How to Mount and Dismount

I have seen many different variations of mounting and dismounting both disabled and able-bodied riders. I recently went through all my notes on this topic and compiled the following detailed descriptions about the ways I learned to mount and read about. I wanted to share because this was one of the hardest things for me … Continue reading →

2013 Wrap Up

A belated Happy New Year to you all! Every year I get this nifty little Blog-Year-In-Review from WordPress. I am always excited to see the results!  Number of views: 66,000 views in 2013 – that’s so much more than 7,800 of 2012! Most popular day: Congratulations, Index! Most popular posts: Interestingly, most people find the blog … Continue reading →

Sensory Trail Resources

This post has been remade into something much better here. **************** 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 … Continue reading →

Movement Development and Stability

At a therapeutic riding conference I attended a few years ago, I heard a chiropractor talk about human development, spinal stability, and therapeutic riding. She was a volunteer at a therapeutic riding barn, and was amazed to see the horse naturally develop in the rider what she worked on in the office. Her explanations were … Continue reading →

Christmas Games

Much thanks to  Carrie of HorsePower Therapeutic Riding for sending in these two great Christmas games with pictures! Letters to Santa 1. Get letter from barrel 2. Inspect it. Who’s it from? The horse! A volunteer! etc. Who’s it to? Santa! 3. Deliver to mailbox! Use those fine motor skills!   Advent Game 1. Whoa at the advent … Continue reading →

Candy Cane Game

Let’s get some winter cheer into this first week of December! The Candy Cane Game Arena Setup 4 snowmen posted at the 4 corners of the arena 3 snowflakes posted around the arena 4 Christmas trees on upright poles spaced for weaving, on the quarterline 3 ground poles spaces for walking or trotting over, on … Continue reading →

Straddle the Horse

I love this… “we tend to think of being on a horse as “sitting” on a horse, when in reality, we actually straddle the horse. If you were straddling something, lets say a small ditch, you would instinctively use your legs to hold your pelvis and upper body directly above your feet, even if you … Continue reading →

The Pony Express

A while ago someone I met at a conference mentioned this activity she heard of to me. She couldn’t remember the specifics, so I’m going to throw out some thoughts. I think it’s a cute idea! The Pony Express The Pony Express was a horseback relay mail delivery service in 1860. With the Gold Rush, so many … Continue reading →