volunteer handbook - mccormick research institute

Volunteer Handbook

McCormick Volunteer Handbook

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Table of Contents

History 3

What is Therapeutic Riding? 4

General Volunteer Information 5

Your Commitment 8

Volunteer Training and Guidelines 9

Getting to Know the Participants 15

The Horses 16

Safety Guidelines and Procedures 19

Understanding our Equine Partner 24

Glossary of Equine Terminology 25

Equine Anatomy 27

Frequently Asked Questions 29


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History

The McCormick Research Institute’s mission is to conduct evidence-based research in an

effort to identify, disseminate, and deliver the highest quality of equine-assisted activities and

therapeutic services to veterans and special needs individuals. Our vision is to enable more

veterans and special needs individuals worldwide to benefit from equine-assisted activities and

therapies. We have served over 20,000 riders utilizing 12 horses and the assistance of more than

200 community volunteers.

McCormick is a non-profit 501(c)(3) equestrian center that was established in 2002 at the

home of the Tompkins family. Horse enthusiast Thomasa Tompkins Sanchez was the center’s

founder and continues today as volunteer CEO. From 2002 to 2005, McCormick transported

horses to Give Kids the World Village four times a week to provide equine-supported therapies

for terminally ill children in a program dubbed The Pony Express.

In 2006, the organization moved to Osceola Heritage Park and added their second service,

therapeutic riding, which provides ongoing mental, physical, and emotional therapies to individuals with

disabilities and veterans. In 2011, McCormick began collaborating with the UCF College of Medicine

and introduced research and education programs. To provide better services to our participants,

McCormick moved to the city of Harmony during the summer of 2014.

In 2013, Osceola County Board of Commissioners voted to move the organization to

Chisholm Park in St. Cloud, Florida. The new forty acre equestrian center will consist of a

covered arena, a twenty-stall barn, two round pens, a farrier and veterinarian area, and riding

trails. The Education Building will provide meeting space for teaching and training as well as

rooms and facilities for instructors, staff, and volunteers.


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What is Therapeutic Riding?

Therapeutic horseback riding uses horses and equine-assisted activities in order to achieve the

following goals for people who have disabilities.

Enhances:

Physical endurance

Emotional well being

Educational skills

Horses move in a rhythmic motion that mimics a human’s gait. While riding, the horses stride

acts to move the rider's pelvis in the same rotation and side-to-side movement that occurs when

walking. The horses’ adjustable gait encourages riders to constantly adjust the speed to achieve

the desired pelvic motion. Though riding is very beneficial, our students do not necessarily have

to ride to achieve the desired effects of therapy. Horses can act as an aid by giving those with

disabilities a companion to care for. Even the act of grooming the horse, such as brushing,

bathing, and currying, can aid in joint range of motion and have a relaxing and calming effect.

All instructors at McCormick have been certified by the Professional Association of Therapeutic

Horsemanship, International (PATH) and participate in ongoing education. Our group therapy

lessons are designed to improve a variety of skills while instilling a sense of accomplishment in

every student. We aim to offer an experience that is fun and interactive that involves riding,

grooming, and games.

Promotes:

Balance

Coordination

Flexibility

Confidence

Strengthens:

Social skills

Core muscles

Fine motor skills

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horse


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General Volunteer Information

Prior to service, all volunteers must complete all forms deemed necessary by McCormick,

complete a background check, and undergo orientation.

What do volunteers do?

Barn Worker: Without our horses, there would not be equine therapy! The welfare of our animals

is a top priority at McCormick. Volunteers can help care for the horses by:

Feeding

Cleaning stalls

Grooming and tacking

General barn chores

Side walker: Though this volunteer position may seem unimportant, it is VITAL to our students.

Depending on the rider’s ability, they may require one, two, or no side walkers. Your primary

responsibility is the student and their safety. Some of your responsibilities include:

Assisting the students with their helmets

Acting as the instructors’ aid while student mounts and dismounts

Assist the student in balancing on the horse, using the appropriate holds

Following the instructor’s directions during a lesson and assisting the student only when

asked to help promote independence


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Horse leader: This position requires previous horse experience and cannot be performed by all

volunteers. Your focus is to be on the horse, not the student. Other responsibilities include:

Leading the horse in a minimum 5 minute warm up before each lesson (McCormick Staff

understands that sometimes this might not be possible. Please try your best to get the

horse into the arena as soon as possible before a lesson!)

