EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

 

Dragonfly Ranch Volunteer Tasks

Volunteers may help in a variety of different areas such as horse handling, horse leading in classes, participant support, grooming, tacking, special events, and more. Beginning with the basics, each task is outlined with the volunteer's responsibilities. Volunteers must be able to complete volunteer duties independently without direct one-on-one supervision. Dragonfly Ranch volunteers are a part of all aspects of our program. We realize that there are as many ways to do things in the horse world as there are people who work with horses. For this reason, please follow Dragonfly Ranch procedures closely. They were created to ensure everyone at Dragonfly Ranch is safe and happy. Remember – safety always comes first! If you are uncomfortable completing an assigned task, please consult the barn manager or instructor on duty.

  • Horse Care - Volunteers help with responsibilities within the barn. Their job is to help groom, clean stalls, keep the tack clean and orderly, and help prepare hay and feed.

  • Participant Support – Volunteers may be responsible for supporting participants during ground-based activities. They assist with safety, encouragement, and helping participants navigate activities while maintaining appropriate boundaries.

  • Horse Handling – Volunteers may be responsible for handling the horses during sessions. Horse Handlers need to show confidence and comfort in handling the Dragonfly Ranch horses. They will be expected to report any concerns about the horses to the facilitator or staff member on duty. Before any volunteer works directly with our horses independently, they will have a 1-hour, 1 on 1 volunteer training with the lead instructor. This training will determine if the volunteer’s skills are a match for horse handling and program expectations

Session Procedures

Volunteers may assist with the sessions as a HORSE HANDLER or PARTICIPANT SUPPORTER.

The Horse Handler

As a horse handler, your first responsibility is the horse. If you are working without other volunteers, you must also be aware of the participant. The participant's safety comes first.

Handling - The proper position for the horse handler is to walk between the head and shoulder of the horse. Handle from the LEFT side of the horse. A good rule of thumb for holding the lead line is to hold it in your RIGHT hand approximately six inches away from the buckle. The excess lead line should be held in your LEFT hand in a figure eight loop, and should not drag on the ground.

NEVER WRAP THE EXCESS LEAD LINE AROUND YOUR HAND, DRAPE AROUND YOUR NECK, OR TIE AROUND YOUR WAIST.

Ground Activities - During ground-based activities, position yourself to allow the participant maximum interaction with the horse while maintaining safety. Be prepared to step in if the horse becomes anxious or if safety is compromised. Follow the lead instructor for specific positioning during different activities.

The Participant Supporter

As a participant supporter, your first responsibility is the participant. You should help the participant focus their attention on the Instructor and the activity. Try to avoid unnecessary talking with the participant or other volunteers.

Support During Activities - Stand nearby but allow the participant space to work independently with the horse. Only provide physical assistance when requested by the Instructor. Encourage the participant's efforts and celebrate their successes while allowing them to work through challenges.

Emergency Dismount Procedures

In the event of an emergency dismount during mounted activities, please follow these guidelines:

  • The lead instructor or horse handler signals the need for an emergency dismount.

  • Horse handler immediately stops horse and stays close to the horse's head to calm the horse.

  • If stirrups are being used, the supporter(s) would immediately free the participant's feet.

  • The supporter/facilitator on the horse's left side grasps the participant firmly around the waist and pulls the participant off and away from the horse, while assisting to moving the participant's leg over the horse's mane.

  • Horse handler turns horse's head toward the side to which the participant is dismounting so that the hindquarters automatically swing away from the participant.

  • The instructor will give directions to take the participant to a safe, quiet area and check for any injuries or emotional instability. In the event of any problems, call for help and care for participants following first aid guidelines.

Considerations: Although dismounts are traditionally made to the left, if the emergency deems it, the dismount may occur on the right side.

Emergency Evacuation Procedures Policy

In the event of a necessary emergency evacuation, please follow these guidelines:

  1. The lead instructor signals the need for an emergency evacuation.

  2. Handler immediately takes horse to a safe area to secure any participants engaged in activities.

  3. Instructor radios or calls manager to ask for safe place to evacuate to. If no contact is made, the instructor makes best educated decision possible.

  4. All participants and guests are directed by facilitator or assistant to safe area. Our safe area of Dragonfly ranch is the front sand circle.

  5. Horses are immediately evacuated from arena and taken to a safe area.

  6. In the event of an emergency, do not concern yourself with picking up materials, tack, etc. All items are replaceable.

General Mounted Emergency Action Plan

If A Participant Falls During A Session

  • If a participant appears off balance and about to fall or jump off – inform the horse handler to stop and call for the instructor immediately.

  • If a participant has fallen, remain calm and do not move the participant; the facilitator must check them for signs of injury.

  • Horse handlers will bring all horses within the arena to a halt.

  • The horse handler will be directed to move the horse carefully away from the fallen participant by the facilitator.

  • The facilitator will determine if the participant is able to continue the session.

