One of our instructors in training used stations in her lesson the other day, and it reminded me of how useful they are. When you have several riders, it can help to make stations in the arena where they work on something, either until finished then find another station, or until you ask them to … Continue reading
Filed under Patterns …
Arena Figures
What are Figures? Figures are “prescribed paths a horse is ridden on in a riding arena…[which] provides markers that can help indicate the correctness in the size or shape of a figure” (wikipedia). Why gives rider feedback about their own skills (a poor circle may indicate the rider sits crooked) gives rider feedback about their … Continue reading
Shapes Pattern
Here is a simple game I did a few weeks ago. It can be modified in a million ways! Props: 3 upright or T poles in triangle 4 tall cones in square 8 small cones in circle 4 cards depicting the shapes to be made around the items Arena setup should be as follows, with … Continue reading
Trail Pattern & Leg Yield
Yesterday was the last day of the session, so I wanted to do something extra fun. It was also very hot, so we couldn’t trot. Therefore I made a long trail course! I used it to teach them various obstacles they might encounter on a real outdoor trail ride, as well as work on the specific … Continue reading
Cone Weaving Pattern
This is a nice cone weaving progression pattern. Steering progression: Introduce/Review direct rein steering. Teach how to adjust rein pressure depending on how tight a turn you need. Practice: weave just the wide cones, at the walk, working on direct rein steering Weave the wide cone and the narrow cones Weave the wide, narrow, and … Continue reading
Obstacle Course + Grooming Tools
This is a nice activity I did with my students this week: Arena setup: 2 barrels 1 bucket with grooming tools on the first barrel 1 bucket empty on the second barrel 1 ground pole (or more if desired) 4 weaving cones Woah at the barrel. Get a grooming tool. Have rider take a grooming … Continue reading
Simple Steering Patterns
This simple set-up can be used in a few different ways to teach steering. Mix and combine them as you see fit! The following is one example of progression for direct rein steering. You can also use this pattern to teach neck reining, steering leg aids, and bending. Arena Set Up 2 barrels, one on … Continue reading
3 Step Pattern
The 3 step pattern is great! Put any number of obstacles in the arena and give your student 3 to do in a row, and repeat the pattern to work on your goal. I like it best to work on steering, memory, and/or independence. Arena Set Up: 4 cones in a line 2 parallel poles … Continue reading
Lesson Plan: Butterfly Pattern for Woah and Direct Rein Steering
Preparation: Student: hindered upper and lower body strength, problems with balance and coordination Goals: increase lower body strength, gain riding independence through rein use Objective: Student will demonstrate direct rein steering through the butterfly pattern 2x with no verbal prompts, with 1 leader 3 ft away and 2 sidewalkers at ankle hold. Arena Setup: 6 … Continue reading
Gymkhana Lesson 4: The Flag Race & The Egg and Spoon Class
This is another example of using the same arena set up for 2 back to back classes. Many instructors teach the same pattern class after class. But sometimes you want to use different patterns, such as to teach different skills. In this case my Student 1 has an hour lesson that overlaps two half hour lessons, … Continue reading