Back to: Therapeutic Riding Instructor
A good instructor should have knowledge of the subject and be open-minded to new ideas. One cannot teach what one does not know! A beginner coach teaches a basic seat, which is rider security in the tack. From these correct basics, the rider can then be adjusted more forward-backward depending on the discipline. The manner in which one teaches will tend to be a projection of one’s personality. It will be a coach’s personality that will be used to establish a method of communication with the student.
The Lesson Presentation
The Lesson should be communicated by word and provide a clear explanation that each individual student will understand. Students learn by imitation, therefore demonstration will be an important part of learning. Instructors should have the experience to show the correct movement.
The Instructor should have GOOD communication which is:
- A two-way process.
- To provide positive feedback & encouragement.
- Be clear, believable & have a sense of humor.
- Demonstrate empathy-NO SARCASM.
- Be good at motivating students.
What are the three stages of learning?
The Instructor must be aware of;
Stage 1- Perspective
(The understanding of the specific item or movement to be performed.)
- Ears to Brain -the subject has been explained
- Eyes to Brain -the movement has been demonstrated
- The Student now has the necessary information to attempt the movement. As much as possible, corrections at this point will be general-not too much teaching but lots of practice.
- If the student performs and attains a correct or nearly correct result, allow them to experience it.
Stage 2- Associative
(The refinement of the movement takes place)
- Corrections at this stage will be specific and detailed.
- Errors base on incorrect or badly timed application of aids or rider position is gradually eliminated.
- The correct results are beginning to become consistent.
- The practice continues but the movement has been learned.
Stage 3- Automatic
At this stage, the horse and rider are confident that if the preparation for the movement is correct. The result of the signal or aid to the horse will produce the required “automatic” response.
It must be remembered that;
- Not all students learn at the same rate or in the same way.
- Not all students respond to the same treatment or method of delivery.
- Not all horses and riders have the same concentration span.
- Repeated short learning sessions are better than one long one.
- Learning the theory behind the practical movement is important. For E.g. It will not help to know how to do flying changes every stride in the canter if you cannot yet trot correctly.
- Basics come first and sometimes must be reviewed.
- Students learn more quickly in small groups (3-4) than in large groups (10-12)