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INDEPENDENT RIDER

Amy Henningsen and Richard Escobar Center for Persons with Disabilities and Agricultural Systems Technology and Education Department Utah State University Logan, UT U.S.A. 84322-6800

ABSTRACT

Many people in this country enjoy horseback riding as a form of recreation and relaxation. The fact that a person has a disability presents challenges that most horse enthusiasts do not face. The consumer for whom the independent rider was developed uses a specialized saddle and rides regularly with his two sons who assist him in saddling and mounting his horse. The purpose of this project was to work to find a way to allow persons with paraplegia to saddle and mount a horse without the assistance of others.

BACKGROUND AND RATIONALE

There are many equestrian organizations for people with disabilities in the United States, but we were unable to find any that had or were aware of a lift system and containment system that could be attached to a horse trailer, thus allowing a person with paraplegia to use it both at home and on trips. Following several meetings with the consumer, the following design characteristics were identified:

  • A lift system with remote controls that would allow the consumer to lift his saddle and then himself out of his wheelchair and onto the horse's back.
  • A containment system capable of keeping the horse in place under all circumstances.
  • Provisions allowing both the lift system and the containment system to be folded against the trailer for transport and unfolded for use by a person in a wheelchair.
  • In designing all these features, using the simplest and most cost-effective method available.

DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT

The Independent Rider consists of two major components, a horse containment system and a lift system. The containment system is built of 1" square tubing designed to hold the horse in a contained position for saddling and mounting. The system is hinged so it can be folded up against the side of the trailer when not in use or when it is being hauled from one place to another. The lift system involves a 12 volt battery-powered electric winch with a lift capacity of 1500 lb. In addition, a derrick was built out of 2" square tubing and designed to support the winch. The winch is attached to a frame built over the top of the trailer out of 2" square tubing. The lift or winch is controlled using a remote control switch attached to the winch. When not in use, the winch can be folded down against the side of the trailer so that it will be out of the way.

EVALUATION

The design for the Independent Rider was reviewed by several faculty members, and each dimension was carefully considered by the consumer. Particular attention was given to safety, portability, and utilization of components readily available.

The fabrication of the Independent Rider was a major part of the project. In the interest of safety, a professional welder reviewed the plans, our assessment of the project's feasibility, and then constructed the lift system. The design was simple enough and components readily available to facilitate easy duplication and/or modification for other interested individuals.

DISCUSSION

At this point, the lift has been constructed and field tested by the consumer and determined to meet his need. Also developed is an owner's manual and safety recommendations. These will facilitate further modifications or adaptations as needed. Detailed plans for replicating the independent rider have been developed and are available from the authors.