The Osage Corral and COVID-19

A few words about Covid-19 and our protocol for re-opening …

Considering the recent concerns regarding Covid-19, we would like to update you on our commitment to provide equine-assisted psychotherapy sessions with your safety, as well as the safety of our staff, in mind. We are very aware of the challenges of practicing social distancing while also doing our utmost to support social connection – the heart of our work at The Osage Corral! The following re-opening protocol represents our best effort to meet those challenges and support both the physical and emotional well-being of all. We encourage you to read our protocol and then conduct your own risk/benefit analysis.

We all know the great benefits that come from equine-assisted psychotherapy, movement and being in the natural world, especially during times of high stress. Every effort will be made during all aspects of our time with your child to maintain social distancing of 6 feet. But we will have to weigh that against keeping your child safe when we are in the arena with the horses so it may not always be possible. During those moments we believe the open air, our face masks and an abundance of hand sanitizer (which we will have with us in the arena and will apply liberally and often) will make us as safe as we can possibly be in those situations. But because of Covid-19 and the fact that we will not always be able to maintain that recommended distance of 6 feet, there will be some risk. We believe our protocol will keep that risk small. If you feel you do not want to take that risk however, we support that. We are all doing what we think is best for ourselves and our loved ones and should trust our instincts. Just let us know. If you have further questions or concerns you would like to discuss about our protocol PLEASE do not hesitate to call The Osage Corral Director at 740-590-8514.

Program Note: In the interest of keeping us all as safe as possible this season The Osage Corral has decided to replace all scheduled group activities with a variety of individual options. Please watch our FB page for further updates.

COVID-19 Protocol: It’s about self-care and care for others!

  1. If a client or family member currently has flu-like symptoms (fever, body aches, sore throat, runny nose, cough) please contact us at 740-590-8514 so that we can reschedule your appointment. We are setting aside times for make-up sessions this year to accommodate this scenario.
  2. If you have recently traveled to a high risk area and have been in contact with a suspected carrier, please call to reschedule your appointment.
  3. When you arrive at the corral, please wait in your car. One of our staff members will come down to the shelter house when it is time for your appointment. At that time, the client only will come into the shelter house for a wellness check. Exceptions will be made for a necessary family member or companion if the child needs support or a family member who is participating in the sessions. These additional guests/participants will also be provided with a wellness check. Wellness checks include taking temperature and asking questions about any symptoms. If the temperature is elevated or symptoms present we will refer you to your GP and reschedule your appointment for a later date.
  4. A mask must be worn at all times during sessions by everyone. Please have your child’s mask on when he/she leaves the car. If your child does not have a mask, one will be provided at the wellness check.
  5. Employees will have a wellness check upon arrival to work. If the temperature is elevated or symptoms present the employee will be sent home and replacement staff will be called in or a modified session will take place.
  6. All common areas will be sanitized between each session.
  7. A hot water sink has been installed in the barn with soap and hand sanitizer and clients and staff will go directly to the barn after wellness check to wash and sanitize hands. They will repeat this as needed during session and at end of session.
  8. If you are a parent or case manager and need to speak with the program Director or your child’s therapy team, call Tammy Baumgartel’s cell at 740-590-8514. She will try to address your concerns over the phone or, if needed, she can direct the therapy team to come to your car to chat. Please stay in your car, roll down window and staff will maintain safe social distancing from the car while discussing your child/client with you.

Thank you and we look forward to seeing all of you this summer!