RDA Coaching and Responsibilities Quiz

Course Information

• Course title: SEBQ 3322 Practical IV: RDA
• Course subtitle: Introduction to Equine for Disabled
• School: School of Biomedical Engineering and Health Science (SBEHS)
• University: Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM)

Course Assessment

• Quiz: 10%, Weeks 3, 5, 9, 11, 4 questions
• Test: 20%, Weeks 6, 12, 2 questions
• Group Presentation: 10%, Week 13
• Individual Assignment: 10%, Week 14
• Group Assignment: 10%, Week 14
• Final Exam: 40%, Weeks 16-20

Learning Outcomes

• Students will gain course information
• Students will understand the topics and content of the subject
• Students will understand course assessments
• Students will participate in class activities
• Students will discuss and suggest proposals

Activity 1

• Define riding for disabled based on your experience using Padlet

Equine Therapy

• Equine therapy is animal-assisted therapy for children with disabilities
• It utilizes riding horses as physical and emotional therapy, along with physiological benefits

RDA Knowledge

• The subject covers RDA knowledge, health and safety, horse care, and stable management

RDA Knowledge (Continued)

• Topics include the RDA coach, volunteer management, and parental involvement

Types of Disabilities

• The topics also discussed will be about types of disabilities, role of physiotherapists, kids evaluations, progression assessments, and types of activities

Teaching Theory & Horse Care

• The topics include teaching theory, horse care, stable management, standard operating procedures (SOP), and risk assessment

Horse & Arena Preparation

• Topics involve facilities and tack, and horse and arena preparation

International Organization

• The Federation of Horses in Education and Therapy International (HETI) is mentioned
• Founded in 1980 in Belgium as a non-profit organization
• It facilitates worldwide collaborations between organizations and individuals to offer equine-facilitated activities

Malaysian Organization

• Registered as a charitable organization in October 1994
• Non-profit organization
• Financial source: Donations
• Task Force: Volunteers
• Under Royal Patron YAM Raja Dato Seri Azureen Sultan Azlan Shah
• Member of governing body: Federation of the Riding for the Disabled International

RDA Centres

• Selangor Turf Club and Equestrian Centre
• The Royal Selangor Polo Club
• Perak Turf Club & Equestrian Centre
• Bukit Kiara Equestrian and Country Resort
• The Malaysian Armed Forces Equestrian Centre
• RDA Penang Turf Club

Participants

• Instructor
• Physiotherapist/Occupational Therapist
• Parents
• Volunteers

Participants (Continued)

• Mounting Team
• Arena Party/Assistant Instructor
• Rider
• Sidewalkers
• Leader

Other Therapy

• The therapy includes hippotherapy and sand therapy

Activity

• Suggest one question via e-learning: Parental involvement in horse riding therapy

Proposal

• Prepare a proposal for a talk from a physiotherapist

Riding for Disabled (SMBQ 4193)

• Course title: Riding for Disabled
• Course code: SMBQ 4193
• School: School of Biomedical Engineering and Health Science (SBEHS)
• University: Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM)
• Topics include: RDA Knowledge, Volunteer Management, Parental Involvement

Learning Outcomes (RDA Coaching)

• General RDA knowledge
• Pathway to becoming an RDA Senior Coach
• Role and responsibilities of an RDA Coach
• Requirements needed for RDA coach and participants
• Participation in class activities
• Applying knowledge through individual assignments

Horse Revolution

• The evolution of horses, from wild animals to domestication, their use in ancient times, and modern uses

Horse Usage

• Recreational riding
• Therapeutic riding
• Hippo therapy

The RDA Malaysia

• Royal Patron YAM Raja Dato Seri Azureen Sultan Azlan Shah
• Tan Sri Dato' Sri Dr. Abdul Aziz Abdul Rahman
• Mr. Muthusamy Kandasamy

Horse Riding Therapy

• Gaining responses (encouraging communication)
• Fixed correct position (improved balance and good posture)
• Improved emotion (love and joyful expression)

Benefits of Horse Riding Therapy

• Improved balance, muscle strength
• Improved body awareness, visual perception
• Improved communication, building relationships
• Improved concentration, attention, and memory
• Improved self-confidence, self-esteem
• Improved behavior, taking responsibility

Individual Assignment

• Find benefits of "Horse riding therapy compared to other therapy" from 2010-2018 (at least 3 citation papers)

RDA Coach

• Pathway to RDA coaching
• RDA coach
• Assistant/Group coach
• Senior helper
• Volunteer

RDA Coach Responsibilities

• Initial assessment of riders
• Lesson planning
• Implementation of riding sessions and volunteer training
• Maintenance of adequate records, supervision of trainees and AC

Senior Coach

• Considerable experience helping in the lessons
• Successfully completed the AC syllabus
• Responsible for conducting coach training workshops and participating in the RDA centre support and development program

