When you mix with people who are from outside the horse industry, do you feel like they are talking another language? You know that you are highly motivated and serious about horses, but now you can have a bit of a laugh about yourself and pick up on the views of ‘outsiders’. If you are looking for a top quality horse read, check out this hilarious new book from Funny Horse Cartoons and download your free copy now! Funny Horse Cartoons Download Your FREE Copy Now! Pick Up Your FREE Copy Of Funny Horse Cartoons Exposes the Truth! Name*: Email*: Country*:AfghanistanAlbaniaAlgeriaAndorraAngolaAntigua and BarbudaArgentinaArmeniaAustraliaAustriaAzerbaijanBahamas, … [Read more...]
Latest News
Strategies for Settling Competition Nerves
In a highly competitive environment, it is easy to become very critical of others “How could THAT horse win, didn’t the judges see that all the changes to the left were late behind” “She couldn’t sit to the trot to save herself” “Who owns that umbrella? It is scaring my horse!” Instead, we would remain in a far happier state of mind if we were more appreciative of other horse/ rider combinations “I liked the way he rode when he corrected that resistance/ evasion” “Every time I have seen that combination they have continued to improve” “Wow it is raining, what a great opportunity to expose my horse to wet conditions” If you tend to get tense and nervous at competitions, try using these strategies Remember that people have different reasons for riding at the … [Read more...]
Three Rewards for Your Horse
Have you ever noticed how when people ride their horses and reward them all the time, the horses go well for them? There are other riders who are always angry at their horses and give them a hard time. Keep a diary of everything that went well on your ride today, just the best three things and what you did to reward your horse. It could have been a softening of the reins allowing them to have a stretch and a break, a walk break or to finish the work session. When you focus on what went well and the rewards you give your horse on a regular basis, you look forward to your riding and training so much more. … [Read more...]
Your Equine Priorities
If one of your high priorities is to ride your horse, gain an equine qualification or make more profit in your horse business and you haven’t done anything about it in the last twenty-four hours then you may need to re-organize your actions! Research has consistently shown that ‘Overnight Successes’ have been taking continuous action steps towards their goal (of becoming a success) over the preceding months or years. So if you have a horse business that should be more profitable, have been thinking of studying towards your horse career or need to ride your horse more regularly, then make sure you take a step towards that goal every single day! Remember to live your dreams, Glenys :) … [Read more...]
Equine Meditation
Do you enjoy early morning rides with your friends? Then on the day you wake up and realize that your alarm clock didn’t go off and you are now running quite late for your ride? Did you go into a panic, trying to get everything done as fast as you can? Throwing things around, speaking fast or yelling only to forget where you put your boots or keys and then arrive late and blame it on your alarm clock? How does your horse react when you are like this? Do they get upset refusing to co-operate and generally behaving out of character? Or do you focus on working efficiently? Do you ask yourself what absolutely has to be done to be ready on time? Do you plan each move ahead so you know where everything is minutes before you need them? Do you focus on your breathing so your … [Read more...]
How Addictions To Horses Are Created
Horse Addiction I finally worked out why I was addicted to horses! According to Tony Robbins, humans have six basic needs and if they find an activity that satisfies at least four of those needs there is a very strong chance they will become addicted to that activity and find it difficult or impossible to stop. Certainty Uncertainty Significance Connection Growth Contribution I know with me, horses satisfy every one of those needs! No wonder so many other people are also addicted to them! If I have never met a horse before, I can be certain they have characteristics and behaviors that are unique to the horse. At the same time, every horse and every situation is different. Even on a well-trained horse there is always a degree of uncertainty in the way they are going … [Read more...]
Understanding Horses
Have you ever had your foot stood on by a horse? Horses’ brains have been wired to remember the negative/ survival memories. These survival memories have evolved the need to remember danger, potential danger and to act as a herd when another horse is acting suspiciously. They don’t always have the same thought patterns as humans, so if we plan to ride them, train them, teach them and teach with them it is in our best interests to understand them as much as possible. The next time a horse shies, bucks, kicks out or even if one stands on your foot, then try to understand from their point of view what made them do it. Real horse people don’t blame horses; they only continue to deepen their understanding about them. … [Read more...]
