The Riding Instructor
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Equine Insights

News and Resources for Equestrians
The Equine Insights is a platform that centralizes the latest equine-related news from various sources, including articles, videos, and updates from equestrian news outlets, blogs, and social media.
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The Riding Instructor

5 Reasons, 5 Helps, & 5 Exercises for Heels Down

Keeping the heels down is one of many building blocks required to create a solid riding foundation. If care is not taken to get the beginner firmly grounded with their heels down, it will come back to haunt their riding later on. There are no quick fixes, short cuts or special stirrups that can replace […]... [Read more]

Teaching with Heart: Why True Instruction Goes Beyond Riding Skills by Alisha Van Harn

In the world of horseback riding instruction, technical knowledge and skill are incredibly important—but they’re not everything. While it’s essential to understand the mechanics of riding, horse care, and safety, there’s another crucial element that sets exceptional instructors apart: the heart of a teacher. Over the weekend, I had the unfortunate opportunity to witness a riding […]... [Read more]

Lesson Ideas for Working with Student Fear

It's annoying when a horse shoves me with his head or gets into “my space.” I might push the offending animal out of the way or make it move over. I can imagine how much this action from the horse might intimidate someone who doesn’t know what to do and has not had positive experience […]... [Read more]

Reins of Influence part 3: A Lesson on Authenticity and Brand from an Unlikely Dogg

Snoop Dogg and Dressage: How the Iconic Rapper Became Branded as the "Granddad of the Olympics" When you think of Snoop Dogg, you probably picture the laid-back rapper with a smooth flow and a knack for turning any situation into a chill vibe. But recently, Snoop has added another unexpected feather to his cap—becoming the unofficial […]... [Read more]

5 Things that Determine Where a Rider Sits From the First Ride

Where a student sits in the saddle has a direct effect on the rest of their position. Correct riding position is not just something that helps to win blue ribbons in horsemanship or equitation classes. It is the basis for all things we do on a horse. Being in balance with your own body on […]... [Read more]

Reins of Influence: Part 2 The Enduring Brand of Sally Swift and Centered Riding

The Enduring Brand of Sally Swift and Centered Riding Today we're diving into the legacy of Sally Swift, the pioneering equestrian whose innovative Centered Riding method transformed the way we connect with horses. Unlike traditional techniques, Centered Riding emphasizes body awareness, balance, and a holistic approach to becoming one with your mount. But how did Sally […]... [Read more]

Does it Cost too Much to Keep Lesson Horses?

Riding lesson horses are a crucial part of the equine industry. With three million babies born each year in the U.S. and more than a third of U.S. households housing a horse lover, the  potential for beginning riders is strong.When considering the various levels of riding in our industry, the beginner rider segment should be […]... [Read more]

Reins of Influence: A Series Part 1 Branding Like Taylor Swift: Lessons for Riding Instructors

Picture this: You’re at the stable, grooming your favorite horse, when suddenly you here a song on the radio, you guessed it, a catchy Taylor Swift tune AND you can’t get it out of your head for HOURS! Why? Well its not just her music that makes her known, it’s her marketing and brand that […]... [Read more]

The Fiction Side of the Riding Instructor

You know my non-fiction riding instructor side through the Riding Instructor. Now meet me on my fiction side. Technically I’m a hybrid author with true stories in a collection with other authors titled Second-Chance Horses, but mostly I’m an Indie author with four books published. My series, For Love & Horses, is about perseverance, second […]... [Read more]

Beyond the Barn: Crafting the Vision for Your Riding Lesson Program

From overseeing the barn to nurturing horses and mentoring students, running a riding lesson program is a whirlwind of passion and dedication. Beneath the daily to-do list, remembering the big picture vision you have for your riding lesson program can sometimes be hard… well to see! Crafting a crystal-clear vision, actually taking the time to […]... [Read more]

Can You Teach Beginner Riders Without School Horses?

The simple answer to this question is "no." Rare is the true beginner riding student who shows up to their lesson with their own horse. There are many thriving lesson programs that cater to intermediate and advanced riders. Some specialize in upper-level riders, amateurs, or competitive riders exclusively—what you might call the "cream of the crop." […]... [Read more]
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