Lessons In TR

These notes are from the Advanced Workshop I attended at Heartland Therapeutic Riding last summer. This another one is from Sandy Webster of Gaits of Change, our workshop instructor. I think this was one we discussed in the classroom because I don’t have all the parts of the lesson.

Two Point: Lesson Plan for a Group with Physical Disabilities, demonstrating use of Life Goals
By Sandy Webster. If you would like to learn more about Sandy’s services, visit Gaitsofchange.com.
Given at Advanced Preparatory Workshop July 8, 2014

Rider’s life goal:

To be able to ride their bike with their friends.

Lesson Plan:

• Mount
• Warmups
• Skill: 2 point
  • What:
    • Balanced position with weight off the horse’s back
  • How
    • 1) look ahead
    • 2) shorten reins
    • 3) heels down
    • 4) hands on neck/mane/grab strap (depends on rider)
    • 5) lift seat off saddle
    • Like a jockey
  • Why
    • Weight off horse’s back for stepping over objects, running faster or jumping
    • Balance on a bike
    • (Note: what you tell them depends on rider and their life goals, and whether the rider’s motivation is the life goal or the horse)
  • Where
    • Long walls between cones
    • Consider putting cones on top of poles or fence so riders look up at them instead of down
• Progression
  • Outside (uphill)
  • Diagonals (longer)
  • Weaving cones (side to side)
  • Airplane arms (no holding on)
  • No stirrups
  • Activity/game that makes 2 point harder
• Wrap up
  • On circle at walk, rotate ankles
  • Ask why is 2 point important (praise for each rider’s different answer)
  • Demonstrate 2 point again
  • Ask what muscles were you using, where do you feel it? Then ask how it relates to their life goal, or where we would use this on the trail
  • Ask what was the hardest part? Then close eyes and visualize the good part
• Dismount

Thank you so much for letting me share, Sandy!

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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 judgment!