Lessons In TR

Matching Game Resources

Buy matching games online:

• Matching bears
• Memory game
• Set game
• Rhyming game
• Whatever you can take from home or have volunteers bring
• Make your own based on what you’ve been working on!

I made the above cards on a word document, printed them on cardstock, and cut them out. If you want to make these same cards, or use the document as a template to make your own, you can download the file by clicking below:

docx file for matching cards

pdf file for matching cards

Matching Games

For all games,  add obstacles for added difficulty and skills.

I recommend riders ask their sidewalkers to pick up the card and hold the cards for them, unless they are able to hold the card and reins at the same time (this also works on communication skills). Or, use a saddle bag!

All games can work on: woah, walk on, steering, communication, social skills, additional skills requires for obstacles (two point over poles, backing, etc.)

Matching Game 1

Spread the cards around the arena floor. Have the riders find a card, pick it up, then ride around to find the matching card, and lastly bring the pair back to you – you can set the finished pair on a block, barrel, etc.

Matching Game 2

Put two barrels on opposite ends of the arena, with one set of cards on one barrel and the matching cards on the other. Students must go to 1 barrel, pick a card, then go to the other barrel and find its matching partner.

Matching Game 3

Spread/hide one set of cards around arena, on fence, on obstacles, etc. Instructor keeps the matching cards in the middle of the arena. Riders must get a card from the instructor, find its matching card in the arena, and bring it back to the instructor or take it to a designated area.

Please add to the list!

These are the games I’ve seen and used. What other ways have YOU played matching games to teach riding skills?

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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!