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...]
Teaching Trot Diagonals
Have You Ever Been In This Position?
Have you ever been in the position where you know that you are totally right, but you also understand the position from the other person’s point of view? With horses and students this is often the case if they have been training previously with someone else. You may clearly give your horse the correct classical aids to lengthen the trot . . . and then your horse canters. You may ask you students to stretch down with their lower leg . . . and then their heels are forced down and their lower leg swings forward. With both horses and students . . . lower the level of expectation, create the basic groundwork and reward them when they ‘get it’ with a simple ‘good boy’ and a break or positive feedback for your student. Happy Riding, Glenys … [Read more...]
