Here is a puzzle activity for the parts of the bridle that I used a while back!
Set Up
Feel free to download the drawings for your own use during lessons or as a camp activity – click on the images below for a larger version, then right click the image, and click “save as”. The horse head may be colored in and laminated, and the bridle pieces with or without the names can be cut out and laminated too. I’d recommend adding velcro strips to the pieces and the horse to keep the pieces from falling off, and also to serve as hints for where the pieces go.
Activity
I tend to use puzzles in one of two ways, depending on the riders:
1) Hide the pieces around the arena. Then the rider finds the pieces one at a time and returns to the puzzle board to place them.
2) Put the pieces on a barrel, and the puzzle board on the other barrel or a T-pole. Incorporate picking up a piece and putting it on the board into an obstacle course.
Thoughts
I liked this activity but think I could make a better version if I were to use it again. My thoughts:
- Make less pieces. I find when there are more than 3 or 4 puzzle pieces, we don’t have time to find them all!
- Use a picture of a real horse head and bridle instead of drawn, to make it more realistic for the rider to understand what is going on.
- Show the rider the horse’s head and bridle before mounting so they have some context, as I realized that many riders don’t have much time to see the horse’s head and tack, such as those that do not groom or lead their horses but go straight to mounting.
However I have not had the chance to use this activity again, so I have not remade it. Nonetheless, I thought it might provide some inspiration out there!
Have a great weekend!
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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! If you would like to contribute an activity or article, please contact me here, I would love to hear from you!