Lauren Lamas

I attended the Austin Rodeo for the day to assist with prepping the horses in the morning and during transition times. I was a sidewalker for safety for about five rounds of rodeo activities, prepared the clients with mounting and dismounting, attended award ceremonies, and assisted with clean up.

I went to the barn and Austin Rodeo to prepare the horses and area or the event on Saturday. I assisted with cleaning/brushing horses, loading up trailer with necessary items and horses, and set up the area we had at the rodeo. We decorated and fed the horses as well.

I worked with clients during their hippotherapy sessions, prepared the horses before classes, and practiced an emergency dismount. There was a client who made a few racist remarks, in which I acknowledged the client's existence in the space but didn't encourage the behavior.

I assisted with one class with three students where I prepared the horses (grooming) to ensure their safety. Then I walked along side and led the horse for the class with a student with disabilities. We focused on preparing for the upcoming competition at the rodeo in March and went through the forest trail for hippotherapy.

Toured the grounds, met with supervisor/ hippotherapy instructor, completed training, met with first client and assisted with her horse-riding therapy class to ensure safety of her and the horse.