This is a nifty little video about the classical seat, some common problems, and exercises to help fix them. Very basic, but good for the beginning instructor, and the visual learner! If that doesn’t work, use this URL: http://www.videojug.com/film/how-to-improve-your-classical-seat-in-horse-riding Enjoy! **************** Note: This is not professional advice, this is a blog. I am not liable for … Continue reading
Group Arena Management
There are some ways to use the arena that make teaching larger groups more manageable. Here are some I’ve seen and wanted to share. Keep riders together so you can see all of them at all times, and they all can hear you. If they get too far or close to each other, instruct them … Continue reading
Communication Tools & Strategies
Want to know the basics of communicating with your riders? In particular, those with verbal and non verbal learning disabilities, sensory and ASD issues? Well there is a GREAT powerpoint presentation called “Communication Tools & Strategies” by Susan Lutz that was presented at the Region 5 2012 conference. You can find the info in 2 … Continue reading
Speech Disabilities in Therapeutic Riding
Sometimes you will get students with speech disabilities. While the TR Instructor is not a speech therapist – your purpose is to teach riding skills – there are certain adaptations you need to make and things you can do to help communication. I wanted to share some resources I have found so far about working … Continue reading
How to become a Certified Therapeutic Horseback Riding Instructor
(source) The following was written in February 2013 based on my experience with the certification process August 2011 to March 2012. I will try to keep this current, but as time goes on there may be some changes. My passion is helping people do things I had a hard time doing myself, so I hope … Continue reading
“5 Themed Lesson Plans that Work” article
PATH Intl. has posted the handouts from the 2012 Conference at the 2012 PATH Conference Handouts website! One of them is the handout “5 Themed Lesson Plans that Work”. It present 5 Themed Units with 5 Lessons each, resulting in 25 Lesson Plans! The 5 themes are: Drill Team Western Dressage Challenge Course Cavaletti Gymkhana It also includes these … Continue reading
Skills Articles
I recently discovered this list of articles about riding. It’s a great collection of short 1-2 page articles about many of the skills you teach your students. They come from the Meredith Manor equestrian college and their school of thought. I have found them very helpful and easy to understand. Click below or use the … Continue reading
Fun Video Friday: Clydesdales
Sometimes on Friday I post some video I find funny or interesting, and that probably has nothing to do with Therapeutic Riding except that it makes you smile, and smiling is therapeutic 🙂 This one may be long, but it’s definitely worth the watch! [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=si7p23Nex-g] (source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=si7p23Nex-g) p.s. I know it’s Saturday…oops! **************** Note: This is … 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
Game: Horse Basketball Drills
This is a game sent in by Steph, an instructor at Bit by Bit TRC in Oologah, Oklahoma. Thanks so much, Steph! Horse Basketball Drills Steph writes, “I thought I’d send in a fun game our students enjoy playing: horse basketball drills. Most students know what basketball is and have some idea how it works, thanks … Continue reading