Healing Hoof Steps Adaptive Riding Application

Dear Prospective Healing Hoof Steps Adaptive Riding Participant,

Thank you for your interest in Healing Hoof Steps Adaptive Riding Program. Enclosed you will find general information on our program. Once this application is completed, you will be contacted to schedule a pre-riding assessment. (Returning participants don’t have to go through another assessment unless there has been a significant gap in time participating in any of our programs).

The information you provide will assist us with scheduling and/or determining the goals and matching you to the appropriate portion of the program. Following the assessment, you will automatically be added to our participant waitlist.  Many of our participants return each year/semester and openings are limited. Program openings are based on the availability of resources so when an opening becomes available, you will be contacted to schedule enrollment into the program. Please know that we do all that we can to integrate participants whenever possible!

Completion of this application allows us to determine eligibility of each participant to ensure that all safety guidelines met prior to enrollment. The completion of the application does not guarantee enrollment, however, can assist in faster enrollment and/or sometimes allow us to offer group activities.

We typically would not exceed a group of 10 participants at one time but on rare occasions with diligent planning and correct resources, we might be able to accommodate. Group activities may involve some riding but can also involve unmounted, ground activities as described below:

Equestrian Skill Standards: Equestrian Skill (ESK)-Services are services where the goal or outcome for the participant is to gain a horsemanship skill. These skills may be in the area(s) of riding or ground skills.

Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL)- is an area of non-therapy services comprised of equine-assisted learning in education, equine-assisted learning in organizations, and equine-assisted learning in personal development. Specially trained or certified professionals provide these services to engage people of all ages in learning processes that are focused on leadership skills, character-building skills, and academic skills, among other relevant life skills.

Horsemanship – is an area of non-therapy services adapted from traditional disciplines of horseback riding for individuals or groups with diverse needs. Equine professionals with specialty training or certification provide these services by developing lesson plans that may involve riding or ground-based activities such as grooming, handling, leading, observing and other readiness activities.

Should you have any questions, regarding the application process, enclosed forms, or would like to arrange a visit or check on your status, please contact us at (850) 764-1005.

Sincerely, Narissa Jenkins CEO and Founder

Each form must be signed by the appropriate party.

Note- our Physician’s Release Form must be signed by a physician and is available to print off our website, https://www.healinghoofsteps.org/forms.html. 

Once all forms have been received, you will be contacted for a program assessment and then the prospective participants will be placed on our waitlist.

Scheduling/Term: Length of Terms Vary by Season
Healing Hoof Steps offers several terms per year mostly in the Winter, Spring, and the Fall. Each lesson is 50 minutes in length based on the individual’s needs and scheduled availability. Lessons may be private or semi-private (groups of 2 or more, usually, participants with similar goals are grouped together). Lessons are scheduled for the same day and time each week for the length of the term.

Holidays: Since many holidays fall on Mondays, riding lessons will not be offered on this day of the week. As for all other holidays, the program manager will keep you posted if closure would occur. 

Fees & Payment Policy
Adaptive Riding/Mounted activities: $55.00 per lesson (term length may vary).

Group activities of 5 or more: $25 per participant for 90 minutes of a variety of activities.

Payment Options: Cash pay, Step Up For Students (formerly Gardiner Scholarship), Sunshine Medicaid Expanded Benefit Members, Air Warrior Courage Foundation (active duty dependents only), United Way Scholarship, and/or other sponsorships or scholarships

Payment Policy:

1. Healing Hoof Steps expects payment to be made in full, on or before, the first lesson of each term.

2. Full session fee applies regardless of number of times present for scheduled lesson time. Participants will be responsible for payment of missed lessons unless it is canceled by Healing Hoof Steps. 

3. Any participant that has an account 45 days past due will not be able to ride until his/her account is brought current. No exceptions.

Scholarships: Healing Hoof Steps partners with various individuals and/or local organizations/companies who often provide scholarships for individuals in financial hardship. Please contact our office for information. 

