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…
When was your last touchpoint with your rider’s family outside of their lesson time? As a riding instructor for individuals with special needs, regular communication with families, caretakers, and caregivers is critical. Open communication helps establish trust with the family and allows you to collaborate on goal setting to individualize your support. It also makes…
Wearing a helmet is crucial for ensuring the safety of riders, as it significantly reduces the risk of head injuries. This becomes particularly important when working with neurodiverse students, who may have unique challenges when it comes to wearing helmets. If you have an individual who is new to riding, here are some things to…
How to tactfully use focus to enhance your teaching. Teaching riding is largely about helping someone communicate with horses through movements of our body. The movements that we are trying to help our riders achieve are fairly unique to riding and require a process called motor learning to happen. Check out the post “The Progression…
As summer approaches, equestrian enthusiasts anticipate the thrill of horseback riding summer camps. These camps are not just about saddling up and trotting around; they’re about creating lasting memories, fostering friendships, and igniting a passion for horsemanship. So, what sets apart the BEST horseback riding summer camps? Let’s delve into the essential elements that make…
When teaching a new skill, you’ll want to teach the “what”, “why”, and “how”. Your “what” is what the identified skill or topic is, your “why” would be why it’s important for them to know and the “how” is what the rider will do to make it happen. The challenge is, many instructors get lost…
