I had an experience with a rider recently that really got me thinking… How long do you wait? The lesson’s objective was to demonstrate varied seat positions on uneven terrain during a trail ride. A little background – this particular rider has been learning 2 point little by little over many lessons. I have been…
Warm ups are not only beneficial for your rider but also for your horse! In designing the ultimate warm up for your lesson you will want to include a balance of warming up that benefits both the horse and rider. For the purpose of this article we will focus on instructional design of the warm…
So much should be happening EVERY time you meet your rider before a mount. While it may simply look like a “Hi” or a “Hello” there should be a lot more taking place. Here are the most important 3 things to do when your rider arrives: 1. Observe them – early and often. If you…
The Balancing Act: The Demands of a Therapeutic Riding Instructor + tips for success! As a therapeutic riding instructor, the role is far more than teaching individuals how to ride a horse. It’s about orchestrating a symphony of needs, desires, and expectations while maintaining a safe and enriching environment for all involved. Here’s a glimpse…
Good Job! Yes! Great! Well Done! Perfect! – Meaningless words with good intentions We are all guilty of doing it. After 20 years of teaching, I still catch myself occasionally saying “good job”. But there are tons of reasons to get away from the generalized compliments and shift to specific praise! What is specific praise?…
How does a rider go from learning a skill to demonstrating consistency? Well, riding skills involve the coordination of muscles and nerves to perform specific movements or tasks. This is known as motor learning. Motor learning is the process through which a person acquires, refines, and improves their motor skills. Progression can be broken into…
Brighten the Barn – The Power of Smiles Let’s face it, our industry is faced with a lot of demands. We have so much to do, and not enough time or money to do it all. It’s way too easy to get caught up in the grind. But I have something simple for you that will make…
Heavy Work – A Regulation Tool For Riding How often have you had a lesson go off the rails because a rider is struggling with regulation? Incorporating heavy work into your lesson could provide input your rider needs to get back on track. “Heavy work” refers to activities that involve applying deep pressure to…
