Here is a simple pattern to use for steering. Set up the arena with barrels or poles like this: Teach steering. Practice steering by walking on the rail and making circles around the barrels closest to the rail, one on each side. Do this both directions. Progress to the Figure 8s gymkhana pattern: Enjoy! **************** … Continue reading
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Adaptations and Teaching Techniques for Riders with Severe Disabilities, Part 4: Skills & Activities
Adaptations and Teaching Techniques for Riders with Severe Disabilities, Part 4: Skills & Activities So far I have given notes on the physical and cognitive challenges of severely disabled riders, and the adaptations and support you can use to help teach them how to ride. Now we will discuss the actual riding skills to teach … Continue reading
Clips for Exercises and Steering
Clips, clothespins, and barrettes – oh my! Clips, clothespins, and barrettes are great tools to use in lessons! For exercises you can have the rider put them on their horse’s mane or on the saddle pad, then take them back off. Here is a picture of clips in a mini’s mane (imagine it on … Continue reading
Stations
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
3 Step Turn – direct rein steering, bending
I have been doing this a lot lately with my students through whatever activity we are doing. The 3 Step Turn In it’s simplest form: Start the turn Turn Finish the turn For a beginner (direct rein and looking): Start the turn – turn your horse’s nose the direction you want them to go – … Continue reading
Teddy Bear Picnic / Weaving / Serpentines
This is a game I learned from some instructors where I work now. Teddy Bear Picnic Arena setup: 4 cones down both walls, across from each other 4 beanie babies spread out on the fence on the near end of the arena 1 barrel at the far end of the arena with a towel on … 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
The Natural Aids
I have learned through watching others to teach students how to ride a horse in an order like this: 1. how to woah (pull reins back to hips) 2. how to walk on (say “walk on”, give a squeeze, hands forward – number of aids depends on student) 3. how to steer (pull direct rein … Continue reading