Teaching Trot Diagonals
When your student doesn’t understand something (such as trot diagonals), most coaches automatically go back and re-explain in more simplified terms.Part of re-explaining in simplified terms is to break down a complicated skill into steps. As students develop a greater understanding of riding at each level, they are more likely to progress on to the next level without the constant need for revision and to go back and ‘fill in the gaps’. The explanation ‘Just sit each time the shoulder moves back/forward/up/down does not give a student sufficient understanding of trot diagonals. Unless an instructor has a system of how to teach trot diagonals, it can be confusing for their students and anyone watching the lesson. While I may not teach every step every time, these are the steps I … [Read more...]
Equine Goal Setting
When Goals Change At the beginning of each year, we often set goals for the coming year. The number of times each week we are going to ride, how we are going to save up for a new saddle or focus on our competition schedule for the year. We often talk about SMART goals (specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-lined), and also about the steps towards achieving your goals (define what you want, know what you have, plan how you are going to get there and take action at least every day towards achieving your goals). Then it rains, going out with friends becomes a higher priority than the new saddle and the nominations closebefore you put in your entries. Goals were never meant to be set in stone! They should be flexible, reflect your values, your dreams and your … [Read more...]
Centrelink Horse Course
Centrelink Assistance for EA Trainees Many EA (Equestrian Australia) Trainees are not aware that they are able to access Centrelink Assistance while they are training for horse qualifications or in the equine industry. While Equestrian Australia is not able to provide this assistance to trainees directly, EA Coach Educator Glenys Cox offers aligned Centrelink approved courses so you can receive a horse related educational qualification at the same time as your EA qualifications. With prices around $5.a day, these courses are ideal for those on a budget. The courses are all delivered online, so your study time is flexible and can be completed around your other commitments. For more information, please phone Glenys Cox on (07) 3102 5498 or email Glenys @ OnlineHorseCollege.com... … [Read more...]
What Horse Riding Instructors Should Never Do?
I love this part of the story from 'The Man Who Listens to Horses' by Monty Roberts: ‘I want you to think about this very carefully’….. ‘It should be like painting a picture of your lives in the future, as if all your ambitions had been realised.’ I was in my last year of high school, and this was one of the first projects we were set to do. I turned in what I thought was a good paper….It was a ground plan and associated paperwork for the running of a thoroughbred racehorse facility. Five days later the paper was returned to me with an F….. ‘It is a wild, unattainable dream. That is why I gave it a failing grade…..I know your family background; it would just not be possible….change it to an appropriate level’. Years Later . . . It was a beautiful summers day when the coach … [Read more...]
Horses, Ponies and Pecking Orders
I was at a friends place and they were having problems keeping their pony confined. As we were talking the pony trotted up the full of high expectations, just like it was his birthday and he was about to receive his presents. With a big smile on his face he turned away from us, trotted up to the fence and in mid-trot he put his head down to the place he escaped from the day before to push his way through. WHACK!!! He connected with the new electric fence! He dropped to hs knees, snorted, picked himself up and spun away, indignantly kicking out towards the fence. Then he looked at the spot he came from for a long minute as though he was searching for a trick that just wouldn't reveal itself! Finally he tossed his head as if to say “I will show you” and trotted off down … [Read more...]
How many horse ‘accidents’ can be prevented!
I just heard the police minister talking about how rarely a real ‘accident’ happens and that most are caused by preventable actions like drink driving, speeding and fatigue Many horse accidents can also be prevented. Accidents can be caused by unsafe handling and riding, mismatch of horse and rider/handler, inexperienced/ untrained instructors or complete lack of supervision by a competent person So . . . when you are about to do something with your horse, or give an instruction to some-one else about a horse . . . just take a moment to think about what could possibly go wrong and what you could do to make it safer That way, you can prevent those ‘accidents’ happening Happy (and safe) Riding, Glenys :-) … [Read more...]
Hendra Virus Vaccine
Attention: Horse Owners! Hendra Virus Vaccination Now Available! Australian horse owners received the news on 1st November 2012 that the vaccination Equivac® HeV vaccine was now available. The deadly Hendra virus has claimed the lives of 81 horses. While there is no known cure for Hendra virus, the Equivac® HeV vaccine will assist in breaking the transmission cycle of this potentially lethal virus. Media release Vaccine arrives to boost the fight against deadly Hendra virus Thursday, 01 November 2012 Download this media release as a PDF Brisbane, Australia – 01 November 2012: From today, Australian horse owners and the equine industry will receive an important boost in their fight against the deadly Hendra virus with the … [Read more...]
