This is a great idea my coworker recently tried out on one of our more talkative clients. This rider wants to share everything that comes to her mind, to the extent that she doesn’t want to focus on riding, and if it gets too out of control will pout when asked to focus again, or … Continue reading
Tagged with teaching tips …
“PATH Intl’s What, Why and How Method” Handout
This is a lovely handout for teaching the Whats, Hows, and Whys that my friend and coworker Annie Cornett made and let me post! There’s a link at the end to download the Word Doc. Enjoy! PATH Intl’s What, Why and How Method What What: What do you want the client to do specifically? What … Continue reading
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
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
How to Supplement Preparation for Instructor Certification with Video Practice
A huge thank you to today’s guest blogger Karen M. Brittle of HorsesTeach! You all are in for a treat 🙂 How to Supplement Preparation for Instructor Certification with Video Practice Karen M. Brittle In Talent is Overrated: What Really Separates World Class Performers from Everybody Else*, author Geoff Colvin explores the idea that practice … Continue reading
Teaching tips: “First…then…”
This simple technique has helped me a lot. In any situation a rider doesn’t want to cooperate or is confused, explain “First [do this], then [do that].” Then stick to your guns. Repeat and be patient. For example, I have some young riders that get easily distracted or would rather collect beanie babies than practice … Continue reading
The Benefits of Therapeutic Riding and the Influences of the Horse
This is a wonderful explanation of the benefits of TR and how the horse influences the rider! This is a great list for new instructors to become familiar with the processes of therapeutic riding, how to explain it, and how to use it. Check it out! “The Magic of a Horse” by Hoofprints on the … Continue reading
Teaching Tips: Using Words
I did part of my Instructor in Training hours under the a wonderful woman named Carrie who started HorsePower Therapeutic Riding. One of the things I learned from her are a few simple techniques that empower riders to use their words and/or communication skills to do things for themselves. I wanted to share with you some … Continue reading
Independent Seat
What is an independent seat? I’ve come up with this definition (feel free to add your own): An independent seat: rider is connected with and in balance with the horse’s movement, absorbs motion without bouncing, does not rely on the reins for balance, and is able to independently control each leg and hand. It takes … Continue reading
Teaching Tips for Competence and Praises
Some concepts to ruminate on today… “To help our children feel motivated and competent with us, we must first give them work they can achieve rather than unsolvable work. In the field of education, this is often referred to as the 80/20 rule. First give them 80% work they can achieve before giving them the … Continue reading