Maintaining control of the horse at all times

Understanding the horse’s body language

Monitoring the horse’s breathing, soundness, and overall disposition

Bringing any concerns about the horse’s welfare up to a staff member

Volunteer Captain: Those volunteers that have been serving the organization for years and/or

that show a great amount of responsibility and horse knowledge may be promoted to volunteer

captain. These chosen individuals have many responsibilities such as training new volunteers,

assisting in orientations, and helping recruit new volunteers.


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McCormick relies deeply on volunteers for multiple different tasks. If you have any special

skills, interests, or hobbies, please let us know. Here are a few other volunteer opportunities we

have available:

Special event planning and staffing

Fundraising

Grant writing

Office work (filing papers, sending emails, stuffing envelopes, etc.)

Photography or videography

Entertainment

Legal support

What you should expect:

To have fun

To learn

To feel needed

To be outside in the heat and cold

To get dirty

To make a BIG difference in peoples’ lives

To make mistakes and to learn from them

To love and be loved

Your Commitment


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The mission relies heavily on dependable volunteers; they are an essential part in our day-to-day

operation. Our students cannot ride unless the lesson is adequately staffed. In order to assure that

each of our students has the opportunity to participate in the program, volunteers must be willing

to commit to the positions they sign up for.

We understand that illnesses or other conflicts can occur and may prevent you from being able to

serve. If that situation arises, please remove your name from SignUpGenuis.com, or contact the

volunteer coordinator at least 24 hours before scheduled assignment so that a substitute can be

found.

Volunteer Training and Guidelines

Each volunteer will attend a mandatory orientation that covers the following:

WE REQUIRE THAT ALL CELL PHONES BE ON SILENT

OR TURNED OFF WHILE AT THE BARN DUE TO THE

POSSIBILITY OF STARTLING A HORSE OR

DISTRACTING A STUDENT. THEY ARE NOT TO BE

USED AT ANY TIME DURING A LESSON.


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Facility layout- to include restroom location, parking, tack room, feed room, and first aid

kits (human and equine)

Emergency procedures

Training video

Introduction of staff, both human and equine

Location of emergency phone and contact information

Throughout the year, we offer advanced training for all volunteer positions. These include our

quarterly “Volunteer Rewards,” where we will practice emergency dismount procedures, leading

horses properly, tying a quick release knot, and much more.

What to Wear:

Be aware you will be doing a lot of walking on multiple surfaces, including but not

limited to, loose sand, clay, and long grass. If/when a horse steps on your foot, it DOES

hurt. Comfortable, supportive, yet sturdy shoes are very important. No open toe or open

heal shoes are allowed at the barn. Boots are recommended.

We all know that is gets VERY hot here in Florida. Loose, light colored clothing is

optimal during the summer. While we encourage you to wear your Volunteer shirt, we do

not require it. Please be sure you still appear neat and clean.

Modest shorts and t-shirts are acceptable in the summer and we suggest layers in the

winter.

A hat, sunglasses, reusable water bottle, and sunscreen are all highly recommended.

Don’t forget a rain jacket for those summer afternoon storms!


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Long hair should be tied back and please avoid wearing dangling earrings, necklaces, and

bracelets that could be a distraction to a student. We ask that you also not wear heavy

perfumes, colognes, or hairsprays.

If going on a Pony Express visit, please realize that you are a representative of our

organization to the community and dress appropriately. No shorts allowed and you must

wear a neat, modest shirt.

What NOT to wear:

Excessively tight or baggy clothing

Bare midriff or other revealing clothing

Open toe shoes, sandals, or clogs

Clothing with inappropriate slogans, words, decals, etc.

Many volunteers at McCormick are teenagers or young adults that are experiencing

responsibility for their first time. To help set them up for success, here are some things we value

in our volunteers and that will help in all aspects of one’s life.

