We at Hugs for Horses Therapeutic Riding are very concerned about the current outbreak of Covid-19 virus. We are are trying to balance the safety our riders, volunteers, and Georgetown Equestrian Center staff with the ongoing needs for therapy of our riders with disabilities. Please bear with us as we work out the best way to serve those who want and need our healing horses!
We are aware that giving and receiving face-to-face services from Hugs for Horses Therapeutic Riding increases chances of exposure and risk of contracting and passing on infectious diseases, including Covid-19. We want to be able to serve our riders with disabilities whose parents and guardians believe the benefit their child receives from Hugs for Horses Therapeutic Riding services justifies the risk. At the same time, we may have to make the choice to not serve or serve with special requirements some riders whose behaviors or conditions pose an increased risk of infection for themselves or for staff and volunteers.
We are working to minimize the risk of exposure to all by engaging in regular cleaning and sanitizing of horse tack, grooming supplies, doors, bathrooms, and frequently touched areas as can be achieved practically in a barn environment. We will ask all who come to respect guidelines for social distancing as much is possible, wash hands prior to each session, use hand sanitizer, and limit the number of people coming to the barn to only those people necessary to supervise the Hugs’ rider. Although Hugs will make every effort to have sanitizing products and face masks on hand, we ask that riders and parents bring their own protection and sanitizing products for their own use. Parents are also encouraged to provide their rider with his/her own well-fitting, certified safety helmet in good condition if they are concerned about using a helmet shared by other riders.
We also ask that no one come to the barn facility who has any symptoms associated with Covid-19 or other infection or has been in close contact with anyone diagnosed with Covid-19 or with symptoms of potential illness in the last 14 days. These symptoms include, but are not limited to coughing, sneezing, fever, chest congestion, and loss of taste or smell.
Our response to the Covid-19 pandemic may change as infection levels change and as required by law.
Wishing us all patience, compassion, charity, and good health as we work through these challenges together!