Workshops

The Blind Rider Program (BRP) is an extension of STAPELL's Mobility Adventures (and in addition to our Fishing & Kayaking Program). It is one of the only two programs STAPELL runs solely. In certain circumstances, and dependent on the rider's specific needs, we will use external vendors. 

Our other Mobility Adventures are built with subcontractor involvement. Whether you are new to vision loss or you are a veteran VIP, were once a rider, or are deathly afraid of horses, equine workshops are tailored to your specific experience needs and capabilities. 

The BRP focuses on increasing stamina and mobility through horse management, training, and riding sessions. The program is run by Mary Chapell, Director of STAPELL and prior USA Eventing competition rider. In addition to Mary's prior professional equestrian work, she is also a qualified Orientation & Mobility Specialist and a Guide Dog Mobility Instructor specialist that combines blind/low-vision specialties with equine management aids to build our clients' endurance, coordination, muscle memory, balance, and mental stamina.   

PROGRAM OVERVIEW:

First Session - Equine Workshop Assessment

• This session offers you a chance to experience the workshop and its program outline so that you can make an informed decision about whether these workshops are right for you. *Not all attendees will be at the same level within the program. 
• A client will be placed in either one or more of the following categories: Management, Training, Riding, and/or Assessment.

Management Sessions -

• Catching or retrieving a horse from a paddock or stall;
• Haltering and attaching the lead;
• Walking through doors/gates and leading the horse;
• Tethering the horse (types of knots/tether attachments);
• Types of brushes and their use;
• Parts of the horse and equipment for those areas;
• Cleaning feet, grooming, rugging, tacking, mounting, untacking, washing, making up feed, returning to paddock or stall, cleaning equipment, and putting equipment away. 

Training Sessions - 

• In addition to the above, training sessions will include general groundwork in the form of working various horses on the lunge line,
• using a lunge whip as an aid,
• safety equipment for the horse (tendon boots, bell boots, etc),
• securing the reins and stirrup placement, 
• handler's position within the circle, 
• auditory strategy for horse awareness, 
• further techniques on the lunge,
• and preparing the horse to ride or be returned to the stable.

Riding Sessions - 

• Moving in sequential steps from groundwork, the riding sessions will include the rider's work from atop the saddle,
• rider safety equipment (helmet, vests, gloves, breeches, chaps, boots),
• mounting position and the mounting process,
• checking the girth and organizing rein holds,
• moving off from the mounting block and tracking direction,
• halting, turning left, turning right, and moving forward,
• use of voice, body position, and mounted exercises, 
• changing direction,
• and dismount procedures.

Assessment Sessions - 

Every time you work with your horse, one of you is training the other. Every time you work with STAPELL, your Specialist will be assessing you. Assessments will be negotiated with the student on the appropriate skill they feel confident in demonstrating. 

On the books for 2022-2023 are some Australian horse adventures potentially in the Kimberly region, Margaret River, & Tasmania. These mobility adventures will continue your practical mobility training from regular sessions. Please contact us if you wish to take your riding further on a riding adventure. 

“Mary is such an experienced horsewoman. In her global experience, you feel like you are really getting top quality training whether you wanted to go Paralympic or trail ride.” - Ann

Not sure what it’s all about? Contact us to talk more about if this program aligns with your current goals. Contact mary@stapell.com.au. 

”I am a wheelchair user. Would I be able to ride with you?”
The BRP currently only works with participants who have a primary disability of vision-loss. Unlike RDA (Riding for the Disabled), our services at Stapell focus solely on vision-loss as this is where our expertise lies.

“I know many riding places have a weight limit. Does Stapell have a weight limit for the BRP?”

Yes and no. STAPELL's riding weight limit for the BRP is around 75kgs. However, our activity weight limit is nonexistent. We have many participants who are over the 80kg limit to ride that still do all of the Management, Training and Assessment phases. This is just as important as riding.