The goal of PATH Intl. Certified Instructors is to provide safe and productive equine-assisted activities (EAA) for all participants.
A complete initial screening and assessment of a potential participant includes:
Review of paperwork
Includes a physician form.
Interview
Conducted with the potential participant and/or a family member, often over the phone.
In-person interaction
Direct interaction with the potential participant to assess their needs and suitability for the program.
Precautions and Contraindications
The instructor starts by determining the presence of any precautions and/or contraindications related to the potential participant.
This involves evaluating:
Own expertise as an instructor
The training of volunteers and potential equines
Equipment needed to accommodate the participant's needs.
Equine activities carry inherent risks that can be assessed via:
Risk/benefit analysis
Educating the team about disabilities.
Presence of a Precaution
Knowledge of current precautions and contraindications related to EAA is crucial.
If a precaution is present, further investigation is necessary, which may include:
Contacting a physician, therapist, or mental health professional before accepting a participant.
Accepting a participant with a precaution may require:
Program modifications
Additional equipment
Regular reevaluation of participation appropriateness.
Presence of a Contraindication
A contraindication indicates that an activity is inappropriate for the individual.
Contraindications can be:
Permanent: Activities not suitable due to safety or health concerns.
Temporary: May change if conditions improve or if the center's circumstances allow for safe participation.
If a contraindication exists, alternative equine activities should be explored.
It's unethical for programs to involve contraindicated individuals in high-risk activities, leading to potential harm and legal repercussions.
Instructor's Knowledge and Skill Level
Certification levels differ among instructors; some may specialize in specific disabilities or communication techniques.
Proper pairing of participants with instructors who can cater to their individual needs is essential for effective skill progression.
Instructors must:
Stay within their scope of knowledge and experience when accepting participants.
Refer individuals to more qualified professionals if necessary.
Participant's Weight and Height
Once contraindications are ruled out, the instructor evaluates the individual further, starting with:
Determining the participant's weight and height
Essential for selecting an appropriate equine and necessary equipment for activities.
Equines for mounted or driving activities must adequately support the participant's size.
Weight and height considerations are also critical for safe mounting, dismounting, and emergency protocols.
Suitable Equine
Matching participants with suitable equines is crucial for safety and activity appropriateness.
The instructor considers various equine attributes including:
Temperament
Gait
Age and health
Conformation
Energy level
Responsiveness
Training
The equine's natural gait should align with participant needs (example: a child with spasticity may need a less concussive gait).
Absence of a suitable equine match implies contraindication for participation in that activity.
Suitable Equipment
Equipment resources play a vital role in participant safety and efficacy in programming.
Considerations include:
Tack
Mounting equipment (like ramps and lifts)
Helmets (must fit comfortably)
Participants need suitable saddles; if equipment cannot be sourced, alternative arrangements must be made.
Facility accessibility is also a factor in evaluating participant suitability.
Scheduling Considerations
EAA typically involves multi-faceted team involvement:
Team Members: Equines, PATH Intl. Instructors, and volunteers with varied responsibilities.
Consultation with a therapist may be necessary for participants with pronounced disabilities.
If the proper trained personnel aren’t available to ensure a safe lesson, participation should be postponed.
Potential Participant's Skills
Upon confirming support availability, the instructor evaluates specific participant skills, which includes:
Functional skill levels
Communication methods
Mobility skills (ability to navigate various surfaces)
Emotional state and reactions around equines should also be assessed to ensure suitable equine pairing, contributing to positive experiences during EAA.
Conclusion
It's the responsibility of professionals to provide high-quality, safe activities and to reflect on personal limitations.
Commitment to advancing personal education, experience, and available resources is essential to overcome barriers.
Human Anatomy and Physiology
A solid grasp of human anatomy and physiology is beneficial for PATH Intl. Certified Instructors, as it:
Helps facilitate optimal riding posture and balance, crucial for EAA benefits.
The Spinal Column
Comprised of 33 vertebrae, providing flexibility, shock absorption, and protection for the spinal cord.
Major areas include:
Cervical spine
Thoracic spine
Lumbar spine
Sacrum
Coccyx (tailbone)
Muscle and ligament support keep the spine in an ideal curve.
