BEFORE THE LESSON STARTS

Check entry in Rider's Sign Up account to assess rider's view of their experience.

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Select horse that seems suitable (re-assess this if necessary once lesson starts)

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When rider comes:

Meet & greet

Chat about previous experience, horse ownership, last 12 months activity;

ask about their expectations;

if they bring own hat and body protector, check if visually seem OK eg condition and fit. If it seems wrong, find a polite way of  asking for  a fuller look and if necessary check with senior staff.  If definitely not suitable, invite them to have one of our hats/body ptotectors.

check footwear visually

Rider to mount horse at mounting block.

Check girth, stirrups etc

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Once mounted, walk rider slowly to arena, using the time to assess rider and to obtain any more useful information.

 

PLAN TO BE AMENDED as lesson progresses

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In arena:

slow warm-up to assess how they ride

ask rider to stop horse and to stand several times

assess riding position

WALK changes of rein and come to a halt

use walking time to assess level of fitness

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TROTTING

Ask rider to start to trot, check how they feel

Trot in circles.

change occasionally to a walk.

Change lead

when happy rider can safely trot, set out trotting poles. Usually 4 poles. 2 strides apart on one side of school. Explain each step.

Use this as warm up. and progress to pole 1 stride apart.

Rider to aim for middle.

encourage rider to look up & sit tall.

ensure you are happy with rider' ability before considering canter.

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CANTER

Assuming rider can canter, and want to canter: explain next stage, what you are expecting and the position and course the rider should adopt.

Rider to canter one or two circles, then change rein.

Change to walk at times and a stop.

Monitor the canter and assess what changes rider needs

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JUMPING

Assuming rider says hey can jump and wants to: explain the next stage and what you are expecting.

Set up a canter pole, and ask rider to canter over it, then change rein.

Explain the Rider position you are looking for.

Set up a single lump with crossed poles in centre,, height 40 cms.

Have rider canter up, assess turn, assess speed of approach and position, and then the jump.

Give rider feedback.

If rider is happy, jump a few more times, with change of rein.

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END

End lesson with some trotting and then walking to allow horse and rider to settle down.

Ask if rider covered the points she wanted to.

Walk back.

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