Tips for those working with blind and visually impaired riders: Communication is the Key!
Note: BVI means blind and visually impaired in what follows.
Since blindness has many different forms and levels (only about 5% of BVI people don’t see anything), you need to understand your rider’s capacity with vision.
If you don’t know something, ask.
Don’t worry about using words that refer to vision. We live in a sighted world and often use those words ourselves.
When you make analogies, try to use things a BVI person might be familiar with. We may have more understanding than you expect, or less (e.g. driving a car, playing basketball). But if your rider says they don’t know, believe them: change the analogy.
Be verbal, but do it positively; e.g. don’t say, “Watch out, there is a pole in front of you;” rather say “Turn right so you don’t hit the pole.”
Ask your rider to teach you sighted guide methods for walking on the ground. Either the student can hold your arm while leading the horse or the student can walk with you as you lead the horse.
Some people may lead their horse using a dog guide or a cane, but this is usually with their own mount and depends on the horse.
BVI people can learn to groom and tack independently. Things should be well organized and the student oriented to the location of the grooming bucket, saddle rack, etc.
Make other riders and people aware that there is a BVI person working in the ring, in the barn, etc. Sometimes arm bands are required at shows.
If a person is entirely relying on their hearing to navigate the arena, try to have other noise at a minimum.
Be aware if loud noises occur; e.g. rain on a metal arena roof can totally drown out sound.
If using a microphone, be careful if you are also orienting your rider as the sound goes to the speakers.
Using contrasting colors might help a person with some vision recognize to identify or orient to parts of the arena. Likewise, you might use existing features like lighter windows, the open end of an arena, or lighting to help visually orient your rider.
Some riders may have a very narrow visual field. They may need to turn their head or look down to find the visual target. This will cause their shoulders to drop and possibly lose their balance. This means that sometimes existing vision can actually impair riding so you may want to work on alternate methods of orientation.
Orientation is key. If the coach stands in the center at X, the rider can learn to use the coach’s voice as a marker. This will take some time. Differences in the direction the coach is facing, how much ambient noise is in the background, and other distractions may complicate the situation.
You may use “living letters” at points in the arena. This refers to people standing by the dressage letters posted around the rail but does not require that letters be used. People at strategic points, or other sound devices like radios might serve the same purpose. If you use more than one radio, set them on different channels. Some have used metronomes, people standing with clickers at X, or some combination. Creativity in this case is your best friend.
Some people may count strides as a way of judging distance. However, for others this is distracting and detracts from the experience. It also depends on how consistently a person uses a specific horse. Some writers can develop a feel for the particular movement and distance. This takes practice.
Be aware that the combination of lack of sight and motion can sometimes cause vertigo. Again, communicate with your rider about if this happens, and the best way to handle it.
A lunge line can be a great tool for starting a rider, introducing a new skill or working on particular exercises. Just as with a sighted student, BVI students will grow and no longer need it.
Teach your BVI rider the same things you would a sighted student. Talk to them if you are unsure how to approach something. You have the horse knowledge and they know what works for their learning. You’re a team!
Most of all, have fun!