My Horse Program

To make sure we’re all on the same page and we understand the intent, hopes and expectations of the My Horse program, following are some rules and guidelines to clarify and expound upon the highlights above. All rescue rules and your signed volunteer agreement continue to apply to participants of the My Horse program, so please re-familiarize yourself if you have questions.

1. 1. We’ll do our best to pair you with the horse you prefer. If multiple volunteers select the same horses, here’s how we’ll match horses with qualified volunteers*:

      1. 1. 1. Experience and compatibility of horse and volunteer.
            2. Hours spent independently working at the rescue.
            3. Overall length of time volunteer has committed to the rescue.

      *Please bear in mind, the horses we save from slaughter are temporary residents that may be adopted at any time. If your horse gets adopted, pat yourself on the back for helping prepare him for life in the real world, then pick another horse and start again!

1. 1. The goal is to work with your horse at least three (3) days a week, but no more than six (6) days (you both deserve a day of rest). Sessions should be 1-2 hours. We don’t want your volunteer time to interfere with your life, so whenever you need a break, simply let us know and we can work together to make other arrangements for your horse.

Our trainers will share exercises and techniques inspired by natural horsemanship, which means we don’t “break” horses or use punitive disciplinary measures. If you’re not familiar with natural horsemanship, please take some time to watch some YouTube videos on the subject.

1. 1. 1. We don’t lose our tempers, yell, chase, strike, swat, gesture angrily or act aggressively toward our horses. Anyone found to have acted aggressively toward a horse (or human) will be immediately and permanently expelled from the rescue.
      2. Because the rescue is on private property, it’s important that Tami and Danny know who’s inside the security gate. Text or email Tami in advance of your training session to let her know when you’ll be there, for how long, and where you’ll be working. Also, email or text when you’re leaving the rescue.
      3. If, for whatever reason, you and your horse aren’t clicking on your training day, that’s okay! There’s no rush. On those days, do something simple and stress-free, like grooming or walking on a lead. Make it a point to leave your training session only after both you and your horse feel you’ve accomplished something.
   2. The My Horse program requires a firm foundation of groundwork. No volunteer will be allowed to ride a horse until evaluated by both trainers and approved by the Swingin’ D board.
      
      1. In accordance with our rescue rules, each riding session must be approved.
      2. Approved volunteers may only ride when someone else is present.
      3. Volunteers do not have the authority to override rules or allow anyone else to ride.
   3. My Horse participants must commit to independently completing chores from the list posted in the tack shed. Checking and topping off water troughs, emptying trash and picking up after yourself are not considered chores, and should be force of habit every time you come to the rescue.
      1. 1. Chores must be completed in advance of your training session.
         2. Participants are required to select at least three different chores per week.
         3. Participants  get credit for completing their tasks when they sign and date the chore book in the tack shed.