Uncharacteristic Behaviour in Horses
Price is always a consideration when buying an asset for a business. So when his owner told me that he was selling him cheap because he won’t ‘tuck his head in’ and he throws his head around even after his teeth has been attended to, I was interested. His mouth and back seemed fine so the next step was to ride him. Sure enough, as soon as he started to go forward with a focus on energy, rhythm and tempo with a few bending and flexing exercises then he responded positively. As I said . . . we have a lovely big chestnut school horse called Sunny. We were able to buy him at a very good price because I recognized that the throwing of his head was a response to him not being ridden correctly. The way he was being ridden was the real problem. Horses communicate in all sorts of … [Read more...]
How Does You Experience With Horses Influence Your Opinion On ‘Best Practice’
Have you ever returned from a competition late at night, with two horses to unload, five horses to rug/blanket and feed with three tired, cranky young children in the car? I have! As much as I know about the theory of bringing the horses into an enclosed area and tying them up while their rug is put on, we all tend to take short cuts when we are in a hurry. Especially with horses that we know and trust! On one of these occasions, I fed the horses and while they were eating I put the rugs on. The last one was a young stallion. Just as I had the rug half on, one of the children woke up and started crying. The stallion was unsettled with the strange noise, and he galloped off. Luckily I had done up the back leg straps first, so after a quick buck and kick out, the rug … [Read more...]
First 5 Tips For Teaching Children’s Horse Riding Lessons
If you were one of the people who took our recent survey, THANK YOU! In particular, if you were one of the people who asked for some tips for teaching children then this series of tips for teaching children’s horse riding lessons has been written for you! 1. Keep Children Active And Moving Children like active riding lessons with maximum participation. Once they have learnt their A, B & C’s (attitude, balance and control) they generally love to canter and jump. They like to keep moving, but rather than having the ride go in single file behind one leader for the whole lesson try these suggestions - change leaders - go into and out of open order - leading files in succession to perform a specific arena movement - two rides in single file going in opposite … [Read more...]
Teaching Children To Ride Horses
Tips For Teaching Children’s Horse Riding Lessons If you were one of the people who took our recent survey, THANK YOU! In particular, if you were one of the people who asked for some tips for teaching children then this series of tips for teaching children’s horse riding lessons has been written for you! 1. Keep Children Active And Moving In Their Riding Lessons Children like active riding lessons with maximum participation. Once they have learnt their A, B & C’s (attitude, balance and control) they generally love to canter and jump. They like to keep moving, but rather than having the ride go in single file behind one leader for the whole lesson try these suggestions - change leaders - go into and out of open order - leading files in succession … [Read more...]
The Olympic Question
How often do you meet young riders who want to ride in the Olympics? I love to encourage anyone who sets themselves high goals, but I also like to know if people are serious or if they are just dreaming. Some of the questions I may ask would be . . . what year do you plan to compete in your first Olympics? Tell me about your written step-by-step plan. Some one who is really serious about competing at an elite level could include regular visualization into their daily plan. In this visualization they would picture their lifestyle, what time they wake up, how many horses they ride and compete and what elite level competitions they would be ride at. They would have also worked out the finances for their competitive career and either have a sponsor/ owner or a sound, … [Read more...]
This Is A Good Example Why Lesson Plans And Training Plans Should Be Flexible And Adaptable
I remember the first time I taught Doris. She was a middle-aged woman, not particularly athletic and a little overweight. Her first three lessons were cancelled at the last minute so when the fourth lesson came around I was almost surprised that she turned up. She took ages to get ready and the lesson time was half over when she was eventually mounted. I knew that she was scared. Her breathing was rapid, she was shaking and her acknowledgement of hearing my questions was non-existent. I talked calmly to her about the horse she was riding, told her a couple of stories of other riders he had helped and just kept chatting to her in a one way conversation. Eventually she started nodding and communicating when I asked her a question. After another ten minutes or so (and after … [Read more...]
