you are going to move away from the rider, the instructor will come and take your place so that there is always someone next to the rider. If you need to move away from the rider for any reason, let the instructor know first.
You may be asked to help in a variety of ways, such as helping a rider with foot position or in learning to guide the horse. Be sure to let the instructor know if you feel uncomfortable about anything you are asked to do. Training sessions will be scheduled as needed for volunteers.
There will be times during the lesson where socializing needs to be more limited so that the rider can focus on the lesson. Please let the instructor know if you have any safety concerns that need to be taken care of during the lesson. At the end of the lesson, let the instructor know if you have any suggestions for next time.
Arena Gate
The arena gate must be closed any time a rider is in the arena. This is a PATH mandatory standard.
Fire Emergency
In case of fire, everyone must evacuate the building immediately. Meet up by the dumpster on the east side of the building in the parking area. Call the fire department and stay on the line with them until they have all the information they need. There are fire extinguishers located by the doors.
Weather Emergency
Please stay alert during threatening weather. Keep the radio on in case weather warnings are issued. Lessons will be cancelled during thunderstorm and tornado warnings. Should a tornado approach, take shelter in the Cross home basement south of the arena.
Personal Injury
If a major injury should occur, call 911 first. Stay on the phone until you have completed giving the operator all the information needed. The center address is posted next to the phone. Instructors are trained in CPR and First Aid, and they will determine what actions to take next. The First Aid kit is in the office. Once the victim is taken care of, put the horses in their stalls if needed. Riders must be safely dismounted if needed. Clear the way for the ambulance. Keep everyone as calm as possible.
Volunteers and clients have emergency forms on in the office. These should be provided to the EMT’s or taken to the hospital, unless the victim’s parent or guardian is there to provide treatment authorization.
Parking
Don’t park directly in front of the doors, as these areas are for the clients.
Confidentiality
Please be aware that all client information is considered confidential and is not to be shared. You must sign a confidentiality agreement.
No Smoking
Barns and smoking don’t go together, so please don’t smoke at Crossroads. Some of our riders have smoke allergies, so we must avoid smoke exposure. You are a role model for our child riders, so please don’t smoke. (You can smoke inside your car.)
Cell Phones
Please turn off your phones while in the arena building.
PATH Certified Instructor
Would you like to become a certified instructor? You can find out more by speaking with the center director or by visiting the PATH International website. (See the links page) There is an online study and test, instructor-in-training component, CPR certification, and documented instruction.