Punctuality- The staff and students are McCormick are counting on our volunteers to be

there. If they do not show up, our students can’t ride. Please be on time and be sure to

sign in and out.

Attitude- Please avoid gossip. We recommend that you do not repeat any sensitive

information unless the person you tell can help the situation. If you have a concern or

need to have something explained in more detail, SPEAK UP. Ask questions, set up a

meeting with the Manager of Volunteer Services or any other staff member you feel


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comfortable talking to. Please take initiative and take pride in your work. Look for jobs

that need to be done around the barn and be a great example for others.

Performance- We understand that a lot of our volunteers have a significant amount of

horse experience, but please leave the riding instruction to the instructor. Avoid chatting

with the students during a lesson because it can be very distracting. Follow all rules and

policies at all times.

Inclement Weather

There might be times we have to cancel lessons due to bad weather. If unsure, please call

the Volunteer Coordinator.

We encourage you to spend as much time as

you want at the barn but, please, do not get

burnt out!

The staff understands that you have a life

outside the barn.

A particularly gifted volunteer might be asked

to help out a lot, and we don’t want anyone

to feel overwhelmed or feel resentment.

towards us. If you need a break, please don’t

feel guilty about saying “NO.”


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In the case of an impending hurricane, volunteers may be asked to help secure the barn

and/or relocate the horses in the days or hours leading up to the storm’s arrival.

Logging Your Hours

It is very important to us that we track all volunteer hours.

Signing in and out is vital to our fundraising efforts and recognizing volunteers for all

their hard work!

Confidentiality

While some students may be open about their disability, medical history, or personal

challenges, remember you signed an Oath of Confidentiality when you started your

service with McCormick.

During a class or therapy session, you might be told information about a student in order

to safely and effectively assist them. This information is confidential and should never be

repeated.

Disabilities and medical information should never be discussed between volunteers.

If you hear something that makes you feel uncomfortable, please talk with a McCormick

staff member right away.

General Procedures

All doors/gates must be closed at all times, with the exception of the tack room,

bathroom, and office. This includes arena gate and stall doors.


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Turn off lights and/or fans when not in use.

Volunteers may clean out horses’ front hooves, but not the rear.

Place all items back in their correctly labeled spots. For example, curry combs in the

correct drawer in the cross tie area.

Only students are to give horses treats and this must be done with the spoons provided.

Volunteers are permitted to leave food items in a horse’s bucket. No food should ever be

given from the hand.

Do not play with or around the horses’ mouths.

No more than 2 volunteers should be in a stall with a horse at any time.

A horse must never be lead without a lead rope and halter or bridle and reins.

Only staff members are to put on or remove bridles.

Volunteers are not permitted to drive any company vehicle, including the Polaris.

Any illness, injury, or out of the norm occurrence must be reported immediately to a staff

member and an incident report must be filled out.

Stall Cleaning

Do not clean a stall while a horse is still in it. Please remove the animal and place them in

an empty stall or the cross ties.

Remove all feces and urine (taking care to not remove excess, clean shavings).

Check the water bucket to make sure it is clean and full.

Always dump wheelbarrow as far back in the manure trailer as possible.

Place all equipment back in designated locations when completed.

Dismissal of Volunteers


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If any volunteer should infringe on any of McCormick rules or if their performance is

unsatisfactory, disciplinary actions will be taken to correct any further occurrence.

1. Verbal warning

2. Written warning

3. Suspension

4. Termination

Gross Misconduct

Gross misconduct is a volunteer’s behavior that warrants immediate termination without

following the steps mentioned above. Some examples of this behavior include:

Violent outbursts

Abuse, neglect, or exploitation of students, staff, or other volunteers

Committing a crime while at McCormick

Extreme insubordination

Getting to Know the Clients

At McCormick, we are here to provide therapy to improve our participants’ quality of life. We

like to focus on their abilities, not disabilities. Be yourself when you meet a student for the first

time. Introduce yourself, shake hands, and make normal conversation. Don’t be afraid to laugh or

cry with the rider.


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Be patient. Let them set the student set the pace for walking or talking. Don’t offer pity. Most

people with disabilities want the chance to prove themselves. When speaking with someone in a

wheel chair, get down on their level.

