Evaluation & Application of Results

As previously mentioned, the data gathered through the assessment tools should be used to make an overall evaluation of a horse’s ability to safely participate in lessons. Scores can be interpreted through the definitions found in the Assessment Tool Scoring Scale (see Figure 3). To convert this data into a quick, practical format, a list of horses and the lessons they are suitable to participate in at the time of the evaluation should be created (see Appendix 9 Program Horse List).

The list should include the types of lessons taught in your program. Notes should also be made regarding what populations the horse can or cannot work with. For example, some horses may do well with adults but not with children. Some horses may excel with riders who have cognitive delays, but struggle with riders who have high tone.

The objective of the Program Horse List is for it to be used by instructors and staff to quickly determine what program and clients each horse is suitable for. It is recommended that instructors and staff also review the horse’s assessment scores for additional information to be fully informed. They should also work with each horse prior to using them in a lesson so they can be familiar with their mannerisms.

Figure 4 shows an example of a completed Program Horse List.

Figure 4.  Program Horse List Example