NEWSLETTERS

OPRC PIEDMONT NEWSLETTER

MAY 2009 

Dear Members, 

Now that we have completed all Olympic swim requirements and the waters have receded, we can all get back to normal whatever that is.  

Sorry everything had to be postponed but no one was able to ride or do anything in that deluge. I guess the positive side is that the water table is where it should be. 

This weekend’s Lesson Marathon was very well attended with twelve on Saturday for the flatwork with Danielle and eighteen on Sunday for the jumping with Chad. The lessons on Sat were split between the ring and the fields and the Sun lesson was split between gymnastics and courses. I hope everyone learned something useful. 

I can tell you that I learned one very, very invaluable piece of information. As most of you know, Susie Rowe took a spill at the end of her lesson on Sun morning. She was concussed and spent the night in hospital. All is well and, apart from a raging headache, there was no other damage. She is very lucky. 

Here’s the lesson that I want all of you to heed. In spite of Colleen’s annual lecture on first responders and the article that is on our web page, it is difficult to assess a situation immediately when one is not used to doing such things. Most of us at the scene of an accident are like “deer caught in the headlights”. It’s unfortunate, but the likely response of untrained people to situations. Without belaboring the point, I want EVERYONE to do two things. Think about how you would respond to someone lying in a heap. Really think how you would react and what you would do. Secondly, I want EVERYONE to read the information on our website pertaining to medical emergencies. I want you to read it often. No matter how many once a year lectures we get, the fact is that untrained riders are not responsive enough, nor quick enough off the mark for most emergencies. Please read this information over and over until you feel comfortable with it. No one wants to call an ambulance let alone ride in one but that’s not the victims call; it’s yours.   

Another related subject: Any and all hard hats that hit the ground are to be replaced – no questions asked. JUST DO IT. Any and all hard hats over five years of age need to be replaced – no questions asked. JUST DO IT. The fibers break down, the material becomes stiff and they are not safe. Will a hat protect you in all falls, of course not but we all know this. The trick is to cover yourself as best you can for what could happen. The rest is up to someone else.  

I am bringing both Susie’s hat and an old hat of mine to camp and to the musical ride at the end of this month for you to look at. Speaking of hats, when a rider falls and is transported to hospital, make sure the hat goes with them. This way the doctors can assess where and how much damage was done to the head.  

Since this chapter was started in 2002, this is the first accident; it won’t be the last. Stuff happens and we all need to know what to do. Yes, it’s hard for the “untrained” to take charge but someone has to. The first responder needs to direct the cell phone, the ambulance people, the rest of the people and take care of the horses. Pretty scary stuff if you’ve never done it before. Please read and re-read the information and take it seriously. Someone’s well being may depend on your prompt and educated attention. 

One more thing: Armband information. Susie didn’t have her armband. She only had the doctor’s name and number. I took her to hospital and I know what meds she is taking. SHE sure as hell didn’t know!! If someone else had taken her, they wouldn’t have had a clue. Therefore, it’s more than important to have that armband especially if you are on any kind of medication.  

A Musical Ride at Sue Knox’s barn is scheduled for Sun, the 31 May. Laurie will be sending out a time schedule for that one. If you’d like to join in, call her as there may be room.  

Our summer camp will take place the first weekend in June. We are reasonably full but there may be the odd spot or two left. Contact Miranda if interested.  

I will try to get Chad back here for another lesson either the 20 or 21 of June: More to follow on that one.  

The cross-country course will now be opened for schooling on Thurs evenings from 5-7. You needn’t let me know if you are coming as I will be sitting there with a book for two peaceful hours! You are not allowed to jump by yourself. You can use the ring, the jump chute, or the cross-country fences. IF Thursdays are NOT convenient, let me know and perhaps we can work out something else. If you are interested in schooling, I will try hard to accommodate you and your horse. The more hours one has in the saddle…. 

KICK ON

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