Dark Horse Herd Norfolk

Dark Horse Herd Norfolk (DHHN)

Safety Briefing.

Section A.  Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

I understand that although Equine Facilitated Learning (EFL) is a non-ridden activity, I should always wear hard soled fully enclosed shoes or boots with socks to protect feet and long trousers to protect legs while working around or interacting with horses.

At the beginning of each session, I will be offered PPE in the form of,

Safety Hat                             I have chosen to wear this            YES                NO

Gloves                                    I have chosen to wear these          YES                NO

Please indicate your selection, (updated and initialled when necessary)

Signed…………………………………………………      Date……………………………

Section B.  The Nature & Physical Character of the Horse

Domesticated, well-trained horses are usually obedient, docile, and affectionate. However, it is important to understand their innate survival instincts. The following information has been put together with your safety in mind.

1. I am advised that all horses at DHHN run as a herd. DHHN believes in the promotion of natural herd behaviour such as mutual grooming, playing and companionship.
2. I am advised that horses involve risk and can be unpredictable by nature, with minds or their own, as are all animals both domestic and wild. The horse can be very responsive to your energy so be aware of how you are feeling.
3. I am advised that when a horse is frightened, angry, under stress or feels threatened, it is the horse’s instinct to move forward or sideways, to run away from danger or gallop to safety. Please be aware of your position/where you are standing when around the DHHN.  I am advised not to stand between multiple horses.  I am advised to stand out of the way of the horse’s flight path.
4. I am advised that if a horse is frightened or feels threatened from behind, the horse may kick. I must remain aware of my distance.
5. I am advised that a human must always approach a horse calmly and quietly with caution, preferably to the horse’s shoulder or lower neck.
6. I am advised that loud and/or sudden unexpected movements, such as dropping an object near a horse, can provoke a domesticated horse to react according to natural protective instincts as described above.

7. I am advised that the first signs of anger or fear in a horse are the sudden tensing of the muscles of the body, possibly laying the ears flat back against the head, or quickly tossing or raising the head. I understand that the person taking responsibility for my time with the herd will manage any of these signs should they be evident.
8. I am advised that a horse can see with each eye, looking in one direction with one eye and another direction with the other eye. The horse can also focus both eyes on one object somewhere in front of him/her. Typically, the direction in which the ear is pointing will tell an observer where the eye is looking on the same side and what the horse is listening to.
9. I am advised that a horse has two blind areas around which he/she cannot see. Those are directly behind the horse and directly in front.  When a horse has his/her head lowered to the ground, the spot directly at the end of the nostrils is a blind area.  This is the reason it is best to approach a horse close to the shoulder, and never to surprise a horse from the rear, or to reach first for the horse’s mouth or muzzle area.
10. I am advised that while the horse is very sure-footed by nature, horses may accidently step on an object such as a human’s foot when they are balancing or turning around. When a horse is worked on unstable ground or slippery grass or footing, the horse could fall and be injured.
11. In pursuing activities with DHHN and being around the herd, the Participant understands the unavoidable risks inherent in herd and horse related activities including, but not limited to, bodily injury, physical harm, loss of property, damage, or loss of lives. DHHN cannot accept any liability in relation to the same. The Participant knowingly and voluntarily engages in the same organised by DHHN.

Section C. Physical and Mental Wellbeing

I acknowledge that practices such as mindfulness, experiential and equine facilitated learning are also recognised as having therapeutic value but note that the exercises in this workshop have no therapeutic intention and warrant that I will always remain responsible for my own personal emotional well-being during and after these sessions.

I have read and understand the above concerning protective attire, the nature and physical character of the horse and physical and mental wellbeing.

Signed:                                                                                              Date:

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