What is required for all PATH International equine-assisted activities regarding participant safety?

For all PATH International equine-assisted activities, having a risk management plan in place is fundamentally important to ensure participant safety. A risk management plan involves identifying potential hazards, assessing the risks associated with those hazards, and implementing strategies to mitigate those risks. This proactive approach helps create a safer environment for participants, volunteers, and horses involved in equine-assisted activities.

A well-structured risk management plan encompasses training for staff and volunteers, proper equipment usage, emergency procedures, and protocols for handling various situations that may arise during activities. This comprehensive strategy is vital for maintaining safety standards and protecting everyone involved.

While having a detailed activity schedule, a minimum number of volunteers, and participant waivers are important components of organizing equine-assisted activities, they do not specifically address the core need for ongoing risk assessment and management to ensure safety. A risk management plan encompasses more than individual elements; it is an overarching framework that addresses safety comprehensively.