The Reason Why It Is Simple But Not Easy To Ride,Teach Or Have An Equine Business
When you meet someone who has had no experience with horses, do they ask you “Is it simple to ride a horse?” I usually reply that it is simple, but not easy! Simple means that there is a step-by-step process to learn the A, B, C’’s (Attitude, Balance, Control) to minimize the risk and to maximize the effort. But if you think it is easy, then no! If you want to ride horses then you should have the right - attitude to challenge yourself both mentally and physically often further than you have ever done before - balance to stay on top of a moving, living animal that can go right, left, forward, backward, up and down in a split second with no warning - control to move this animal by a light touch to your wishes, often against their own wishes and … [Read more...]
Are You Half Way Towards Achieving The Goals You Set Six Months Ago?
Are you half way towards achieving the goals you set six months ago? This is a great time of year to reflect on those New Year’s Resolutions. But if you haven’t saved for that saddle yet, or your competition plan isn’t going as expected . . . are you going to extend the timeline for another year? Instead of changing the timeline, why not change your strategy? If you have truly tried your best to work consistently towards your New Year’s Resolutions, but have come up against an unexpected vet bill or a lameness that means you horse needs some time off then don’t use this as an excuse to extend your timeline. Changing the timeline can develop into a bad habit so it is far more preferable to change your strategy! Changing the strategy may mean that you spend less to budget … [Read more...]
Are You or Do You Know Of An Experienced Horse Riding Instructor?
If you are an experienced horse riding instructor and you have been waiting to ‘Beta’ test the new course then please keep reading . . . When people use visualization techniques, I encourage them to fantasize about their huge competition goals and what they can accomplish in their equine businesses. However sometimes I still hear negative rather than positive wishing . . . - ‘I wish I had more money to spend on a new saddle’ - ‘I wish I didn’t have to work so far away, I never get time to ride’ - ‘I wish I had an indoor arena to ride in’ Don’t wish, do something about it! The main thing is to work with what is available now. Then if your current commitments are restricting you from achieving your goals, find another way. If you really have your priorities right … [Read more...]
The Two Sides of Motivation
We often associate motivation with physical energy. A motivated rider is one who is up early and always rides, usually a number of horses. A motivated instructor creates engaging lessons and continues to learn and improve their teaching skills To balance this physical energy there must be thought and a period of quiet reflection and planning A motivated rider/ instructor trainer will use this time to reflect on what worked well and how to incorporate this in their plans for the future Remember to plan well and stay motivated! Happy Riding, Glenys :-) … [Read more...]
Three Principles/Strategies to Help You with Your Equine Success!
Recently someone asked me to name three main principles or strategies that I would recommend to people who would like to have a successful career with horses. Instead of just replying, I made a video. If you have ‘liked’ http://www.Facebook.com/OnlineHorseCollege then you may have already seen it. Otherwise, here is the link http://youtu.be/5Glf_dzrycU I would love you to check it out! Happy Riding, Glenys :-) … [Read more...]
Do You Enjoy Early Morning Rides With Your Friends?
Have you ever woken up to realize that your alarm clock didn’t go off and you are now running quite late for your ride? Did you go into a panic, trying to get everything done as fast as you can? Throwing things around, speaking fast or yelling only to forget where you put your boots or keys? Then do you arrive late and blame it on your alarm clock? How did your horse react when you were like this? Do they get upset, refusing to co-operate and generally behaving out of character? Or did you focus on working efficiently? When something like this happens, do you ask yourself what absolutely has to be done to be ready on time? Do you plan each move ahead so you know where everything is minutes before you need them? Do you focus on your breathing so your thoughts remain … [Read more...]
What Would You Do With Your Horse In This Situation?
In a place where I used to work, one of the horses (Sunshine) was injured. After months of treatment and rehabilitation it became painfully obvious that Sunshine would never recover properly. Tom (the owner of the business) decided that the best thing would be to have Sunshine put down, but Bec (the girl who looked after the horse through his ordeal) disagreed. ‘But he is such a kind horse, I will take him and look after him’ ‘He will cost you a fortune and you will never be able to ride him’ said Tom ‘That is ok, I just want to let him live his life in peace’ After much begging and pleading, Tom gave Sunshine to Bec and that could have been the end to this story. However, a couple of years later I caught up with Bec . . . “I will never forgive Tom for giving me … [Read more...]
Have You Taken Your Horse Here?
