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 readingTherapeutic Riding
Puzzle Game
What You Need:
Puzzle Board
Puzzle Pieces
*can make or buy
Puzzles are a great activity for fine motor skill development and cognitive development. Puzzles require matching, memorization, and manipulation of fingers and hands. Oftentimes, we play with puzzles off the horse but here’s a way to play on horseback!
Continue readingTrick Or Treat
What You Need:
Buckets
Small objects (toys, horse treats, etc.)
Here’s a fun seasonal game to play with clients on horseback! This is also a great way to use extra volunteers. It requires a little bit of setup but clients of all ages and riding ability will love this game.
Continue readingVolunteer 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.
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The Equine Impact 