The Importance of Saddle Fit for Riders When we talk about saddle fit, the conversation often focuses on the horse—and rightly so! A properly fitted saddle is essential for a horse’s comfort and well-being. However, as instructors, we must also consider how the saddle fits the rider. Neglecting this aspect can negatively impact the rider’s…
7 Things You Should Be Thinking About Now For Sanity This Spring Spring is just around the corner, and with it comes the annual rush of new and returning riders eager to get in the saddle and do more. That means now is the time for lesson barns to prepare for the influx of traffic….
“It’s our job to grow the future of the horse world, to bring along individuals who can be stewards of horse and human relationships. To do this, we must emphasize the importance of unmounted lesson time.” When we think of riding lessons, the vision is often a rider astride a horse, feeling the thrill of…
Ignite The Spark: Motivation is the secret ingredient that fuels success in lessons. As an instructor, you’ve likely noticed that motivated riders are engaged, eager, and flourishing learners. But what happens when a rider loses steam, feels uninspired, or seems disconnected from the lesson? Understanding motivation—what drives it and how to harness it—can help you…
Supporting Riders Who Apologize Frequently: Strategies for Instructors Have you ever had a rider who REPEATEDLY says, “I’m sorry” during lessons, especially after receiving corrections? This type of behavior can stem from things like the instructor’s delivery to the rider’s anxiety or fear of failing to name a few. While the reasons behind the apologies…
Mentorship has the power to shape us in profound ways, and Brooke Waldron has been that defining guide in my life since the moment I met her 11 years ago. Her infectious energy lights up any room she enters, yet her modest demeanor makes her approachable to everyone. She possesses a rare combination of sharp…
No Stirrup November is popular in the equestrian world, where riders of all levels ditch their stirrups for a month to build leg strength, improve balance, and sharpen their riding skills. Riding instructors often join in the fun by creating games and contests to keep riders motivated throughout the month, and the hashtag #nostirrupnovember trends…
Breathing is a powerful tool that can profoundly influence physical, emotional, and mental well-being when harnessed effectively. Have you ever noticed how something as simple as focusing on breath can transform both your rider’s and horse’s experience during a lesson? Breath can…. Got a rider that is lacking energy? Efficient breathing delivers more oxygen to…
Humans and horses can be susceptible to heat stress, and several factors can increase their vulnerability. Considering both rider and horse unique individuals might give you better insight to answer your question, “Is it too hot to have lessons?” I am hopeful that most horse professionals have seen the charts floating around showing the Heat…
At the heart of teaching riding, we hope to give our riders independence and autonomy as they grow their relationship with horses. As riding instructors, our ultimate goal isn’t just to guide our riders, but to empower them to continue to build independence, confidence, and self-assurance. So how can we nurture independence? Choice is the…