Pre-Requisites for Senior Coach

• Taking full responsibility (instruction and training)
• Good equestrian skills with general knowledge of disabilities
• Planning lessons, preparing riders for competitions and keeping records
• Understanding the structure of RDA Malaysia and administration procedures
• Collaborative work with the co-coordinator, physiotherapist, or visiting instructor
• Capable of planning and delivering a program

Assistant/Group Coach

• Qualified to teach
• Sufficient equestrian knowledge combined with rider disability knowledge
• Basic general knowledge of RDA session daily work
• Overseeing the welfare and training of horses

Senior Helper

• Taking responsibility for a rider
• Grooming and tacking up a horse/pony
• Leading and handling horses
• Recognizing signs of stress
• Understanding mounting and dismounting procedures
• Basic knowledge of common disabilities
• Understanding the aims of the lesson

Volunteer

• Works under supervision
• Receives basic training (RDA volunteer card)
• Maintains a logbook of completed hours

Pre-Requisites for Participants

• Completed and appropriately signed logbook
• Letter of recommendation from the group or senior coach (hours of assistance)
• RDA Horse management Cert 1 or equivalent
• Completed paper on Disabilities

Summary

• RDA Knowledge (horse revolution & usage, implementation in Malaysia, general benefits of horse riding therapy)
• RDA Coach (pathway, roles, assistant, group coach, senior helper, volunteer)

Volunteer Management

• Volunteer recruitment
• Job scope of volunteers (tacking up, sidewalkers, leaders, supporters)
• Aspects in training volunteers (Mounting & dismounting, arena rules, emergency procedures, horse behavior)
• Retaining volunteers

Learning Outcomes (for Volunteer Management)

• Understanding volunteer recruitment
• Understanding the job scope of volunteers
• Aspects of training volunteers
• Strategies for retaining volunteers
• Participation in class activities

Volunteer

• Volunteers are people who assist regardless of wages, energy, and time
• Retaining existing volunteers is crucial for facilitating activities

Who Can Volunteer?

• Everyone can volunteer with the RDA, and there are many ways to help.

Volunteer Recruitment

• Find your group
• Get in touch
• Do paperwork
• SWOT up on safety
• Train to gain
• Everyone complete

Volunteer Application Form

• Support volunteer, especially new volunteers with safety and horse-related skills/roles
• Forms include important policies for the correct actions for the volunteers.

Volunteer Job Scope

• TACKING UP: Prepares the horse, adjust stirrups, applying fly spray, and knowing equipment for riding
• SIDE WALKERS: Guides the rider, ensures the rider is safe, and understands instructions
• SUPPORTERS: Concentrates on the lesson, handles emergency cases, and prepares other equipment
• LEADERS: Leads the horse, and understands instructions

Volunteer Training

• Covers important aspects like mounting and dismounting, arena rules, emergency procedures, and horse behavior,

Importance Aspects in Training

• Mounting and Dismounting: Mounting team, training for mount and dismount riders, emergency dismount
• Arena Rules: Keeping distance, straight line, left-hand-to-left-hand passing, no noise/running, appropriate clothing
• Emergency Procedures: Aware of incidents and emergency dismounts, leader role, and incident book and report for incident reports
• Horse Behavior: Horse senses, instincts, smell, hearing, sight, touch, taste evaluation, and signs of stress and discomfort

Volunteer Retention

• Making a good first impression
• Being a positive representative
• Appreciating volunteer efforts
• Gathering information about volunteers
• Offering benefits to volunteers

Summary (Volunteer Management)

• Volunteer recruitment and role scope
• Volunteer training (mounting, dismounting, arena rules, emergency procedures, horse behavior)
• Volunteer retention strategies

Parental Involvement (SMBQ 4193)

• Aim is to understand the importance of parent support for disabled kids, the positive effect of development of disabled kids from parental perspective towards horse riding therapy, and participate in class activities.

Reflection

• Question: Do you think parental support is important?
• General thought process and understanding of the topic.
• Meltdown of the autism kids
• Well-thought from parents’ perception.

Next Class?

• The subjects in the next class will cover: Types of disabilities, Role of Physiotherapists, Kids Evaluation, Progression Assessment, and Type of Activities, which are all related to medical knowledge.

