Horse Council BC provides some Feedback As we are all eagerly waiting for things to get back to "normal" we put a question out to some of our Certified Coaches. How are you using the time away from horse shows to work on skills and training for your students? What are you doing differently to keep your students progressing without competition (in the near future) as a goal? Here is what they had to say:
Lynda Ramsey Carolyn Dobbs Ann McMann “I have taken this opportunity to have all my students doing the rider levels. Whether they are going to use them towards school credits or just expanding their stable management knowledge and riding skills, they are very excited. Often in our riding lessons we do not get the opportunity to go over these different subjects. Everyone looks forward to receiving the certificates in the mail too.” - Ann McMann
“My students are being challenged to step up their skill levels. What once was adequate is now excellence in the making.” - AJ Bain
8 • JUNE 2021
“We have been working on rider levels. With a relax of schedule, we can go more in-depth with technical knowledge. Including in these is increased awareness of biological health as well as transmission of diseases and prevention. To keep lessons interesting and challenging, we do a lot of cavaletti and cones work. We've taken a step or two back to review the basics, and how they build the foundation of further movements and strengths. As Spring has finally poked her head up, we will include out of arena riding… finding natural jumps along the way. I have found an increased interest in the instructor and coach program, which I am stoked about. Individuals who have been giving 'instruction' without training is a little scary, to say the least. I enjoy mentoring our candidates for the program, and get a chuckle when they all exclaim, "wow, there's so much more to this, than I thought." As well, training horses has kept me busy. Not only the riders are going back to basics. The horses are getting a chance to fill in 'potholes’.” - Carolyn Dobbs
SADDLEUP.CA
“DIVERSITY, flexibility, compassion, empathy. Enjoy your horses, be creative!” - Lynda Ramsay
"When it first started we all thought we would be back at it in a couple months, still have a summer show season. As show by show was canceled the hope was fading and there were tears. I thought how can these riders have something to work towards? Maybe it’s not about those horse shows, maybe we get back to the reason we first started in the first place? Maybe become a better horse person all around? How many riders can jump a 1m course but can’t tie a safety knot, or know the 5 rein aids! I am a strong advocate of the rider levels because it will make you a better equestrian!" - Stacey Carlos
Sarah Bradley “We have a broader focus on skills and building relationships with our horses, and have added lots of trail riding to our activities. It's great to see how skills learned in the arena make a safer and more effective ride outside the arena.” - Sarah Bradley
“We have been spending time on loading training for some of our less than eager participants, both equine and human. Planning beach riding trips which still get the horses out in a different environment and broaden the skill set of the rider.” – Susan Thompson
WandaDee Thompson “I’m keeping myself and my students on track to show as we would normally. I will do a mini show/competition for my students at the same time that our first real show would be. They will wear show attire and have their horse groomed. I will video their reining pattern, score it, and discuss in detail each maneuver. And finally I will post their videos on my FB page.” - WandaDee Thompson
"I have discovered, as have my students, that being able to train without the pressure of upcoming competitions and their attendant requirements allows us the freedom of becoming more empathetic and listening riders." - Jan Jollymour