Posture and Alignment
Posture refers to the alignment and balance while in various positions (standing, walking, etc.) and is graded as:
Good Posture: Head neutral, shoulders back, balanced weight, etc.
Fair Posture: Mild deviations present (e.g., head slightly forward).
Poor Posture: Significant deviations or misalignments present (e.g., head forward, exaggerated curvature).
Body alignment impacts joint strain and stability.
Reflexes
Movement involves signaling from the spine to the brain, but reflex actions can bypass this pathway, enabling independent movement.
Primitive Reflexes: Present in infants, integrated typically by age one, but may persist in some individuals.
Types include:
Withdrawal reflex: Acknowledge pain response.
Postural reflexes: Balancing reactions (i.e., arms extend when falling).
Common in participants with neurological disabilities, influencing movement patterns that may require modification during instruction.
Conclusion on Reflexes
Vigilance for these reflex types is vital in teaching participants safely and effectively in mounted EAA programs.
Sensory Processing Overview
Eight human senses contribute to sensory processing: Vision, Hearing, Smell, Taste, Touch, Vestibular, Proprioception, and Interoception.
Sensory Processing involves registering, interpreting, and responding appropriately to sensations, foundational for other skills and behaviors.
EAA demands engagement across various sensory skills.
The Rider's Position
Maintaining a correct riding position helps ensure stability and security:
Correct Position: Neutral pelvic tilt, aligned spine, and head centered over the body.
Anterior Pelvic Tilt (front leaning) or Posterior Pelvic Tilt (back leaning) are incorrect positions affecting balance and stability.
Symmetry is essential for effective communication with the equine, and discrepancies can hinder riding effectiveness.
Position Corrections
Correcting rider positioning begins at the pelvis to establish balance.
Instructors should take an adaptable and supportive approach tailored to individual needs.
Teaching strategies may require iterative exercises to reinforce effective positioning and could include tactile or visual prompts.
Additional Considerations for Participants with Special Needs
Categories of disabilities include (but are not limited to) Amputation, Anxiety Disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Brain Injury, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, etc.; each with distinct considerations for participation in EAA.
Each potential participant should adhere to individualized assessments to ensure appropriateness and safety in EAA involvement.
Educators urged to use People First Language to promote dignity and respect for individuals with disabilities.
Specific Disability Considerations (Summarized By Category):
Amputation or Limb Differences: Evaluate medical conditions, offer adaptations for riding; consult on prosthetic use.
Anxiety Disorders: Monitor behavior for anxiety signs; create a supportive environment to enhance comfort.
Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Ensure close monitoring for impulsivity and safety; use quick instructional pacing.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Maintain safety and consistent routines; reduce distractions in learning environments.
Cerebral Palsy (CP): Consult therapists for accommodation needs; assess the severity and type of CP to aid safer riding experiences.
Communication Disorders: Adapt teaching tools and strategies to improve understandability and engagement; provide ample processing time for responses.
Down Syndrome: Require medical assessments for implications like Atlantoaxial instability, monitor cardiovascular needs.
Sensory Processing Disorders: Consult trained professionals; accommodate for sensory sensitivities and responses.
Spina Bifida: Thorough evaluations for related health concerns; consider mobility and equipment needs for safe participation.
Spinal Cord Injury (SCI): Evaluate nervosity and capacity to handle equine movement; assess associated health risks thoroughly.
Vision Impairment: Aid navigation with verbal and tactile guidance; adapt environments for successful engagement.
Age-Related Considerations
For young participants:
Children below age two: contraindicated.
Children aged 2-3 years: safely involved in ground-based activities.
Need for specialized helmet fitting.
For seniors:
Thorough evaluations of health histories; monitor fatigue and environmental impacts on participation effectively.
Communication adjustments may be essential for understanding.
Conclusion and References
Reinforcement of agility in pedagogical practices is vital to ensure the safety and success of all participants in EAA.
Consistent education and recalibration of practices based on participant feedback and professional guidelines are encouraged.
References provided in the source documents offer comprehensive protocols and evidence for instructors to utilize best practices in their instruction and interactions with participants.