Much of riding is multiple-step directions. Pick up the reins; sit up tall; long legs. These are three basic instructions given to clients, often as one direction. Not all clients can follow multiple, sequential instructions and instructors (and volunteers) need to be able to adjust the way they give directions.
Continue readingPATH International
Volunteer Positions
Therapeutic riding centers are non-profits, run predominantly by volunteers. Instructors and horses could not do this work alone – we need volunteers! There are a number of volunteer positions that are pretty standard across centers and, in case you think it’s all about being with horses, I wanted to outline some other common volunteer opportunities.
Continue readingSidewalker Holds
Is it really October already? Summer flew by and now we’re getting in to the busiest time of the year! I love Fall so I am excited for the change in season and cooler weather. Before I dive in to today’s post, a little programming note: new posts will be coming out every OTHER Thursday until at least the end of the year.
If there is a topic you are interested in, want to learn more about, or have suggestions on please reach out! Email me or comment and I will do my best to put together a post. On to today….
Sidewalkers are one of the most important volunteers in a therapeutic riding program. Sidewalkers are the instructor’s eyes and ears during the lesson and keep clients safe on and around the horse. Sidewalkers are physical and emotional support for clients and clients often look forward to seeing “their” sidewalkers every lesson.
Continue readingManaging a Group
Many therapeutic riding centers offer only private lessons, but there are centers that only offer group lessons or have a mix of group and private. The center I work at has a mix of private and group lessons and the majority of my teaching hours are from groups.
Continue readingWater Fun Relay
What You Need:
Bathing tools
Water bucket
This is a fun summertime game that can incorporate a mounted and unmounted activity. It is very hot here in Colorado and July hasn’t even given us the normal afternoon thunderstorms to cool things down overnight. To make riding a little more bearable in the heat of summer, here’s a fun game to play.
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The Equine Impact 