One of the best seminars I attended at the 2014 PATH Intl Conference was “Preventing Instructor Burnout” on the Community Connections Day. I wanted to share a list of ideas from the discussion in hopes that it will help everyone everywhere struggling with these issues. (Source) From “Interactive Forum for Preventing Instructor Burnout” by Jennifer E. Donahue, MST, PATH Intl … Continue reading
Observing & Developing your eye
When I started out teaching I often didn’t know what to say, because I didn’t know how to observe and respond accordingly. This post was inspired by a handout I came across a while ago and a recent book I’ve been reading that would have helped me back then! Enjoy! OBSERVATION ob·ser·va·tion – noun : … Continue reading
The 6 Stations Activity
This lovely game comes from Susie Bjorkland of Freedom Farm in Minnesota, where she teaches all of the lessons in groups of 4. I met her at the PATH Intl Conference and she was kind enough to share some great activities with me! She also was the 2014 Region 6 PATH Intl Certified Professional of the Year – … Continue reading
Fun Video Friday: Exercises for Balance
This is a super cute video. Like all videos, take it with a grain of salt. And talk like them for the rest of the day! **************** 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 … Continue reading
Good Hands and Arms
I found this fascinating article on “The Arms and the Hands” by Laura Martlock at The Mane Street. I reorganized it in a way it’s easier for me to remember. Enjoy! Good Hands and Arms This seems to be the order of progression: Bad Hands Almost everyone starts off with bad hands due to human instinct: WHY The … Continue reading
Communication Techniques for Low/Nonverbal Riders
One of my favorite seminars from the PATH Intl. 2014 Conference was “Dynamic Collaboration: Maximizing Communication During Therapeutic Riding,” given by Karyn Lewis Searcy, M.A. CCC-slp and Director of Crimson Center for Speech & Language, and Kaitlyn Siewert of R.E.I.N.S. Therapeutic Horsemanship Program. Their information was exactly what I’ve been needed to help me with many … Continue reading
Fun Video Friday: The Aspergers “Sensory Funnel”
I thought this was very interesting, and pertains to what we do with horses! Enjoy! The Aspergers “Sensory Funnel” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7MCIiPumEQg **************** 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 … Continue reading
Grooming Tools & Tack Games
Grooming Game 1. Halt at the barrel. Which number comes first? 2. #1 – the Curry Comb! (however, I flipped them all over for you to see what they are) 3. Go to the other barrel – do something to practice the skill on the way (weave cones, walk between poles, trot, etc.). Bring the … Continue reading
The Silent Stop
I was reminded recently of this technique I’ve seen several therapists use during hippotherapy, and wanted to share, because I forgot how much I love it! The Silent Stop Silently ask the leader to stop the horse with a little stopping motion of your hand. Give the rider a few moments to realize what has … Continue reading
The importance of waiting
Last week I attended the PATH Intl 2014 Conference in San Diego! Never been to a conference before + husband did his undergrad in San Diego = a good reason to go. On top of that, I met a bunch of great people, have lots of notes for future blog posts, and missed the midwest’s … Continue reading