Have you ever taken one of your beginner students or a young horse to a small unofficial club day so they can gain experience? Did they go out and build their confidence, learn a lot and totally enjoy their experience? What about the judges? Did they judge every class correctly and fairly, following ring etiquette and competition rules while acting like experienced polished professionals? No? Were they inconsistent with their scoring, unfamiliar with the rules or totally unprofessional? Remember that beginner judges need the small unofficial days as well. They need them to gain confidence, learn a lot and enjoy their experience. Many talented people stop judging because they have been abused and treated unfairly by competitors and their supporters. Judges and officials … [Read more...]
When You Have a Difficult Horse or Student, What is Your Strategy?
Recently I was talking to an instructor friend of mine about a particular student, the type that others may call ‘difficult’. “I love this student!” he said. My teaching skills improve every time I give them a riding lesson. He then went on to explain that he used his coaching and communication skills much more than with other students, and continually thought about a progressive pathway while clearly communicating what was required. Then if they student didn’t give the anticipated response, he said that he enjoyed combining his patience with ‘thinking outside the square’ of his normal coaching skills and coming up with inventive new ideas about communicating his message. How do you react when you have problems with a difficult student or a difficult horse? Happy … [Read more...]
Your checklist for Your Horse’s Satisfaction Rating
Methods to measure students’ satisfaction during their riding lessons are fairly well researched, but the horses’ satisfaction in their lessons is also important. Children may jump out of the car and quickly find their favorite horse to say ‘hello’, does your horse have their ears pricked and look forward to visits from humans? When a student is getting ready for their riding lesson they could be excited about their lessons. While you may not want your horse to be excited, are they entering the arena pleasantly without napping, snarling their face or swishing their tail? Even when a student is concentrating on improving their riding, they should be enjoying themselves. Does your horse understand what you ask and do their best to perform? A keen student will want to continue … [Read more...]
Do You Ask Yourself These Questions
Just as ‘getting the basics right’ is important for the training of a horse in any discipline, knowledge of 'the basics' is probably even more important for teaching. When I say the basics, I mean safety. As I prepare lessons for my Horse Riding Instructor students, I watch countless videos of riding lessons as well as people riding and handling horses. I look for examples of the correct thing to do, but I see so many that are are ‘accidents waiting to happen!' where people are constantly putting themselves in dangerous situations with horses. As you work around your horse, ride or teach remember to continually ask yourself ‘What would happen if . . .?' If you are teaching some one or are legally responsible for them, there is another question. 'If the worst happened, … [Read more...]
Final Step to Achieve Your Horse Related Goals
This final video in this series brings together the final step to achieve your horse riding, equestrian teaching and equine career study goals. In the video we discuss the 'Get Ready, Get Set and Go' of this step to make your horse related goals into a reality! Remember to view the three videos in this series Video One - What Are Your Horse Riding, Teaching and Study Goals? Video Two - Plan Your Horse Riding, Teaching and Study Goals! Video Three - Achieve Your Horse Riding, Teaching and Study Goals! Happy Riding, Glenys :-) (Ms) Glenys Cox Director - Online Horse College P.S. Just in case you missed the previous videos :-) … [Read more...]
How Many Goals Have You Achieved?
Remember last January, when you set your goals to achieve for the year? How many have you achieved? Competition results? Riding? Studying? Training? Teaching? Or simply learning more about horses and other horse related projects? Are there any that you need just a little ‘push’ to complete? Maybe a horse training book that you had planned to read or a horse course that you were going to enrol in? If you can complete them in the next few weeks to add to your list of achievements for this year, how are you going to feel? Are there other goals that are just not going to happen this year? The number of competitions are restricted, or it could be because of an injury or other physical limitations? If these are goals that you truly desire, then move the timeline to achieve … [Read more...]
Teaching Canter Video
If you were one of the people who used the techniques I suggested for teaching trot, thanks for your positive feedback! When you teach some-one how to perform a skill it makes you analyze the whole process in a lot more depth. So when I am training some-one how to teach a skill I analyze both the skill development and the teaching process in a lot more depth. People have been asking me about teaching canter to beginners, so I have made this video with some tips on both the skill development of the learner and the teaching process for the horse riding instructor. Click Here For A Video With Tips On Teaching Canter Students enrolled in our new updated courses will have access to these videos and many more as part of their Student Resources. If you enroll now, you can save … [Read more...]
