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NEWSLETTERS |
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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….
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This site was last updated 05/27/09