Annual Paperwork, Guidelines & Policies
Healing Hoof Steps maintains required participant paperwork on an annual basis. This ensures Healing Hoof Steps has the most current information on file for all participants. New participant applicationsr/rider renewal form will be distributed at the beginning of each year with a completion deadline. A participant’s services may be put on hold if it this paperwork is not complete.

Weight & Age Guidelines: Horse selections are based on safety, participant's build, age, and temperament, lesson objectives, horse’s size, etc. Participants must be age 5 or older and as of right now must not exceed a weight of 225 pounds (this can depend on rider’s balance and coordination).

Punctuality: It is important for a participant to arrive on time for their lesson. If you are running late please contact the Healing Hoof Steps office at 850-764-1005. If the rider does not show up within 15 minutes of the scheduled time their horse will be put away and volunteers dismissed.

Attendance: Healing Hoof Steps expects consistent attendance by all participants. Due to our schedule and limited resources, there are no make-up opportunities for missed lessons unless Healing Hoof Steps cancels classes due to some unforeseen circumstance such as instructor absence or severe weather. At that time, all reasonable attempts will be made to notify participants at least 90 minutes prior to the change.

1. If you are unable to attend a regularly scheduled lesson, notification must be made by calling Healing Hoof Steps at 850-764-1005 as soon as the absence is anticipated so we may provide enough notice to staff and volunteers. 

Note: if you reach out directly to the adaptive riding program director/instructor, he/she may already be involved in teaching and MAY not receive your message. 

2. Two (2) or more cancellations within a term, OR five (5) cancellations per calendar year could result in the loss of your scheduled appointment time and/or scholarship.

I have read and acknowledge the paperwork, guidelines & polices. 

Weather Policy
While we make every effort to hold mounted lessons, but if weather does not allow then the following are examples of when unmounted lessons will be used as substitute: 

 1. In the event of a national weather service warning for Okaloosa/Walton Counties

2. If there is thunder and/or lightening within 10 miles of the facility

3. If “real feel” temperature exceeds 100 degrees or is below 32 degrees

4. Sustained winds of 15 mph or higher

In the event of a lesson cancellation due to inclement weather, Healing Hoof Steps will make every attempt to notify the participant or their guardian no later than 90 minutes prior to scheduled time. It is the responsibility of the participant to ensure that Healing Hoof Steps has a current phone number and/or email address for participant notifications.

NOTE: If unmounted activities is deemed inappropriate for a participant, the lesson would be cancelled all together.

Required Attire for Riders
1. ASTEM/SEI approved helmet that can be provided by our facility 

2. Long pants or knee length shorts; please no slippery sport pants are not

3. Jackets are required for cold weather

4. Closed- Toe shoes or boots, preferably with heels. Shoes that can be tied well and will provide stability for the activity are the best choice (no crocks please)

I have read and acknowledge the required attire for riders.

Family, Friend and Conduct

Friends and family are always welcome to come watch. All visitors will need to remain in the parent viewing area while the participant is involved with the lesson. If siblings/small children are in attendance with parents or guardians, direct supervision of such children is always required. Noise and disruptive activity in and around lesson areas can and may distract horses and participants and can pose safety issues.

Conduct while at Healing Hoof Steps should comply with all posted safety rules; therefore, obey all posted off limit areas, parking, attire, etc. 
Healing Hoof Steps adaptive riding operations is a substance-free area so there will be no smoking, vaping, etc.., and/or use of drugs and alcohol in the program areas.
Mistreatment or abuse of any person or animal will NOT be tolerated at any time.

I have read and acknowledge the family, friends and conduct policy.

