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-9th
- 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 10th
Happy Birthday to
Rosie Steel June 29th
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.