PURPOSE
This medical release form must be completed, signed, and submitted before returning to volunteer activities at Henry’s Home, Horse, and Human Sanctuary. It outlines the potential risks of volunteering, particularly considering this facility's challenging environment and physical demands.
Acknowledgment of Risks
It is acknowledged and understood the following risks associated with volunteering at Henry’s Home, Horse, and Human Sanctuary:
- Rough and Uneven Terrain
The ranch has diverse, rough terrain. Walking in these areas can cause slips, trips, or falls, which could exacerbate existing injuries or cause new harm.
Interaction with Horses
- The ranch houses 27 horses. While the horses are well-cared for, they are large and unpredictable animals. Risks include accidental injury, such as being stepped on, shoved, or otherwise harmed due to direct interactions.
- Physical Demands of Activities
Volunteer work, such as lifting feed, carrying buckets, leading horses, or moving them into stalls, requires significant physical exertion. These activities may pose risks for individuals with pre-existing conditions or those recovering from injuries.
- Prohibition of Pain Medication Use
Volunteers are not permitted on the property if they use pain medication that may impair judgment, reflexes, or mobility. This restriction is necessary to ensure the safety of the volunteer and others.
Range of Volunteer Activities
The volunteer may perform the following activities upon returning to the ranch. Medical approval is required to participate in any volunteer activities:
- Feeding horses (e.g., carrying hay or filling feeding buckets)
- Leading horses
- Moving horses into stalls
- Overseeing the feeding process
If any restrictions or modifications to these activities are medically advised, the physician’s remarks below must reflect them.