IF NEWS June 2003

Greetings!

• Rider News: Our riders are making some great improvements in all aspects of riding and horse care.  They are busy drawing on the horses by using chalk dipped in water.  The horses don’t seem to mind, and in fact enjoy being brushed off afterwards. Riders need to stay well hydrated during these hot months. Be sure to drink water prior to riding and during if needed.
• Volunteer of the Month: Rosie Steel, congratulations Rosie!  Rosie comes to volunteer almost every week.  She and her husband live in Mahaska so she has quite a drive, she is very dedicated.  Rosie was born in San Antonio, Texas but she was raised in Alaska.  She spent some time in Minneapolis, MN also.  Rosie has 4 grown children, one daughter still lives in Alaska and one in Kansas City and her son is in Denver.  Rosie’s oldest daughter was killed in a car accident a couple of years ago.  She misses her dearly.  Rosie has been married since 1966.  Her parents live in Idaho and she has a brother here in Kansas.  Rosie has four horses that keep her very busy.  Rosie said she found out about IF through an article in the Washington paper.  She said that IF gives her the opportunity “to implore what I love with people with disabilities”.  Rosie has a birthday this month, June 29th, so tell her happy birthday when you see her!  Thank you Rosie for your caring ways and dedication to IF.
• Dates to remember: Washington County Fair July 28-Aug 2nd
  Washington County Parade Aug 2nd at 6pm
  Washington County Fair Open Horse Show July 26th
  Washington County Fair 4H/FFA Horse Show Aug 1st 6pm
  Silver Spurs Fun Show June 21st 9am
  NCK Free Fair Aug 5th-9^th
• Special Thank you to the Linn High School wood shop class and Arlis Wurtz for the ramp.
• Happies: Happy Anniversary to Kristie and Vern Fulton June 10^th
  Happy Birthday to Rosie Steel June 29^th
  Congratulations to Emily on her High School Graduation
• Backward Riding: There are many benefits to backward riding.  This should only be done with an experienced instructor through the recommendations of a medical professional/horse expert.  Since this position alters the typical sitting sensory input, it is not advised to place a rider that is unfamiliar with horses in this situation.  A saddle should never be used in this position due to the increase dangers of falling and possibility of injury.  This is a novel situation for a rider and should be used if facilitation of anterior pelvic tilt is needed and if the rider requires or needs increased sensory input.  However, this position can be used as a starting point for developmental positions, but this should only be done by an experienced therapist.  Care must be taken with a rider that would not be able to handle greater range of hip abduction and external rotation, or high tone in hip adductors.  Forcing this position could cause hip subluxation.  This position is not recommended for adults.
• Need List:
  Orthopedic saddle pads
  Safety stirrups
  Office supplies
  Money for scholarships
• Volunteer Information: The time has changed to 6pm on Sundays until further notice. Please keep yourselves well hydrated while working. Drink plenty of fluids prior to coming to volunteer and during your time also.