Horse Handler for Hippotherapy

Responsibilities shall include, but are not limited to: preparing the horse for the session, leading the horse during the session, putting the horse away after the session, and correctly cleaning and putting away tack and equipment.

Qualifications:

• 16 years of age or older
• Able to attend Horse Handler training and pass a Horse Handler competency checklist with guidance from staff
• Aware of and comfortable with acceptable horse behavior and movement
• Able to communicate with therapists/instructors, volunteers, and other staff members
• Able to react appropriately when handling the horse in a crisis situation
• Able to stand, bend, and walk with intermittent jogging for up to an hour at a time over uneven surfaces
• Willing to learn and follow DST procedures and policies
• Able to accept constructive feedback and follow direction from DST staff members
• Able to assume a leadership role with the horse, while keeping a nurturing attitude toward both the horse, rider, staff members, and other volunteers

Responsibilities:

• Adhere to all DST policies and procedures.
• Arrive 30 minutes before the beginning of the scheduled session to bring horse to grooming area, groom, tack, and warm-up horse as required for the session.
• Alert therapist/instructor or equine staff member to any problems with condition of horse, tack, and any other concerns.
• Bring horse to session area at assigned time.
• Ensure safe behavior, attention, and responsiveness of the horse as directed by the therapist/instructor throughout the session.
• Untack, groom, and turnout horse as required following the session.