I love these resources, so I’m pointing them out in a post! (They are also listed on my Resources page).
Equestrian Special Olympics Coaching Guide – explains how to train a student over several months for competing aka lesson planning, various skills and riding information the student needs to know, warm up exercises, stretching and strengthening, correct body position, attire, and more all with wonderful photos and a list of errors and corrections for each skill. Take a few minutes to just browse the different sections of this book and you’ll see what I mean! For an example I have the picture above.
Equestrian Special Olympics Rules – explains equestrian competition classes (dressage, english equitation, stock seat equitation, western riding, working trail, showmanship, gymkhana, and drill team) with detailed descriptions of what the judges look for and great explanations of trail obstacles and gymkhana patterns!
Equestrian Special Olympics – the main home page. If any of the above links don’t work, try to get to them through here.
If your barns attends the Special Olympics, I highly suggest you go with them! It’s a great learning opportunity. If you’re already an instructor, giving your students something to work toward bring purpose to their lessons, and the fulfillment of these goals brings such joy to both of you!
If your barn doesn’t attend, I highly suggest you contact the Special Olympics committee and volunteer to help them with running show! This is a great way to get your feet wet if you yourself have never shown before or never taken students to the Special Olympics before.
Enjoy!
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Note: This is not professional advice, this is a blog. I am not liable for what you do with or how you use this information. The activities explained in this blog may not be fit for every rider, riding instructor, or riding center depending on their current condition and resources. Use your best personal judgement!
Fantastic resource…… the Booklet is filled with very clear and easy to follow videos too. Thank you…. will be using this resource, lots. 🙂 Thank you