This question came in from a client undertaking teaching practice at a local riding school and training for their PTT. My answer follows the question.
QUESTION
Hi Rachel,
Do you know a good exercise for beginners (children) who are not really in control of their horses (approx. 5 of them)? At the minute I always make them go in a ride and ask them to concentrate on keeping their distance to the horse in front, no cutting corners etc. and then do some transitions with them.
Do you know any alternatives??
ANSWER
It’s important to keep drilling them on the basics, and it is best to keep them in a ride, with a dependable lead pony, where they are safest.
You could add variety by putting guide poles on an inside track and making them ride away from the wall, to develop straightness and use of the outside aids.
In trot, ask them in turn to choose a change of rein, which the whole ride then has to ride accurately. If they aren’t safe to trot in a ride, do a few changes of rein in walk then send them trotting one by one to the rear of the ride, with the rest of the ride in walk, or halt if necessary.
Using the centre line is another good exercise for straightness and rider accuracy. If necessary, place a pole either side of X to help them. You can make this into a game by making the poles narrower and narrower and seeing who can steer well enough to make their ponies go through. I’ve even done this with adults and it does focus them really well.
Good luck
Rachel
