Important Participant Information
Questions often asked about becoming involved in NDR equine-assisted activities/programs
What is the minimum age for your participants?
Participants involved at NDR Therapeutic Riding must be at least 4 years of age or older. There is no maximum age for services at NDR, as long as the participant has no physical or medical contraindications. NOTE: NDR’s Horses In the Moment Program does require an age minimum of 55+ and have a medical diagnosis of mild-dementia.
How do you decide if someone can participate in your program?
Once all completed forms are returned to NDR Therapeutic Riding, the participant may be asked to schedule a riding assessment. This assessment is conducted to help the instructor determine the best horse, tack, and volunteers for the participant. A $50 riding assessment fee is due at the time of evaluation. Prior to and during the evaluation, we will ensure that our program is appropriate for you and that there are no contraindications to your participation in therapeutic adaptive riding. Additionally, participants in any other equine-assisted activity (i.e. Horses In the Moment or other non-mounted activities program) may require an assessment by a certified PATH or EAGALA certified instructor at no charge. All NDR Therapeutic Riding participants MUST have medical clearance to participate.
What kind of attire or safety equipment is required?
All participants are required to wear an ASTM/SEI approved Equestrian helmet and gait belt when on horses. If you don’t have your own helmet or gait belt, NDR Therapeutic Riding will provide you with one. Should you choose to purchase your own, we can recommend several tack shops in our area. Appropriate clothes for riding are long pants and hard soled boots with a low heel. Since we use safety stirrups on all of the saddles, sneakers are permissible. Dress for comfort and according to the weather. Wear close-fitting clothing for safety as well as comfort. Loose or baggy clothing can get caught and tangled in equipment. No dangling jewelry is permitted.
Are there any weight limits to receiving services?
Due to safety considerations for staff, participants and volunteers, we may not be able to accept a participant into our therapeutic adaptive riding program who weighs over 200 pounds. From time to time, we do offer a ground training program, which is a great way for participants to work on patience, communication, consistency, and awareness of self and the horse.
What are contraindications?
There are several medical and psychological contraindications that require additional evaluation and may lead a prospective participant not being able to be involved in any NDR program. It can also lead to taking necessary precautions to ensure the safety of participants, instructors, horses and volunteers. Contraindications can include (but are not limited to): Downs Syndrome (with Atlantoaxial Instability), hemophilia, peripheral vascular disease, active psychosis, substance abuse, abusive or disruptive behaviors, etc… Please discuss your concerns with NDR instructors.
What are the general safety rules at NDR?
Our program has an excellent safety record. Please observe these safety rules:
• All participants are required to wear protective equipment while involved in equine-assisted activities.
• Children must be supervised at all times; please do not leave children unattended or allow them to run and play loudly.
• Dogs and smoking are not allowed on NDR Therapeutic Riding property. Service dogs are allowed with prior Executive Staff permission only.
• Do not visit the horses and barns without permission and supervision.
• Please observe quietly; your family members and friends are always encouraged to visit. When lessons are in progress or horses are out, guests are required to remain in the appropriate spectator area.
• Our horses and volunteers should be treated kindly-they work so hard for all of us.
• Please drive slowly (no more than 5 mph) and park in designated areas.
• Please leave any weapons in your car.
How often are lessons provided?
All equine-assisted activities are planned to meet the individual needs of each participant. Therapeutic adaptive riding lessons tend to be one-half hour in length on a weekly basis. Other equine-assisted activities may have different lesson lengths and be weekly or twice a week. NDR instructors and participants/guardians work together to ensure that each lesson is moving toward safe and optimal outcomes. Therefore, some lessons may be less than a half-hour in length.
Does NDR ever cancel lessons?
Cancellation Policy
High winds/Red Flag warnings and high temperatures can lead to the cancellation of lessons. These types of conditions may create unsafe circumstances in which to hold lessons and therefore classes may be cancelled. The safety of our participants, volunteers and equines is of utmost importance!
Lessons may be cancelled due to the following:
• Inland Empire/Riverside County weather conditions have the potential to deteriorate significantly by the end of class time
• Extreme winds, heat (above 85°F) or fire danger
What are your discharge policies?
Discharge Policy
NDR Therapeutic Riding strives to provide the safest possible conditions for participants, volunteers and employees. The acceptance and/or continued participation of a participant in our program depends on the availability of instructors, volunteers and suitable horses and is based on our determination that we can safely accommodate the participant. NDR Therapeutic Riding adheres to precautions and contraindications for participants established by PATH Intl. NDR Therapeutic Riding retains the right to refuse any participant that we cannot safely accommodate. Participants must inform us of changes in health status.
How to Get Started With NDR Therapeutic Riding
Are you wondering if adaptive therapeutic riding or equine-assisted activities will work for you or a loved one?
You’ve come to the right place! Please note that if a “participant” is under the age of 18, a guardian/parent must complete this inquiry form.