Teaching Persons With Disabilities-Preamble

Back to: Therapeutic Riding Instructor

Therapeutic Riding Instructors are responsible for planning the lesson sessions. Things to consider when planning your sessions;

• Understand the difference between the terms able-bodied and disabled.
• Group like abilities together-know the disability and the limitations it imposes on the rider e.g. lack of body awareness, inability to coordinate movement.s
• Keep physically disabled riders separate from developmentally delayed riders.
• Group, where possible according to age, e.g. teenagers and young adults; young children.
• Get advice from the therapist or specialist to set up exercise programs and goals.
• Evaluate the physical and mental progress of the rider.
• Plan horses so that the rider is comfortable, e.g. riders with spasticity should ride a narrow horse, while riders with spina bifida should ride a broader horse.

Lesson preparation-safety a top priority

Content of lesson-approximate time up 3/4 to 1 hour

Use a basic lesson plan for teaching skills

During a lesson be aware of..

1. Position of horses at a halt, during games; watch spacing at all times
2. Look for warning signs of possible problems; horses; ears, eyes, tail, and people; fatigue, frustration, fear.
3. Place yourself so that you can see the whole ride; the lesson tone will depend on the instructor’s attitude, voice, discipline, appearance, and dress.