The most important thing to know when interacting with people with disabilities is that they are

people. And just like all people, they are very different, including being different in how they are

with disability issues. Remember that people with disabilities have different preferences. Just

because one person with a disability prefers something one way doesn't mean that another person

with the same disability also prefers it that way. Before you help someone, ask if she would like

help. In some cases a person with a disability might seem to be struggling, yet they are fine and

would prefer to complete the task on their own. Follow the person's cues and ask if you are not

sure what to do. Don't be offended if someone declines your offer of assistance.

Speak normally. Some people have a tendency to talk louder and slower to people with

disabilities, but please don't. Don't assume that because a person has one disability that he also

has a cognitive disability or is hard of hearing. For example, a person with cerebral palsy might

use a wheelchair, have uncontrolled upper body movements, have difficulty speaking, and yet

have very good hearing, cognitive abilities, and intelligence.

Use "people-first" language when referring to people with disabilities. People-first language

means put the person first and the disability second. For example, say "a man who is blind"

rather than "a blind man," and "a woman who uses a wheelchair" instead of "a wheelchair-bound

woman." Use people-first language when speaking with people with disabilities, and when

speaking and writing about people with disabilities.

Avoid potentially offensive terms or euphemisms. Commonly accepted terminology includes

"people with disabilities" and "a person with visual/hearing/physical/speech/cognitive

impairment." Many people find certain language offensive such as the following: restricted to a

wheelchair, victim of, suffers from, retarded, deformed, crippled, and physically challenged.

Horses

Candy is a Shetland

pony that was once

used for children’s

birthday parties. She

has been with HHMRI

since 2002 and is over

20 years old.

Scooter is a miniature

horse and has only

been at HHMRI since

2011. He was born in

2010 and is currently

learning how to do lots

of fun tricks!


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Together, Candy and Scooter are two horses that serve in our “Pony Express” program. They

travel to children’s hospitals and special needs schools in Osceola County.

Seemore is the oldest

horse in the barn at over

25 years old. He is a paint

horse and spent his youth

traveling from rodeo to

rodeo for trick riding.

Cody is a bay colored

quarter horse. He was

born in 1999 and has

been a part of the

HHMRI family since

2008.


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Willie was born in 2002 and one of

our largest horses in the barn. His

coloration is called palomino. He is a

quarter horse that has been at

HHMRI since 2012.

Liberty is one of the sweetest horses

you will ever meet! This quarter horse

lived on a ranch before coming to

HHMRI in 2011. She is over 20 years

old.

Max is a paint pony that was born in

1996. Before coming to HHMRI in

early 2011, he was used for lessons in

North Carolina.

Faith is Welsh pony cross that was

born in Pennsylvania in 2002 and

raised by the Amish. She was the first

horse at HHMRI! Always double check

Faith’s door, she is our resident

escape artist!


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Jake is an appendix horse that was

born in 1997 with a coat color called

flea bitten grey. He is a very sweet

horse though he loves to walk fast!

Jake has been at HHMRI since 2008.

Pal is another palomino quarter

horse. He came to HHMRI in

early 2013 after performing in a

dinner theater show in Orlando

and was born in 2004.

JR is one of the newest

horses at HHMRI, having

only been here since late

2013. Born in 1994, he is a

thoroughbred cross and

was used for dressage

before becoming a

therapy horse.

Tinkerbell is a quarter horse that was

born in 1999 and has been at HHMRI

since 2009. She is not quite as

comfortable with a lot of lesson

activities quite yet (such as baseball

and large, flapping objects), but is

great for our veteran’s program.


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Safety Protocols and Procedures

Safety is our number one priority, for both humans and animals. Please read the protocols

below carefully and do not hesitate to ask questions!!

You might be asked to perform an emergency dismount in the case of a student issue, severe

weather, or other circumstance.

