Safety Lessons

Alexa and Amanda go through the procedures to secure a wheelchair user in the two wheeled Bennington cart. The back lets down on hydraulics and the tailgate forms a gentle ramp. Since we couldn't use the horses today this was an ideal chance to practise with the shafts secured to the hitching rail.

It is important that all helpers are competent in the sequence of operations to secure a wheelchair driver in the cart for driving, because a team of three is needed....one to operate the hydraulics, one to push the wheelchair user up the ramp, and a third person to check the balance in the cart and help secure the wheelchair to the fore and aft clamps on the floor of the cart (in this case I've moved away to take the picture!). A fourth helper will be standing in front of the horse to hold his head and reassure the horse of what goes on behind. And of course, an AB Whip has to be in the seat holding the reins and whip ready to take control of the horse if anything goes wrong - very labour intensive and good reason why we need volunteers. Without the team we cannot operate.