Lesson idea's for beginner/novice children

[SpottyTB]

Hi all ,

I have been asked to give quick (30mintues) lessons to two young children. They can walk and trot, one on the lead rein and one off, however I would like any tips/idea's for there first lessons.. One of the girls (younger of the two) is very nervous and Panicks quite easily and the other is quite confident and extremely keen to learn!

Any idea's welcomed! Thanks in advance!

 

[PonyIAmNotFood]

Walk over poles, weave through cones, races where kid has to get off at one end and back on on wrong side or something, around the world, half scissors. There's loads of stuff!

 

[SpottyTB]

Thank you! Its been so long since I was taught and since I have taught little'uns I seem to have forgotten the fun stuff etc!

 

[JessandCharlie]

When I learnt to ride my instructor played a great game. It basically went along the lines of certain animals meaning you had to do certain movements, and he told a story about going on safari on horseback. Every time an animal was mentioned, we had to act accordingly so, IIRC;

You're all walking through the jungle, it's mid morning and suddenly there's a hissing, IT'S A SNAKE!! (Ie, over the poles )

Monkeys meant you had to lean down in 'jump position' to avoid them as they swing through the trees

Elephants meant you had to stop and freeze, so they didn't see you

Lions meant trot/canter to run away etc.

It worked with or without a lead, and there was always lots of excitement and giggling

J&C

 

[SpottyTB]

J&C that's a brilliant idea! I'll deffinately do that one

Thanks again!!

 

[Lippyx]

H&C what a fab game. I'll have to remember that one when I'm teaching next!

 

[Lippyx]

Sorry meant J&C... Stoopid phone!

 

[JessandCharlie]

It was a fab game This was years ago, but I won't ever forget that instructor. He was actually an out and out biker who (if I remember correctly) had riding as a second hobby Always wore a leather jacket, complete with tassels.

We also had fun forfeits for being on the wrong diagonal etc

Wrong diagonal = off your pony and run a lap (all fun and games, not like a coporal punishment thing )
'Dismounting without permission' = provide Tony with 20p's worth of pink shrimp sweets next lesson (which, of course, nobody actually did )

I loved those lessons, if Tony's reading, thanks

J&C

 

[Bobby Boy]

How about Grandmother's footsteps and any exercises such as touching ears and tails, stretching down to touch their toes, walking round with hands out doing circles or on head, feet out of stirrups and legs long then short like a jockey etc