Emergency Dismount Procedure

1. Therapist or horse handler signals the need for emergency dismount

2. Handler immediately stops horse and stays close to the horse’s head to calm the horse

3. If stirrups are being used, both side walkers immediately free rider’s feet

4. Side walker/therapist on the horse’s left side grasps the patient firmly around the waist and

pulls the patient off and away from the horse and eases rider to ground, while the side walker or

therapist on the right side of the horses assists in moving the rider’s leg over the horses mane

5. Horse handler turns horse’s head toward the side to which the rider is dismounting so that the

hindquarters automatically swing away from the rider

Consideration:

Although dismounts are traditionally made to the left, the type and nature of the emergency may

dictate otherwise.

Loose Horse Protocol

Remember human safety comes first!

If the loose horse is located within the barn fencing and is approachable, walk calmly

towards the animal with a lead rope and bucket with a small amount of grain.

If possible, clip the lead rope onto the horse’s halter and secure him or her in a stall.

If the horse is excited or stressed or you are unable to catch the animal, please find or call

a staff member for assistance. Do NOT run/chase after the horse!

If the horse is located outside the fences of our facility, please contact a staff member

immediately.


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Loss of Power

In the unlikely circumstance of the barn or arena being without lights, please follow these

procedures:

Stay where you are and remain calm

If you are in the arena during a lesson, follow the instructor’s directions

Staff will distribute flashlights or source of light and car headlights may be used

Fire Protocol

A fire at any location has great potential for danger, but especially in a barn. It is vital to take

notice and respond immediately when a fire alarm is sounded. In order to assure staff, volunteers,

clients, and animals are safe in the event of a fire, please follow this procedure:

1. Upon ANY indication of a fire in progress, call 911 and notify a staff member. The phone

is located on the desk in the office and of course you may use your personal cell phone.

2. If you see a fire in the beginning stage (first flames, or initial spark) and you feel capable

of extinguishing the fire, retrieve the nearest fire extinguisher and proceed to put it out.

The fire department should be notified that the initial fire has been handled, but requested

to come inspect the area to ensure it has been completely extinguished.

3. ALL individuals should proceed in an orderly fashion to the outdoor arena via the

nearest exit without going through the barn if at all possible.

Instructors are responsible for indicating the direction of the nearest exit and seeing that all

students and volunteers immediately exit and quickly proceed to the outdoor arena.

If there is a class in progress in the outdoor arena, the clients will be dismounted and

horses left in the arena.


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Each instructor shall perform a headcount of students and volunteers upon arriving at the

outdoor arena. Because of this, no one is allowed to leave the property during a fire

evacuation unless there is a life-threatening need.

A senior staff member shall take charge of the meeting area. Their responsibilities are:

a. Determine from instructors and others any persons unaccounted for.

b. Establish that the fire department has been contacted. If not, a designated

person will be sent to the nearest safe phone.

c. Arrange for First Aid or emergency medical needs of any person(s).

d. Know the whereabouts of any staff members that have returned to the

building or are on errands.

4. No one shall reenter the building unless given permission by the senior staff member.

The only reason to reenter the building is to assist clients in evacuating the building.

Persons who reenter to assist in evacuation should do so in pairs and should NOT enter

an area where smoke impedes vision. At staff discretion, horses that can be removed

while exiting, without endangering the evacuation of persons, and may be taken to

pasture or outdoor arena and turned loose.

5. Should circumstances make any of these procedures impractical (i.e., wind conditions,

location of fire) the senior staff member shall make necessary modifications.

6. Fire extinguishers are located on the each side of the barn, near Pal and Cody’s stalls.

Fire extinguishers shall be inspected annually and recharged when necessary. All staff

shall be instructed in the use of fire extinguishers.


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What to do in the event of a human injury or emergency

1. Stay Calm

o The worst thing you can do in any emergency medical situation is panic. For

the sake of the victim and other volunteers, try to remain calm, cool, and

collected. You will be more effective and efficient this way.

2. Assess the Situation

o Quickly assess the scope of the injuries and collect information. If an injured

person is conscious, ask her to tell you if anything hurts and observe where

on their body they may be physically injured. Do not move an injured person,

especially if they are reporting pain, unless there is imminent danger.

3. Call 911

o If a person is badly injured, call 911. If there is any doubt as to whether

emergency services are needed, it is better to be safe than sorry. Stay calm

and provide your address, location in the building, phone number, name and

any information you have gathered about the injuries (most of this

information can be found above the phone in the office).