Teaching Confidence
I have some potentially bad news for you below. But first... Thanks again for those who have sent me the positive feedback on the tips for teaching trot and canter to complete beginners. Now for those horse riding instructors who would like to have some tips on teaching confidence. How often do you talk to someone who has lost their confidence on a horse? Sure you have. We ALL have! Why? There are many reasons why people lose their confidence! They may have only been on a horse once, or they could have ridden when they were younger or have a bad memory with a horse. Click Here For The Free Video On Teaching Horse Riding Confidence Watch this short video I've prepared for you because I reveal some tips for teaching your riders to be confident in any situations! Now, for the bad news... It … [Read more...]
Ask Yourself These Two Important Questions…
Regular self reflection is essential if you would like to continually improve your horse riding and teaching skills. First you ask you horse/student to perform a movement/ transition. The next step is to ask your self these two important questions. “Did they understand what I was asking?” “What could I have done to improve the communication?” It could be that you need to be more subtle or clearer, or it could even be that you need another visual/ sound/ feel cue to support your message. Go through the process again . . . ask, self reflect, then ask again and self reflect again . . . and again and again . . . Continual improvement will mean that you will be open to ideas, explore other riding/ teaching techniques, and most importantly realise that every horse is unique … [Read more...]
Remember Black Beauty?
Remember Black Beauty, the timeless classic written by Anna Sewell? http://studyhorses.com/fhs/ebks/Ebook-Black-Beauty.pdf There are some words in that book about the first time Black Beauty had a bit in his mouth. I remember them every time I am on a sensitive horse with a ‘fussy’ mouth. “Those who have never had a bit in their mouths cannot think how bad it feels; a great piece of cold hard steel as thick as a man's finger to be pushed into one's mouth, between one's teeth, and over one's tongue, with the ends coming out at the corner of your mouth, and held fast there by straps over your head, under your throat, round your nose, and under your chin; so that no way in the world can you get rid of the nasty hard thing; it is very bad! yes, very bad! “ We, as humans choose to … [Read more...]
What Do You Look For In a Horse?
Just as there are all types of people, there are all types of horses. Some people might prefer a sensitive, high strung horse and others will like a horse that tends to be lazy. From ‘ideal’ to ‘just terrible’, it could also be the way you are looking at them. Are you always finding fault with every horse or do you look for the good points as well? When you look at a horse, do you see faults like a big ugly head, legs that aren’t straight and lack of movement? For a balanced perspective do you also see good points like kind eyes, strong hooves and comfortable trot? They may not be the horse you are looking for at the moment, but if you are someone who really loves and appreciates horses, there will always be something about every horse that you like! Happy … [Read more...]
What is Your Riding/ Teaching Philosophy?
I have had some fantastic feedback from the video interview with Jen Hamilton . . . you know, the one that the survey participants received... Jen has a great philosophy which is to use a sympathetic approach to encourage riders to become 'Students of the Sport” help riders understand the what, why and how of what they are doing produce thinking riders and horsemen/women who understand horses and can communicate with them in a clear simple language be able to problem solve by reading and evaluating the horse’s reactions in order to help do its job to the best of its ability Do you have a philosophy for either your horse activities, you teaching activities or both? If you have one, I would love to hear it! Happy Riding, Glenys :-) … [Read more...]
Windy Days Horse Problems
Horses are notorious for being ‘fresh’ and ‘excitable’ on windy days. These reactions are part of the reason that horses have evolved and are still alive in the twenty-first century. They have survived by being ‘on guard’ against predators as their sense of smell and hearing has been minimised by the wind. Learn to look at the world through your horse’s eyes. Remember why your horse is ‘on guard’ on windy days so understand them, accept that they will behave differently and be ready! If you are not confident to ride on these days, take the time to improve your ground work or lunging skills. Live your passion and enjoy your horse, Glenys :-) … [Read more...]
World Famous Equestrian Coach – Jen Hamilton
I love giving you practical info to about horses, horse riding and teaching and of course I love getting your valuable feedback and encouragement! So to continue to give you the info you need, please take 2 minutes to answer a few simple questions. https://www.onlinehorsecollege.com/wp/survey/ Then as my way of saying 'Thank you' for taking the short survey you will receive a free copy of a candid interview I did with one of the worlds highest qualified equestrian coach and coach educator/ trainer - Jen Hamilton In this interview, Jen gives some practical answers to some burning questions many horse riding instructors and aspiring horse riding instructors ask. Questions like: What qualities are needed to become a horse riding instructor? How can a good horse riding … [Read more...]
