MAY 2020 THE RIDER /29


Lyra and Grayson Discuss the Coronavirus


By Ellen Schoeman. The sun was setting,


giving the background of Medalist Stables a beautiful orange and red evening glow as Lyra and Grayson stood beside the wooden rails of one of the many paddocks within the farm. The country had issued a state of emer- gency due to the Coron- avirus. A virus similar to a cold or flu, in severe cases causing lung failure and death. Its symptoms include fever, coughing, difficulty breathing, and pneumonia. “What’s


this?”


Grayson asked Lyra, taking what she was handing to him.


“It’s a crocheted face mask,” she explained.


“I made three for everyone so they have spares. And now, after you wear your mask, you can wash it and reuse it.” “Clever, thank you,” he said, eyeing the bas-


ket of things she was caring with her. “And what’s that?”


“Homemade hand sanitizers. Would you


like one? I’m giving bottles away.” “Homemade?” “Yep. Made with a three-quarter cup of rub-


bing alcohol, half a cup of Aloe Vera Gel and 10 drops of essential oils like lemon or Doterra’s On Guard.” “You wouldn’t happen to be giving away


toilet paper as well?” “No. However, in a world where we have


reusable diapers and menstrual cups, I think we can figure something else out in regards to toilet paper.” “Washable, reusable toilet paper? Well, why


not? Your crocheted masks are reusable. But, for now anyway, I’d like to keep the disposable toilet paper. Keeps things less messy.” “So do you need help? What are we doing


to help stop the spread of the coronavirus?” “You mean besides your homemade masks


and sanitizers?” “Yes, I mean besides my homemade masks


and sanitizers.” “All social events, lessons, camps, and in


house shows are cancelled until further notice. There’s a shoe bath at the front of the barn for people to sanitize their shoes, a bottle of sanitizing spray to spray their clothing, and hand sanitizer for their hands. Everyone is required to use all three items before entering and leaving the barn. I’ve printed and posted the new barn protocols on all entrance doors as well as our online platforms.


I’m putting up posters reminding people to wash their hands. And the barn washrooms now have laminated guides on how to wash your hands thor- oughly and properly.” “Can horses get the coronavirus?” Lyra


asked him. “The coronavirus has a large family, but


horses can’t get COVID-19.” “And what happens if you get sick? I mean,


who’s going to run the place then?” “Good point. I’ll write up a protocol that


will take place in the event of my getting sick and what will need to be done.” “What about the barn itself? Are we clos-


ing?” “Only those living here and directly in-


volved in the care of the animals will be allowed on the premises until the state of emergency is lifted, unfortunately.” “Grayson.” “Yes, Lyra?” “We’re going to be okay, right?” He took in her worried expression and ex-


pressive eyes. “Everything’s going to be fine, Lyra. You’ll see.” “Grayson?” “Yes, Lyra?” “Can I put my hand sanitizers at the front of


the barn in case anyone wants to take one home?” “Sure, Lyra. That’s just fine.” “Grayson?” “Yes, Lyra?” “Put on your face mask, please, won’t you?” Grayson nodded. Taking the blue mask


she’d made for him. The inside of the mask was lined with fabric and it looked like it might trap in heat and make his face sweat. But he put it on regardless, to make her happy.


Ontario’s Standardbred Talent & Versatility Beyond The Track


Celebrating its 20th Anniversary in 2016, the Ontario Standardbred Adoption Society has assisted in re-homing countless numbers of


horses, ensuring the standardbred breed the continued opportunity to showcase their talents and versatility off the track.


Agribrands Purina Canada and Omega Alpha


are major OSAS Sponsors


For more information on OSAS please contact us. Ontario Standardbred Adoption Society


Head Office: (905) 854-6099 / Mobile: (905) 339-6748 (OSAS) osasadmin@bellnet.ca / www.osas.ca


Welfare for Horses in Equine-assisted therapy/learning.


In my previous article I


clarified terms used in Equine Assisted Therapy/ Learning and the credentials required by those who offer programs. Some programs require an equine specialist [ES] who needs an in-depth knowledge of horse behavior, body language, and psychol- ogy. When we bring animals into therapy/learning ses- sions, we are incorporating them for the benefit of our clients. They are not a tool, rather they are sentient living


beings and part of a team. For horses to participate in this unique experiential experi- ence we need to understand and advocate for their needs. The World Organiza-


tion for Animal Health (OIE) provides guidelines, referred to as the Five Freedoms for the ethical care of horses in- volved in EAT. Freedom from: 1.Hunger and Thirst- provide fresh water and feed. 2. Discomfort- providing ap- propriate space, shelter. 3. Pain, Injury, or Disease- appropriate veterinary care; hygiene of animals and prop- erty.


Sierra Acres Equine Assisted Learning Centre


4. Fear and Distress- provid- ing a stimulating and safe en- vironment, humane handling; and, 5. Freedom to Express Nor- mal Behaviour-turn out, companionship. Can a horse experience


stress during an EAT/L ses- sion? Yes, and for this reason the ES needs to recognize changes in the horses’ behav- iour and be watchful for both human and horses’ emotional and physical safety. Be aware of how often you schedule a horse. When a session is finished, return horses to a paddock where they can roll, play, shake it off – be a horse. Providers of EAT/L


have an ethical responsibility to ensure the welfare of their equine partners.


Anne Porteous, owner


of Sierra Acres Equine As- sisted Learning Program can be contacted on Facebook, or anneporteous@sympatico.ca For more information about services go to www.sier- racres.ca


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