4. Administer First Aid and CPR

o If required, CPR or first aid should be performed by a person who is trained

to do so. If there is no skilled person, wait for emergency professionals. Do

not administer medical attention or medications. Be careful not to come in

contact with blood, vomit, or other bodily fluids.

What to do in the event of a tornado


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Remain calm

Follow instructor’s directions

Be prepared to dismount students and evacuate the arena

Make your way to a solid building and you may be required to assist students or other

personnel to safety

Please remember human safety is our number one concern and depending on the severity

of the weather, horses may or may not be evacuated

Understanding Our Equine Partner


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Therapeutic horses are still horses and thus have natural instincts. They have undergone

specialized training to be able to handle the added stress of potentially difficult riders, accepting

side walkers, or standing still for long periods of time.

Horses, by nature, are a prey animal. This means they have a strong “fight or flight” instinct.

Having a fight or flight response means that if an animal is unsure about something, they will

either to try flee (flight) or protect themselves via kicking, biting, etc. (fighting).

Please take care to not spend time around the horses’ head. The best way to approach a horse is

from the side, near their neck. All animals have the potential to bite, including our horses.

Glossary of Equine Terminology

http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=w_uDHO87j4whUM&tbnid=ZgwPgCsZW_IYZM:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http://thinklikeahorse.org/index-3.html&ei=RamUUu7CDIrukQeQkYCIDw&bvm=bv.57155469,d.cWc&psig=AFQjCNEAMIphKmXxyLsFYcgdzcm8zL4qqQ&ust=1385560693415198


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Aids: signals the rider uses to control the speed and direction of the horse

Canter: natural gait possessed by all horses, faster than most horses' trot but slower than the

gallop

Figure Eight: a schooling figure that consists of two connecting circles

Gelding: castrated, adult male horse

Hands: a height measurement for horses. A hand is four inches. To find a horses’ height, you

would measure from the ground to their withers

Half circle reverse: During a lesson, a movement used to change direction

Horse: the term used to describe an equine that is taller than 14.2 hands

Inside leg/side: the leg on the inside of the ring, usually the side that the instructor is on

Mare: adult, female horse

Near side: the left side of the horse (when mounted). A horse is always mounted from this side

Off side: the right side of the horse, see above

Outside leg: the rider’s leg on the outside of the ring

Pony: the term used to describe a full-grown equine that is shorter than 14.2 hands

Posting: the “rising trot;” the rising and descending of the rider with the rhythm of the trot

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trot_(horse_gait)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horse_gait#Gallop

http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=Sbl3chpuDDAplM&tbnid=Pw-vXwH90rxCEM:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http://talesofanewbiehorsebackrider.blogspot.com/2012/10/gemma-riding-lesson-8.html&ei=S_WUUtmXN9KfkQf_v4EY&bvm=bv.57155469,d.b2I&psig=AFQjCNHvPTTkTm1Xd9l58GBgfz7HYFPv8Q&ust=1385580219122806

http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=ygl_RC3_-y5inM&tbnid=G_cceu1tFYX-ZM:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http://www.newrider.com/Library/Riding_Tips/changerein.html&ei=PfaUUryIKtPfkQeNooFw&psig=AFQjCNE7F8zeIORfd0UBVmQgcrlHjtm9DA&ust=1385580464900641


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Sitting trot: the rider sits deep in the saddle and maintains contact with the saddle while trotting

Serpentine: a series of circles and straight lines crossing from one side of the ring to the other; a

schooling exercise

Stallion: adult male horse that has not been castrated

Trot: the pace at which a horse moves that is faster than a walk but slower than a canter;

diagonal pairs of legs move forward together

Two point: The two-point or half seat is achieved by bending forward at the hips, taking most of

the weight in your ankles and heels and your back is straight with your seat just off the saddle