Medical Knowledge (II) - SMBQ 4193

• Additional medical knowledge related to riding for disabled children
• Important aspects include understanding rider application forms, therapeutic value of riding, the role and responsibilities of a physiotherapist

Learning Outcomes (Medical Knowledge)

• Types of disabilities (medical notes)
• New rider assessment & physiotherapist consultation before riding
• Understanding rider application forms
• Therapeutic value of riding
• Roles and responsibilities of a physiotherapist

Types of Disabilities (Continued)

• Specific types of disabilities (attention deficit disorder (ADD), amputees, blindness, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, deafness, epilepsy, head injuries, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, autism, behavioral problems, and learning difficulties) are covered

Cerebral Palsy (CP)

• Definition: Brain paralysis (weakness, paralysis, or lack of muscle control) originating in the brain
• Characteristics: Increased muscle tone, low muscle strength, and difficulties with balance and coordination
• Common causes: Lack of oxygen, prematurity, and trauma before age of two
• Types of CP: Spastic, athetoid, and ataxic (low muscle tone)
• Therapeutic value of riding: Improves balance, coordination, and sensory integration

Down Syndrome Definition

• A congenital disability (chromosomal abnormality)
• Intellectual problems and specific physical disabilities
• Characteristics: Small almond-shaped eyes, short neck, flat back, large tongue, tendency to be stubborn and gain weight
• Coaching suggestions: Carefully check medical forms, dust-free environment, careful weight records
• Therapeutic value of riding: Encourages socialization, control, and fitness level

Autism Spectrum Disorder

• Definition: Lifelong developmental disability
• Characteristics: Difficulty in responding to others, difficulty with eye contact, speech disturbance, and dislike for certain colors/objects
• Coaching suggestions: Avoiding confusion by speaking literally, keeping verbal communication and physical assistance minimal, and positively reinforcing the child
• Therapeutic value of riding: Assistive role from the horse movement for developing relations and reassuring the child

Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)

• Definition: Neurological disorder (immaturity of brain cells), could include hyperactivity (ADHD)
• Characteristics: Difficulty concentrating, hyperactivity, easily distracted, often talks excessively, and difficulty playing quietly
• Coaching suggestions: Creating an environment with minimal distractions, repeating instructions, and keeping a strict routine
• Therapeutic value of riding: Provides a safe relationship, allowing trust development, confidence and discipline gain

Epilepsy

• Definition: A brain disorder causing seizures, resulting from disturbed electrochemical activity in the brain
• Types of seizures: Petit Mal, Absence seizures, and Grand Mal seizures; conditions that need to be considered when considering riding
• Coaching rider suggestions: Riders don't need to dismount immediately, wait for their response, and be patient in repeating instructions

Muscular Dystrophy (MD)

• Definition: Conditions resulting from the degeneration of muscular tissue
• Conditions: Weakness beginning around hips and spreading to lower limbs, progressing to trunk and upper limbs
• Different types: Duchenne, Becker, and Distal
• Characteristics: Intellectual disabilities, weakness in movement, unusual posture, and larger calf muscles (Lack of strength and mobility)
• Therapeutic value of riding: Improvement of mobility, recreational, and enjoyable activities

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

• A disease of the central nervous system (CNS) - brain and spinal cord
• Characteristics: Difficulty with coordinated movements, blurred/double vision, tremors/shaky hands, extreme fatigue, and speech difficulties
• Coaching rider suggestions: Avoiding fatigue/heavy exercise, giving time for information processing, and encouragement into a social environment.

Behavioral Problems

• Definition: Emotionally disturbed/maladjusted children or adolescents/adults who feel threatened by personal contact and fear rejection
• Coaching suggestions: Addressing behavioral issues
• Riding benefits: Safe relationship development, new skill learning, confidence-building, self-esteem, and discipline gain.

Deafness

• Characteristics/coaching suggestions: Speak clearly and naturally. Learn simple communication signs for effective communication. Ensuring helmet does interfere with hearing aids and facing the rider when speaking/signing.

Blindness

• Coaching suggestions: Carefully describe the surroundings, and providing information on the appropriate routes/paths to avoid confusion or the need to repeat information about location.

Head Injuries

• Head injuries may be followed by residual brain damage affecting physical and psychological well-being.
• Characteristics include loss of motivation, poor balance/coordination, muscle tone disturbance, impaired speech, irritability/frustration, aggressive behavior, and confidence loss.

Rider Application Form

• Detailed forms covering personal information, medical history, rider waiver, and disclaimer.

Therapeutic Value of Riding

• Horse imitates natural walking patterns
• Riding promotes and improves communication, balance, coordination, motor/social skills, and independence
• Riding also teaches new skills, active involvement, self-discipline, recognition in sport, improves general fitness, and enjoyment

Physiotherapist

• Physiotherapists help restore movement and function in people with movement disorders, illness, or disabilities.
• Responsibilities: Improve quality of life for children, promote independence/physical fitness, and provide physical intervention, advice, and support.

Role of Physiotherapist

• Referral: Receiving, gathering and assessing information about a referral to determine appropriateness and urgency
• Assessment: Gathering information from parents, families, and other involved parties. Building on existing knowledge from other agencies like education and social work.
• Interventions: Creating specific, supporting activities, and strategies for the child/patients; actively involving parents and other people to help create suitable action plans.
• Reporting: Discussing the outcome of assessment with parents or other relevant people. Communication is essential.

Reflection (continued)

• Key reflection points from the course to be noted

Next Class Preview

• Additional topics related to the subject matter and medical knowledge to be covered in the next class.