Helping to give confidence

well when i first started teaching i had a small child who fell off while one of the other instructors was teaching, i started back a square one with exersizes like walking trotting with hands on hips, behind back etc PM me if you need more help
smile.gif
 
I alway found riding without reins on a good pony worked cause they have to really believe in themselves. I would not do this in a field but in an enclosed arena so that she felt safe. I would normally ask my little children to touch the ponies ears and to touch either toe...maybe knee or soemthing if she is older. Also round the worlds in the saddle as they have to be balanced and trust the horse too....
Hope this helps...
p.s. A good way to make riders realise balance and pulling is to get on the ground - use a pair of reins and get a friend to walk around the arena with the other friend behind them using the reins to guide them in direction and instructing where they want to go...this makes them realise what the horse goes through with the bit and balance really...
 
good plan....can the person have the same horse every week..? Just thinking to give her confidence with the same horse..? maybe let them tack up and brush them too...good luck with it
grin.gif
 
I would give her lessons one to one, constantly talk to her, to get her mind off being frightened. Walk next to her.
 
yea, she is riding my pony, she has got to the stage where she is ready to start cantering, but she fell off the other day when she was going to circle and he was going straight and swerved, she has begun cantering, she just doesnt always believe in herself, i know that she can do it, she just doesnt quite know it yet. its also hard as now she has got to the stage to start canter, its a bit harder than walk and trot, and a new movement.
 
Sounds ridiculous, but make her sing 'Nellie the Elephant' or repeat the word 'Won -der - ful' in the canter stride....keeps them breathing and reduces tension.
Also - only get them to do one stride of canter then build to two etc.
Sounds like she's lucky to have a sympathetic instructor like you
smile.gif

S
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top