Healing Hoof Steps Statement of Participant Eligibility

and Info Regarding Dismissal  

Healing Hoof Steps, Inc. offers a variety of services to individuals with diverse needs and unique abilities. To participate in any mounted activities in our adaptive riding program, individuals must:

1.  Be physically able to sit symmetrically with torso upright and legs astride the horse during movement

2.  Be physically able to maintain head and neck position independently in proper alignment within movement

3.  Not exhibit physical or behavioral conditions that are contraindicated by PATH Intl (Staff at Healing Hoof Steps can discuss contraindications with potential participants/guardians)

4.  Be able to tolerate wearing a riding helmet

5.  Have ability to accommodate the movement of the horse without pain

6.  Have adequate range of motion in hip(s) to sit astride a horse

7.  Demonstrate safety awareness around animals

8.  Demonstrate ability to express pain and discomfort

9. Behave in a safe manner for self, horses, and others

10.  Possess a diagnosis from/by a professional (physical, cognitive, emotional, or   behavioral) that indicates such activity as helpful and/or therapeutic. 

Healing Hoof Steps follows the Precautions and Contra-indications as recommended by the Medical Committee of PATH Intl. and Professional Standards. Therefore, our professional staff provides initial and ongoing evaluations for all prospective and active participants. As a result of unusual occurrences during a program term, the Healing Hoof Steps staff may deem continuance in the program for a given individual is inappropriate. For this reason, Healing Hoof Steps reserves the right to discontinue the participation of an individual in its programs when it is determined the discontinuance is in the best interest of Healing Hoof Steps and/or the individual. Healing Hoof Steps reserves the right to decide if we are unable to serve an applicant due to unavailable resource(s) and/or safety concerns including PATH Intl. guidelines relating to contraindications for participation.

Parent Information
Please adhere to the following so the Healing Hoof Steps facility/barn remains a safe and enjoyable area for everyone:

1. All children who come to Healing Hoof Steps are the responsibility of the adult with whom they arrive. For safety, all children who are not participating in an adaptive riding lesson or equine assisted activity must be supervised and remain inside the parent viewing area. Please be aware, we do not have permission and/or signed paperwork on anyone but the program participant so others may not be permitted to engage in and around the program activities. 

Children waiting for lesson to begin must always remain supervised until the instructor indicates time for lesson/activity to begin.

We appreciate your understanding that distractive activities such as ball tossing, running, Frisbee, kite flying, etc., cannot take place outside of arena area, while lessons/activities are underway.

2. No running, yelling or loud voices are permitted in the barn, unless under the instruction of a staff member during a session.

3. No flash photography is permitted unless you first check with instructor. We ask that no parents or guardians be in the arena area while a lesson is in progress. We ask that if you would like to take photos of your child during a lesson/activity that you contact us ahead of time. Additionally, parents can request photos that are taken of their rider be sent to them via email.

4. No smoking is permitted inside or outside the barn.

5. Please call 850-764-1005 if you will be late for your scheduled lesson/activity or need to cancel and/or reschedule.

6. The dress code for Healing Hoof Steps Participants engaged in any Equine Assisted Activity is as follows: T-shirt or short sleeve shirt, jacket in the cool weather, knee length shorts or jeans (non-slippery fabric) and CLOSED TOE SHOES and/or CLOSED TOED SHOES with HEEL that can be tied well for stability. A participant arriving with any shoes not deemed appropriate/safe for the activity may not be allowed to enter the area where horses are present.

 7. The Healing Hoof Steps instructor(s) reserve the right to modify a participant’s lesson and program within the instructor’s scope of practice, to ensure the safety of the participant, the staff, and the horses. Any modifications or plan changes will be based on the instructor’s professional judgment. The head instructor will determine whether an appropriate horse and staff are available for each participant applying for Equine Assisted Activities. If a rider exhibits temper tantrums, frustration, or agitation while in the presence of a horse, the head instructor will assist the participant to transition to an alternate Equine Assisted Activity.

I have read and understood the above and agree to adhere to the safety rules 

Please select “Yes” or “No” to indicate if participant has diagnoses, issues, or concerns in the following areas. 

If you select “YES” to anything below and there isn’t a specific place to explain,  please utilize the free text box at the end of the questions to offer more information.  

Please note, adaptive/therapeutic riding is related to the broad area of horsemanship which does not involve a medical or mental health professional. Rather, an equine professional offers non-therapy services adapted from traditional equine disciplines of horseback riding which allows those with unique abilities to enjoy this recreational opportunity and the benefits of being outdoors. 

