You’re coaching a rider, you say, “Turn left at the cone, then trot down the long side.” They nod, but moments later, they blow straight by the cone instead of turning. The next lesson you’re focusing on having the rider look before the turn and their hands are down in the horse’s mane. You gently…
Teaching “Feel”: The Path to Intuitive Riding “Feel” is one of those elusive qualities we often talk about in the horse world—as if it’s something you either have or you don’t. But here’s the truth: feel is teachable. And as riding instructors, we can—and should—help our students develop it, step by step. In this post,…
“Predictability doesn’t mean doing the same thing each lesson – its about setting up a lesson structure that provides order to changes.” Autistic individuals often thrive in environments where they know what to expect. Predictability helps reduce anxiety, increase confidence, and create a sense of emotional safety—key ingredients for learning. But predictability is sometimes misunderstood…
Teaching a Proper Mount: It’s More Than Just Getting Up There When most people think about horseback riding lessons, the minds of both instructors and riders immediately jump to the action that takes place in the saddle. However, one crucial aspect of riding often gets overlooked: the mount. The process of getting on the horse…
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…
