1.	Do I need special insurance to coach a rider with a disability?
	No, you require a standard coach insurance policy. See below in the box a response from an insurance provider.
2.	If I ask volunteers to help in the mounting and dismounting of a rider with a physical disability, or to help support the rider in learning an activity, am I putting the volunteers at risk of liability?
	If you are an insured coach and the volunteers are working under your direction, they are covered under your policy.
3.	What liability waivers, releases, consent documents, etc., will I need to add riders with disabilities to my coaching clients?
	A medical doctor’s approval is recommended. Other forms (waivers) are the same as for able bodied coaching.

Coaches, no matter what discipline or style of coaching, must take adequate steps to ensure the safety of their students.  Insurance companies provide coverage for coaching activities with the assumption that coaches are offering their services in a safe and responsible manner. Creating a safe learning environment requires coaches to take a “risk management” approach to their operations.  Risk management is important regardless of whether the students are beginners, riders with special needs or advanced competitors.  As you are coaching riders with physical or mental disabilities, it would be prudent to obtain a written note from the student’s medical doctor confirming the student is able to participate in your program.  Other important risk management techniques would include the following procedures -  All students need to sign waivers, horses used in lessons need to be trained for riders with disabilities, any volunteers (side walkers, grooms) need to be trained in whatever capacity you use them, the tack used in lessons needs to be suitable for your exercises. As a coach, the onus is on you to take all necessary steps to provide your students with a safe and controlled environment. Stephanie Kirton and Meghan Callaghan CIP, R.I.B. (ON) BFL Canada. 181 University Ave  Suite 1605 Toronto, ON M5H 3M7

 

Facility

 

4.	What mounting blocks, ramps, lifts, etc. do I need to get a rider with a physical disability safely mounted on a horse?
	A ramp is ideal for wheelchairs. Steps or a ramp to a surface high enough to mount without a foot in the stirrup is highly recommended. Your horses will love it if your able bodied riders also mount this way and do not twist their spines.
5.	Are there any special considerations that I need to know about as far as arena layout and organization?
	Safety is paramount. Avoid clutter. Practice good horsemanship.  Start the lessons in a small area of the arena and move on as appropriate.  Ensure there are no jumps or jump cups in the way.
6.	What about wheelchairs and accessibility?
	They are hard to push on arena surfaces. Have your mounting block on a hard surface, separated from the arena.

 

For sport involvement at a discovery level, contact show managers in your area and ask to have your riders included in local shows. Let the management know what you will require for safety and be ready to provide volunteers to support any additional work that must be done to accommodate your rider(s), e.g., lengthen or shorten the ring. Most show organizers, at this level, are open to ideas to increase participation.

The Para-Dressage exemptions are included in Chapter 14 of the 2009 Section E Dressage rulebook available online at Equine Canada.

Provided to the Annual Coaching Meeting, Calgary, Feb 5, 2008, by Fionna Christensen.