Lesson Idea
For specific lesson plans for adaptive/therapeutic horseback riding
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I learned about maintaining factors during my speech pathology studies and I instantly related it back to what I have learned as a therapeutic riding instructor. Maintaining factors are elements of an individual and/or disability that contribute to the maintenance of a problem. To put this in a therapeutic riding context, maintaining factors refer to…
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Pattern recognition is an important piece of transferring short-term memories to long-term memories. Pattern recognition is how we learn things like the ABCs and cause-and-effect. It helps us predict and expect what comes next. Horses are all about pattern recognition and as therapeutic riding instructors, we can use this to our advantage. Horses recognize that…
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What You Need:Puzzle Board Puzzle Pieces*can make or buy Puzzles are a great activity for fine motor skill development and cognitive development. Puzzles require matching, memorization, and manipulation of fingers and hands. Oftentimes, we play with puzzles off the horse but here’s a way to play on horseback!
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What You Need:BucketsSmall objects (toys, horse treats, etc.) Here’s a fun seasonal game to play with clients on horseback! This is also a great way to use extra volunteers. It requires a little bit of setup but clients of all ages and riding ability will love this game.
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What You Need:English saddleWestern saddlePictures of saddlesToy saddles This game can really be played with any piece of tack, but saddles are easy to start with. This game teaches riders horsemanship skills and jargon (tacking is an important part of riding and ‘saddle’ is a word used in the equestrian field).
Centerstone Therapy 