In accordance with USPC Policy 0900 and its procedures, "USPC requires satisfactory completion of USPC-approved background checks and of USPC-designated educational training modules of individuals specified in the procedures. These must be completed prior to these individuals assuming positions or beginning specified membership terms."
USPC is dedicated to the health and well-being of our members and their mounts. Pony Club activities are often held during the warmer months of the year. As temperatures and heat indices rise, members, leaders, parents, and volunteers should be aware of how heat affects individuals, how to recognize the signs of heat-related illness, and the steps to take should heat illness happen.
USPC requires all volunteers holding a leadership position within the organization to complete the Recognizing, Preventing, and Treating Heat-Related Illness module (linked below), created by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Once an individual completes the training module and has taken the USPC quiz on heat-related illness, their training in this area is complete. In addition, it is recommended that instructors, members who are instructing, parents, and any other volunteers complete Recognizing, Preventing, and Treating Heat-Related Illness online training and the USPC quiz.
This training teaches and reinforces awareness of heat-related illness among coaches, athletic trainers, students, school nurses, parents, and teachers. It also promotes the development and implementation of guidelines by these participants.
Learn important ways to identify heat-related illness.
By the end of the training, you will be prepared to:
Take the Course | Complete the Quiz
Pony Club provides DCs/CAs with an online form for reporting incidents/accidents that occur at Pony Club functions. Data provided in this form assists in improving safety in horsemanship.
When an incident occurs that may have resulted in injury, or when an accident results in injury, the responsible District Commissioner/Center Administrator (DC/CA), or designated individual, MUST complete a USPC Incident Report Form. This includes situations that did not produce an injury, as well. The Safety Committee will follow up on all accidents that produce injury.
Access the Online Incident Report Form | Download the Incident Report Form
The CDC offers many resources on heat-related illness and prevention, including the Occupational Safety and Health Administration-National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA-NIOSH) Heat Safety Tool, available through the Apple App Store and Google Play. This app provides useful tools for planning outdoor activities based on how hot it feels throughout the day.
The application features a visual indicator of current heat index and associated risk levels specific to your current geographical location, as well as precautionary recommendations specific to heat index-associated risk levels.