Though experiencing the motion of a horse can be very therapeutic and/or beneficial, there are no medical professionals involved in riding lessons. Because horseback riding rhythmically moves the rider’s body in a manner similar to a human gait, riders with physical disabilities often show improvement in flexibility, balance, and muscle strength. Additionally, therapeutic/adaptive horsemanship can also contribute to the cognitive, physical, emotional, and social well-being of individuals with a variety of challenges, limitations and/or disabilities.

PERSON TO CONTACT IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY

I/my son/my daughter/my ward would like to participate in an equine related activity at Healing Hoof Steps Inc. I acknowledge the risks and potential for risks of riding lessons and horse related activities. However, I feel that the possible benefits to myself/my son/my daughter/my ward are greater than the risk assumed. I hereby, intending to be legally bound, for myself, my heirs and assigns, executors, or administrators, waive and release forever all claims for damages against Healing Hoof Steps, Inc. and its Employees, Instructors, Therapists, Aides, Volunteers, Equines, Equine Owners, Equipment and Operating Site for any and all injuries and/or losses I/my son/my daughter/my ward may sustain while participating at Healing Hoof Steps, Inc. 1. RELEASE, WAIVE, DISCHARGE, AND COVENANT NOT TO SUE Healing Hoof Steps., its operators, horse owners, and each of them, their officers, agents, employees, leasees, volunteers and participants (all hereafter collectively referred to as REALEASEES) from any and all claims, loss, damage, and liability to the UNDERSIGNED, his/her personal representatives, assigns, heirs, next of kin, or anyone claiming through them, arising out of any liability or negligence of RELEASEES which causes the UNDERSIGNED injury, death, damages, or property damages. I HEREBY COVENANT to hold RELEASEES harmless and indemnify RELEASEES for any claim, judgment, or expense including attorney’s fees and costs of litigation RELEASEES may incur arising out of my activities or presence, or travel to or from, at or on the farm, including the playground, or on the property of RELEASEES or at horse shows. 2. that my entry onto the farm or premises of RELEASEES, riding, showing, or attending horse shows involves DANGER AND RISK OF INJURY OR DEATH, that conditions of horseback riding and horses change from time to time and may become more HAZARDOUS, and that there is INHERENT DANGER in horse and riding which I appreciate and VOLUNTARILY ASSUME because I CHOOSE TO DO SO. I have observed horses and riding of the type that I seek to participate in and I have inspected the grounds, horse, and equipment provided. I further know that other riders, horses, and participants pose a danger to me; nevertheless, I VOLUNTARILY ELECT TO ACCEPT ALL RISKS connected therewith in my participation. Likewise, I understand that use of the playground and playground equipment is voluntary and that use of the equipment involves DANGER AND RISK OF INJURY OR DEATH. I have personally inspected the playground and VOLUNTARILY ELECT TO ACCEPT AND ASSUME ANY AND ALL RISKS connected therewith in my participation and the participation of my child or children. 3. I verify that no representations or inducements have been made to me to sign this Release. I further expressly agree that the foregoing RELEASE, WAIVER, AND INDEMITY AGREEMENT is intended to be as broad and inclusive as permitted by the law of the state in which I participate in activities conducted by the RELEASES and that if any portion thereof is held invalid, it is agreed that the balance shall, not withstanding, continue in full legal force and effect.

WARNING: Under Florida Equine Liability law, an equine activity sponsor or equine professional is not liable for an injury to or the death of a participant in equine activities resulting from the inherent risks of equine activities, pursuant to Chapter 773 of the Official Code of Florida Annotated. THE UNDERSIGNED HAS READ, VOLUNTARILY SIGNED, AND UNDERSTANDS THAT THIS RELEASE AND WAIVER OF ALL LIABLITY AND INDEMITY AGREEMENT FULLY RELEASES HEALING HOOF STEPS FROM ANY LIABILITY TO THE UNDERSIGNED.