Working Toward Our Goals - A Typical Session
Although lessons will vary widely depending on the level of rider and their goals, a typical session will move through the following steps:
Grooming the Horse: This segment of the lesson is important for reasons which may surprise you. We use the activity of grooming to engage the rider and facilitate developing a relationship with "their" horse. The horse getting clean is simply a by-product of the activity. It is an important part to developing a trusting relationship for both horse and rider.
Tacking the Horse: Here the rider learns the names and proper placement of various pieces of tack. Fine and gross motor skills are put to the test as riders snap, buckle and secure their riding equipment. The horse is then led into the arena and the client is mounted from a mounting block.
Riding: In most cases, riders will have an Equine Specialist (ES) leading the horse for them. Riders are still able to develop their steering skills as reins are clipped onto the halter throughout the lesson. The ES has control of the horse for safety purposes, the rider is given perceived control to develop self-esteem, responsibility and skill development. Some riders may graduate to independent riding, others may require sidewalkers and that's OK. Each lesson, whether individual or group, is tailored to the needs of each individual.
After Care: In order to develop responsibility, empathy and awareness, riders are required to take care of their horse after each lesson. This includes removing tack and returning it to its proper location, brushing out saddle marks from the horse, picking feet and spending a moment to tell their horse "Thank You!" before returning them to their stall.
Continuing Improvement - On-going Sessions and Re-evaluations
At any point a member of the treatment team feels the need to re-address goals or re-evaluate the rider, this will be arranged. Otherwise re-evaluations are done every six (6) months. These re-evaluations are done during a typically scheduled session so no additional appointment is needed. This gives everyone an opportunity to see where we're out, where we need to go and how we can get there. It is also a time for the rider to really see the progress they've made and gives them something to be quite proud of.