This holiday season most of my Christmas shopping and attempts at posting have been done in the middle of the night on my phone while nursing baby (don’t judge). During that time I’ve also discovered many interesting links and gifts I want to share with you!
But First, Some News
Book sales will be closed for 3 weeks during the holidays, from December 18 – January 9. So if you want to buy one for a gift, get it within the next few days!
Now A Few Links
~ Have you seen the latest brief from PATH Intl about the new Registered Therapeutic Riding Instructor Certification process and why they are removing the riding test? I thought it was really well explained and appreciate how transparent they are being about their decisions. While I understand why they made that decision, I’m on the fence about whether I like it.
~ Your lesson horses are desensitized for therapeutic riding, but are they bombproof? Here’s a list of things to add to your horse training checklist.
~ Love this ground pole exercise.
~ I love these Flip Flop Faces and Emotion Cushions, you could sprinkle them around the arena and have the riders get the one that matches their feelings today, or play Feelings Frisbee as described at the very end of this powerpoint.
~ Have you heard of clicker training for people? Check out this article on using TAG teach (Teaching with Acoustical Guidance) to help a rider with autism keep their helmet on. Some good ideas even if you don’t use the clicker.
Christmas Gift Ideas 2018
Still don’t know what you want or what to get for your horsie friend? Check these out! (I’m not getting paid at all for these, I just like to do it 🙂 Oh, and add browsing Etsy to what I look at on my phone while nursing…)
~ Any (ok, all!) of these DVDs by the Certified Horseman’s Association about riding and instructing.
~ This print.
~ I’m obsessed with horse cameos.
~ This T-shirt.
~ The best saddle pad ever. (It makes you go really fast.)
~ I love halter/bridle name tags.
~ Stemless wine glass for equestrians. How much have you had?
One Last Thing
If you celebrate Christmas, read this article on Redeeming the Anticipation of Christmas. It’s been on my mind a lot this holiday season.
Thank you all for reading my blog! I wish I could have posted more this second half of the year but that’s just not how the cards fell. But don’t worry, I’ll keep at it as I’m able – I am definitely not at a loss of things to share! I wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
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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!
Thank you so much for this post that includes brilliant games and exercises that also clearly explain their purpose and effect on some very common rider issues e.g. a rider who is not centered in the saddle and leans to left or right.
Just wanted to thank you and let you know how much I aporeciate your thoughtful work.
Happy Christmas and Healthy 2019!!!
Thank you Jill! That is so encouraging. I hope you have a good holiday and new year too!
I recently found your blog and love all the ideas for games. I just started my own blog to share more about therapeutic riding and would love your insight!
Hi Lena, I’m glad you like the blog, and I’m excited you are starting your own! There are very few resources out there online for equine assisted therapy, so the more the merrier. Your blog looks great and I’m excited to see it grow! I’ll add it to my resource page of links!
Not sure what insight to give other than to write what you know and are passionate about and whoever needs the info will find you 🙂 Best of luck with it! LMK if you have any particular questions and I’ll gladly help.