Do You Have What It Takes To Be a Good Riding Instructor or Horse Trainer?
Being a good teacher or a good trainer is not just about doing things ‘by the book’. Going in to teach a lesson armed with a lesson plan, or preparing for a competition with constant referral to a training plan can stop you from seeing what is really in front of you. Watch for other signals . . . strong resistance, obvious boredom and uncontrollable energy (from either horse or rider) . . . these are all signs that the teaching/ training plan must be adapted to suit the situation. Remember that every horse and every student is an individual and must be trained accordingly! Of course good teachers and trainers will have a thorough knowledge of the theory of teaching and training both riders and horses, but they will also have enough knowledge and experience to know when to adapt … [Read more...]
How Is Your Horse’s Satisfaction Rating Of You?
This is a checklist for your horse’s satisfaction rating Methods to measure students’ satisfaction during their riding lessons are fairly well researched, but the horses’ satisfaction in their lessons is also important. Children may jump out of the car and quickly find their favorite horse to say ‘hello’, does your horse have their ears pricked and look forward to visits from humans? When a student is getting ready for their riding lesson they could be excited about their lessons. While you may not want your horse to be excited, are they entering the arena pleasantly without napping, snarling their face or swishing their tail? Even when a student is concentrating on improving their riding, they should be enjoying themselves. Does your horse understand what you ask and do … [Read more...]
Who is Really in Control
We all know that the rider or handler should be in control of the horse, but are you in control of your thought process? When things go wrong, do you ask yourself what you could have done differently? - “I should have been better co-ordinated when I gave the aids for that transition” - “I should have given a clearer explanation to my student for that arena movement” or do you allow yourself to blame the mistake on others? - “The person who used to own my horse taught them to run through transitions” - “The student should have been listening to what I wanted” It has been scientifically proven that if you have a ‘high internal locus of control’ (looking to yourself when things go wrong), you will be more likely to be successful as a rider and a horse riding instructor. So . . … [Read more...]
How Do you Receive Feedback in Your Riding Lessons?
Feedback should be given regularly to horses and riders for them to continually improve. For riders, there are two main forms of verbal feedback. - The ‘Sandwich Technique’ where your comments are positive-constructive-positive. An example is “Your leg position has improved and is much stronger, remember to keep your hands still and keep up the good work” - The ‘What, How, What Now & Why” is the other form of verbal feedback. An example of this method is “When you rise in the trot, open your elbows and when you sit then close them, this will keep your hands more still so then your horse will be happier without the constant movement in their mouth” The ‘what, why what now and how’ might be used more in a lesson, whereas the ‘sandwich technique’ may be used as a summary at the … [Read more...]
Are You Halfway on July 1st?
The activity of setting and achieving goals is like planning to go on a trail ride for a picnic lunch and then arriving at the planned place at the planned time. The first step is to decide on the best place for lunch. You leave the stables and head off in the general direction Then as you continue on your ride, you make decisions, like which turns to take so that you arrive at your destination in time for lunch. When you are setting goals You decide what you want You know where you are now and have a general idea of how to achieve it Then you make decisions and progressive steps to achieve your goal July 1st is a fantastic time to assess the decisions and progressive steps you have taken towards achieving the goals set in your New Year’s Resolutions. If you are … [Read more...]
How to Properly Canter on a Horse
When you are learning how to canter on a horse, there are many problems that the movement of cantering can cause. These tips will minimise those problems so you can enjoy cantering a horse. How To Canter Cantering a horse is much the same as sitting trot, the seat (pelvis, thighs and hip joints) will be required to follow the canter movement. The seat should flow and remain in contact with the saddle forming a series of arcs (which may form an outline simular to that of the lower side of an egg which is laid on its side). It can be described that there are 3 sensations to be felt at canter: First, a lowering or sinking of the seat. This coincides with the first hind-leg in the canter sequence coming down to touch the ground. Then, sliding or floating forward in the saddle. The … [Read more...]
