I have several riders this session that are working on lateral balance, not leaning, and initiating or helping their horse turn by using their eyes to look in that direction and eventually the reins. The other day I started using this pattern and discovered a whole lot of progressive uses for it. This time I … Continue reading
Tagged with Steering …
Figure 8s Gymkhana Pattern
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
Using your body to steer, and stabilizing the hands
Here is a lesson I taught today for a rider who tends to use her hands to balance and steer a lot. I came in with the goal of teaching her to ride more with her body than her hands (not the most specific, I know) with some ideas, and worked on the fly with … Continue reading
Red Light Green Light Extreme
Here is a fun version of Red Light Green Light our volunteers created: obstacle course style! Setup: two obstacle courses down the quarter lines, using things like upright poles, knocked oer cones, barrels, etc. one “start” cone at the beginning of the course, one “end” cone at the end of the course (or if you … Continue reading
4 Obstacle Course Patterns
Here are 4 new obstacle course patterns that I have seen used at our barn lately. Obstacle Course Patterns #1 #2 #3 #4 (The yellow star marks a convenient place to stand so you can always see everyone.) Bonus: Example Lesson Plan! Lesson Plan for Pattern #4: Direct and Indirect Rein Steering Safety Check Mount … Continue reading
Circle Exercises for Steering, Rating Speed, Bending and Canter Departs
Last weekend I attended the Midwest Horse Fair in Wisconsin. It is my favorite version of continued education! I saw a seminar by Jonathan Field using a circle pattern I thought would be good the share with you all. Enjoy! Circle Exercises for Steering, Rating Speed, Bending and Canter Departs From the seminars on “Active Neutral” … Continue reading
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
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
Lesson Plan: Matching Cards & Pole Weaving Activity
Once you have a set of matching cards, there are so many uses…here is another one! Supplies: 1 barrel 4 cones setup in square 4 weaving poles Matching cards (for resources see Matching Card Games post) – one set on the barrel, one set on the poles velcro or tape – one set of cards … Continue reading