Everyone speaks to their students differently depending on their personality and their student. Some people like to use different voices for different ages. Some people are lecturers. Some people treat adults like children, or vice versa. And so on. But I want to talk about the actual words you use. These are some general rules of thumb … Continue reading
Helmet Safety
As a therapeutic riding instructor, you are in charge of making sure your student’s helmet if safe and fits, and that your center’s helmets are all in safe and working condition. According to PATH Intl., all participants, volunteers, and personnel must wear protective helmets while mounted, driving. They also recommend wearing helmets when doing groundwork … Continue reading
Region 5 2012 Handouts
Region 5 just had their conference and is so kind as to post their handouts online for everyone to see! The Communication Tools and Strategies especially apply to instructors. Click here for Region 5’s 2012 Handouts **************** Note: This is not professional advice, this is a blog. I am not liable for what you do … Continue reading
In Memory
Today Karly Elizabeth Wahlin passed away, going on to a better a place. She was a beautiful woman with Rett’s Syndrome. Although I never met her, her blog Spirit Dances inspired and informed me when I had a student of my own with Retts, and continues to do so in her passing. Her blog is a wonderful resource for anyone … Continue reading
Fishing Games
Fishing Game from Blazing Prairie Stars The Fishing Game was used at one of the barns I worked at for both Therapeutic Riding and Hippotherapy. Supplies: 3 fish of different colors with magnet noses 1 lake with 3 magnets pieces of matching the fish’s colors 1 fishing pole with magnet on the end Note: The … Continue reading
Wound Care Articles
I just bought my first horse! Well, I actually bought her a month ago. But she finally got trailered down to me, so now it feels like this is for real. She is a 7 year old Rocky Mountain Horse. Her name is Zella Ray. I bought her from once of the therapeutic riding barns … Continue reading
Fun Video Friday: Tonk and the Grizzly Bear
Every 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 🙂 Suggestions for Fun Video Friday can be sent in on the Contact Page! Today’s video is of an interview with Erin Bolster, who was leading … Continue reading
Weak Sides and Adaptations
I was helping with a therapeutic driving workshop today and something they said a few things that apply to teaching therapeutic riding that are logical yet easy to forget. Weak Sides When you have a student with a weaker side: 1. Have the sidewalker (or able-bodied whip, in driving) on their weak side so they … Continue reading
Fun Video Friday: Bareback Jumping
Fun Video Friday a day late 🙂 Every 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 🙂 Suggestions for Fun Video Friday can be sent in on the Contact Page! Today’s video is of bareback … Continue reading
What to Teach – Horsemanship and Groundwork Skills
So far all my posts have emphasized riding skills, but there is more you can teach your students off-horse! Today’s post will give you 2 lists: Horsemanship Skills and Groundwork Skills. Remember that everything must have a purpose. Reasons you may want to teach off-horse skills include: Your student’s long term goal is to graduate from … Continue reading