Exercises for Children !

[CharlieB_87]

Hi,

I'm off to work at a Summer camp for children in the USA next week as a horse-riding instructor. I've been trying to organise a few ideas in my head for exercises to do with them, helping them improve whilst maintaining the element of fun . I've experience with very beginners and also more experienced kids (i.e independant seat, capable of SJ/XC on a difficult pony) but am perhaps lacking experience in the ''in between'' stages of teaching. Does anybody know any good exercises for this level of rider .... improving the trot, canter work and also introducing jumping. I do have a few ideas but the more ideas i have the better.

Any suggestions appreciated (for any level.)

Thanks in advance,
Charlie Xx

 

[izzyxxx]

erm if you see a child holding there breath when jumping or cantering (i have seen alot of red faced kids after being asked to canter round the school lol) make them sind a nursarey rhyme or select a subject eg.tack and every time they got over the jump they shout something like: bridle,bit,stirup ect but they have to listen to each other cause they cant say the same word twice (makes them consentrate)

for balence do head sholders kness and toes or no stirup/rein exersises etc.

At the end of a lesson we used to play tig on horses (depending on temp of horse) i do it with my brother now cause he wont ride other wise lol it helps co-ordination balance, turning and can help transitions cause you are not consentrating to hard and its more relaxed.

There are loads of things you can do with balls and hoops ect but it all depends on horses and things you have got

ok last one if they find it hard keeping there thumbs on top make them hold a short whip across there hands under there thumbs while holding there reins as they would if that makes sense.

ok so i have rambled enough hope they help

 

[CharlieB_87]

All great ideas ... cheers !