  • If the participant continues, give them time to rebuild their confidence.

  • Other participants must remain calm until directed by the facilitator.

  • No one is allowed to enter the arena, including parents and additional volunteers unless summoned by the instructor. If summoned, please enter at a walk and remain quiet/calm.

  • The facilitator will determine whether to continue or end the session.

  • If circumstances call for the arena to be evacuated, other participants will be escorted to safety by staff.

If A Participant Removes Helmet While Mounted

  • The horse handler should immediately halt the horse and inform the facilitator.

  • The supporter(s) will remain quietly beside the participant until directed by the instructor for further action.

  • The instructor will decide if the session can continue based on the participant's behavior.

Runaway Horse

  • IN ARENA: Be aware of the loose horse but do not run after it, as this may cause the horse to continue running. Horse handlers should try to keep their horses calm. Inform the facilitator if your horse becomes difficult to control.

  • OUT OF ARENA: Be aware of the loose horse but do not run after it, as this may cause the horse to continue running. An instructor or other staff member will tend to the loose horse.

Emergency Procedures/Medical Emergencies/Risk Management

A. Emergency Telephone Numbers: FIRE / POLICE / AMBULANCE 911

B. Fire and Other Emergency Evacuation Plan

The following procedures must be followed. Any fire, regardless of size, should be reported immediately to the Fire Department. Persons reporting a fire must give:

  • Their name

  • Dragonfly Ranch's name

  • The fire's location on the property

  • A description of the type of fire

If a fire is noticed, emergency services should be contacted and the person must remain, if possible and without harm, to inform a responsible person of the exact location of the fire. Fire extinguishers are located along the aisles at the barn and garage. They should be used to fight small fires only. All persons should leave the barn, proceed to the driveway and await instructions from fire department personnel before reentering. Supervisors should see to the safety of all persons and assist them in leaving the area. Premises affected by fire should be left with the doors unlocked.

C. Disaster Procedures: Tornado / Fire / Lightning

Tornado

Leave the barn immediately and take shelter within the bathroom of the ranch or other interior room within the barn area. Move away from windows. Do not stand under light fixtures or near objects that may fall or move.

Fire

Fire is always a possible threat, but should a fire ever occur, it does not have to result in harm.

Plan:

  • All volunteers and staff undergo emergency procedures training and are instructed on the location of all fire extinguishers.

  • Fire extinguisher locations are posted in the barn area.

Lightning

Lightning is rare in our area, but a possibility.

Plan: If risk of storm, classes will be rescheduled.

Lightning Detected in the Area: If lightning is visible:

  • Sessions are immediately stopped

  • Horses are returned to their stalls

  • Participants are brought into the barn and/or garage

Lightning No Longer Detected in the Area: At this time, the facilitator determines if sessions can be resumed or canceled for the day.

D. Power Blackout Procedure

If a power blackout occurs, turn off all electrical equipment. Open all doors, shades and curtains to allow natural light or keep shades closed to maintain cool temperatures.

E. Bomb Threat Procedure

If you receive a bomb threat over the phone, do not panic. Listen to the caller and try to find out:

  • When the bomb will go off

  • Where the bomb is

  • What kind of bomb it is

  • What the bomb looks like

  • Why the bomb was planted

Immediately after the call, contact police and notify the executive director or barn manager. Do not touch any strange objects. Report their presence and follow police direction.

F. Location of Fire or Emergency Exits

  • All barn aisle ways will remain clear of obstructions for easy access in case of emergency.

  • There are two emergency exits on either side of the barn aisle:

G. Horse and Human First Aid Kits

Horse First Aid Kits are located:

  • Barn

  • Truck/Trailer

Please note: Volunteers are never to assume responsibility of a Dragonfly Ranch horse's medical care.

Human First Aid Kits are located:

  • Barn

  • Truck/Trailer

H. Reporting On-The-Job Accidents

Report any accident or injury suffered on the premise to Arriel Adler, complete an incident report form, and contact emergency services if necessary. Incident report forms can be found in the barn.

I. Hazards Specific to the Site: Natural/Manmade/Equine

1. Natural

There are no known natural hazards on site.

2. Manmade

  • The mounting area could cause a fall hazard.

  • Dragonfly Ranch has a UTV, Lawnmower, fence, and other items that may pose a hazard.

Plan:

  • Ensure all gates and stalls are properly secured

  • Post signage for hazardous areas

  • Maintain clear pathways

  • Restrict access to equipment

3. Equine

There are specific hazards related to being around and working with equines.

Plan: Because there are hazards specific to working with equines, each participant, volunteer, and employee must sign a waiver and undergo training on best practices. Precaution is used in handling the horses at all times.

  • If an accident should occur in which an equine is injured, Arriel Adler should be alerted.

  • Should an individual be injured, the injury should be tended to immediately. Staff and/or the parent/legal guardian should use their best judgment to determine if the injury needs medical attention.