Program boundary: Resilient Riders provides equine-assisted wellness and educational activities. It does not diagnose, cure, or treat anxiety, autism, PTSD, depression, or any other medical or mental-health condition.
For children
- Wait for staff to hand you the right tool.
- Use gentle movements where staff shows you.
- Stop if the horse moves or staff asks you to stop.
For preteens
- Stand in the position selected by the handler.
- Keep tools organized and out of walking paths.
- Notice dirt, tenderness, swelling, or behavior changes and tell staff rather than treating them yourself.
For teens and adults
- Grooming is part of routine observation, not a veterinary examination.
- Horse-specific restrictions and preferences should be followed.
- Health concerns belong with the horse owner, program lead, and veterinarian.
Practical choices
Care with respect
- Ask before beginning.
- Use only approved tools.
- Work calmly within the assigned area.
- Return tools and report concerns.
Horse welfare
The horse’s comfort, health, rest, and ability to participate safely are part of every activity decision.
Evidence and attribution
Sources and review information
Resilient Riders wrote this page in original language after reviewing the sources below. No third-party image, worksheet, logo, assessment, or downloadable file is reproduced.
American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP)
AAEP Principles of Equine Welfare- Publication or review date
- Published March 30, 2023; revised 2023
- Resilient Riders reviewed
- August 21, 2026
- How this source was used
- Copyrighted professional guidance is not copied. Resilient Riders provides an original summary and links to the source.
PATH International
PATH International Standards Manual- Publication or review date
- Current standards page; publication date not stated
- Resilient Riders reviewed
- August 21, 2026
- How this source was used
- Copyrighted standards are not reproduced. Resilient Riders provides an original high-level safety summary and links to PATH International.