Equine Anatomy

http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=FV4jOkuKDQtx5M&tbnid=FEQd3XQX1T-psM:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http://www.modeldads.co.uk/Life-at-the-Front/wordpress/tag/saga/&ei=55eTUsTPCKbR2QWRuYDYCw&bvm=bv.56988011,d.cGU&psig=AFQjCNFq0e6bQBj3U2WNlyNFIQF6qLexjg&ust=1385490738264378

http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=pzrPcWvjI1wh9M&tbnid=eKbLgmoMeXahXM:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http://www.equisearch.com/horses_riding_training/training/basic_schooling/zigzag_072104/&ei=wfWUUpnEHM-dkAf34IGQBQ&psig=AFQjCNHBMdkdAF00WWajU9vIqe2qxVHN6g&ust=1385580318520142


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http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=o28UHLZqjNWMzM&tbnid=sukUiMlFXokwrM:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http://www.thenaturalhoof.co.uk/4.html&ei=1pqTUsGeI6OY2QWyloC4Dg&bvm=bv.56988011,d.cGU&psig=AFQjCNEo2l4bOvHzWFL98t2b-4KP8ft5aQ&ust=1385491008524616


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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the qualifications to be a volunteer?

Must be at least 14 years old

Must speak English

Be able to walk or stand for longer periods of time if wanting to assist with

lessons

Ability to accept supervision and guidance

2. When do volunteers get to ride?

We offer “Volunteer Reward Events” multiple times a year. These sessions act as a

chance for our volunteers to get in the saddle as well as a hands-on, continuing education


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experience. McCormick also offers riding lessons to volunteers and family members of

special needs participants. Please visit the office for more information.

3. I signed up to help with a lesson, but now I can’t make it. What do I do?

If you need to cancel more than 24 hours before the lesson, simply removed your name

from SignUpGenius.com. If the lesson is less than 24 hours away, please contact The

Volunteer Coordinator directly by either phone or email.

4. I left my sweater, hat, keys, etc., at the barn. Where can I find them?

Any items found to be left behind will be placed in the ‘Lost and Found’ bin located in

the tack room.

5. What do I wear to the barn?

Depending on the climate, please wear neat, yet comfortable clothes. If you have

obtained a Volunteer t-shirt, please wear that. Closed toe and heal shoes are mandatory

and we suggest a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

6. I am volunteering to get credit for school. What do I do?

If your school has a form or letter that needs to be signed, please bring it with you to the

barn. Our Volunteer Coordinator will be more than happy to sign it for you. If your

school requires documentation but does not provide a form, the Volunteer Coordinator

will be more than happy to write a letter to your school confirming your volunteer work.


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7. Where do the horses come from?

Very rarely are the horses purchased for McCormick, but instead most are donated from a

variety of sources. It takes a very special equine to be a therapy horse, so not all horses

make the cut. Any time a horse is donated to us, it goes through a trial period, usually

lasting about 90 days. During this time, the horse is evaluated on multiple levels for

things such as temperament, manners, ability to accept different and/or challenging

riders, coping with side walkers, etc.

8. What do we do if we show up to the barn and aren’t scheduled in a lesson?

Just because you aren’t scheduled in a lesson doesn’t mean we don’t need you! There is

always something that needs to be done around the barn- cleaning stalls, bathing horses,

scrubbing buckets. There is a list of chores located in the tack room.

9. Where can I put my phone, keys, purse, etc.?

The best place for a phone and purse would be locked safely in your car. If your keys

don’t fit in your pocket, feel free to tuck them in the tack room somewhere. Please note,

this area is not locked and thus not guaranteed safe! We request you do not use the barn

office to store your items.

10. How do I sign up to help with lessons?

Please visit the site you have received a link to in an email or go directly to

signupgenuis.com

Look over the lesson dates and times


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Once you have found a date or dates that work with your schedule, click on the small

“Sign Up” button located in the same cell. Please note, you CAN select more than one

date at a time.

Click on the larger “Submit and Sign Up” button on the bottom of the screen

Feel free to add a comment in the spot provided. Such as, “I have to leave by 11:00am,”

or “I can’t make it to the first lesson, but will be there at 4:00pm.”

Depending on if you are a returning user or new, select the corresponding tab

o NOTE: You DO NOT have to create an account with them, but they do require

your email address

Hit “Sign Up NOW!”

You’re done! If you have any questions, please feel free to ask the Volunteer Coordinator

at any time

volunteer handbook - mccormick research institute

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