Lessons In TR

Summer is in full swing! Can you smell the fly spray? Speaking of summer, here is a game we used to play at regular summer camp that I think would be fun to adapt to group riding lessons or as a camp activity. Enjoy!

Four Corners

Setup

• Create multiple choice questions.
• Put big signs for A, B, C and D in the 4 corners of the arena. Or just use the dressage letters.

Activity

• First review arena awareness and how far away to stay from each other’s horses, since we will be gathering in groups in corners of the arena.
• Ask a multiple choice questions. The answer options correspond with the 4 corners/letters in the arena.
• The students ride to the corner/letter they think is the right answer.
• Reveal the right answer.

Uses

• During warmup to check in: “How are you feeling today? If you’re feeling great, go to corner A. If you’re feeling down, go to corner B.” etc.
• As review at the end of the lesson – ask questions based on the skill taught.
• As review of horse knowledge taught during the lesson or at camp.

Variations

• Write the questions on cards and put them in a bucket. Have the students take turns picking the next question out of the bucket.
• If you have a lot of students and they are able, give one or two the role of “Fibber” who can go to any corner in order to throw off the other students. This encourages students to think for themselves and not just follow others. At the end reveal the Fibbers and discuss how they influenced everyone’s decisions.
• The students who chose the correct answer get a point. Keep track on a white board, give them a clip to put on their horse’s mane for each point, etc. Whoever has the most points wins.

Note I haven’t actually played this game on horseback, just at regular summer camp, so if you use it, let me know how it goes!

I also want to share a question asked by a reader in case anyone can help her (because I can’t): “Can anyone help me? I am looking for 2 videos that were recommended to me but I can’t find. One is a mounting video by Anthony Busana from the Shea Center and the other is a walking simulation video by Pipa Hodge.” If you know what she’s talking about, please leave a comment below!

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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!