Q: Item #2 of the CanTRA Risk Management Checklist states that "No flammable materials, such as gasoline, paint or kerosene may be stored in the stable vicinity. They must be in a separate building." We have a small building outside but connected to the barn where the flammable material are stored. Is that all right?

A: It would be better in a completely separate building away from the barn but not always possible. If there is another building, we would advise putting it in there. The reason for this rule is that if the barn were to start on fire, the flammables would cause an explosion and a much faster and more serious fire. So, if there is no other possible place, it would be accepted.

Q: Item #8 states that "Arena, fences and gates must be in good repair. Kick boards to protect the riders’ knees and the volunteers must cover any protrusion into the arena." Are kickboards obligatory? The walls of the arena are plain and in good repair with no protusions.

A: This depends on the walls - if they are steel, yes, kickboards are essential. If there are any protruding supports (beams) on the walls, kickboards are essential. But if the walls are solid thick wood that could not be penetrated by a hoof, then they would be OK. The idea of kickboards is just that - are not dangerous to a horse if kicked.

Q: Item #9 states that "The ramp and/or mounting block must be easily accessible, in good repair and, where possible, separated from the arena." Our ramp is cement built and is part of one of the walls of the arena. It is impossible to separate it from the arena. Is that an isssue?

A: A cement ramp within the arena and not separate from the riding area is OK. Some stables use cavelletti to block off the mounting area.

Q: We have a young child at our centre who refuses to wear a helmet. Can we put him on the horse without one?

A: The short answer is NO. Not using a helmet at all is not acceptable and, if there were to be an accident, it would not be covered by insurance.

It is not an unusual scenario to have a child or teen refuse to keep their helmet on - if you can get it on. One has to be very patient - allow the helmet to be taken home, shown at "show and tell", practice weraing at home, etc. Simply put: no helmet, no ride. Riders who take their helmet off are immediately dismounted. They must recognize this is not acceptable. Most will come around if the want to be on a horse. Although this sounds tough, the risk is not worth it.

If you have a child with poor head control and have a specific question, please contact the CanTRA office and you will be connected to a medical advisor.

Q: Will the CanTRA Insurance policy cover a centre using "borrowed" horses?

A: Yes, borrowed horses are find to use as long as they are trained to work with "therapeutic riders". If there is a law suit due to an incident while riding one of these horses, providing all necessary training and procedures are in place, the insurance company will still respond.

Q: We want to support one of our riders at an upcoming show. Does the CanTRA insurance policy cover this?

A: Yes. As long as the rider is being supported by CanTRA certified instructors and program volunteers trained by the member centre, the insurance policy will cover this action. However, each member centre holding CanTRA insurance is required to submit a list of fundraising, show and demonstration events in which the centre's riders, volunteers, etc. are invloved. This includes 'on-site' or 'off-site' events. There then become "CanTRA sanctioned events" and the insurance company recognizes these for coverage. If you are using someone else's property for an event you are organizing, it is advised to ask CanTRA to issue an insurance certtificate with the owner's name. There is no charge for this and it makes everyone feel confortable.

Q: Is there a minimum age for volunteers for insurance purposes?

A: There aren’t any age restrictions for volunteers as far as insurance is concerned.

Q: Do I have to keep my Equine Canada Coach certification current in order to keep my CanTRA CTRI status current?

A: Yes. All levels of Equine Canada and CanTRA Instructor need to remain current in order to maintain certification status.

Q: Can you please provide more details around mentoring as a pre-requisite for each of the CanTRA certification levels?

A: It is important to work with someone at a higher level of certification that the one you are taking. If you are taking your CTRAI or CTRII examination, your mentor should be a CTRI, CanTRA Coach or Examiner. When candidate instructors live in remote areas or for some reason do not have acess to this kind of help. the following are options:

Videotape your teaching and submit this to the CanTRA office. this will be reviewed by a CanTRA Examiner with feedback given (there is a cost attached to this depending on the time needed).

CanTRA has volunteer training tapes available to assist you.

Home Study Books are also available which can be submitted for marking and feedback by a CanTRA Examiner.

You can make arrangements to visit a CanTRA centre with a CTRI, Coach or Examiner and do some mentoring hours at this centre.

Q: The medical form for a child has been completed by his physiotherapist but they do not have a signed form from the physician. Is the physiotherapist’s referral sufficient or do they need another from the doctor?

A: Yes, the centre should definitely have the physician’s signature on the medical form.

Q: Similar to the above for another child, the medical form was completed by the child’s mother who is also a registered nurse. Should they insist on a physician’s signature in this case?

A: Again, the physician’s signature is essential.

Q: A four year old child had fever-induced seizures as a baby/toddler but has not had any seizures in 1 ½ years, even though he has had fevers. Are there any particular precautions they should take in this situation? The child would ride with a leader and side walkers.

A: This should be given the O.K. by the child's paediatrician or neurologist if one is involved.