[ ] ENVIRONMENT/EQUIPMENT/SET UP REQUIRED:
This lesson plan requires very little preparation – just the regular review of the riding area for safety, removal of jumps etc. The sandring or the arena is appropriate, as letters on the wall are not needed etc.
Introduction/Explanation (10 min)
[ ] instructor self-introduction with credentials
[ ] TACK CHECK, with explanations
[ ] SUITABILITY OF HORSE, with explanations
[ ] Instructor will be positioned to see all riders at all times (i.e. corner of the arena)
[ ] Warm Up
with positional corrections, walk/trot/canter assessment type lesson. Instructor will be sure to determine that riders understand right rein and left rein, and can discuss trot diagonals.
[ ] Discuss the correct aids for transition, to confirm background
[ ] Describe canter movement
Canter is a three-beat gait with the footfall pattern: of initiating hind leg, diagonal pair, leading/inside foreleg, plus a moment of suspension.
horse's back tilts up and down like a see saw, energy comes from underneath and then slides away
forward, out, down
listen to the rhythm 1-2-3-wait
allow the horse time to travel thru the air
(cadence, proper suspension)
feel tall yet deep, let lower back swing softly
drop thighs, keep knees low, hip joints open close
[ ] Demonstrate position
upper body erect, the rolling/floating-rocking horse feeling/energy coming from rear to front; Rider’s seat follows the motion of the horse’s back;
evenly distribute weight on each seat bone
head balanced, eyes ahead
heels under your ears
let lower body drop and let horse control motion
think torso up, thighs down
"let him fill your seat. stretch down and receive"
start with plenty of transitions
5-10 strides at most
depth of seat required
3rd progression
cantering with one hand stretched in the air above head