A reader named Lisa left a particularly insightful comment on my article about dealing with hyperactive students. She said, in part:
Now I am straightforward about asking parents and students about any medications or learning disabilities. Don’t be afraid to ask these questions – we instructors are teachers and we need to know these things to give the student the best of our own abilities!
And she is absolutely right. The more you know about your students, the more effective you will be as a riding instructor.
It might not be a bad idea to come up with a questionnaire that you give each of your students prior to starting riding lessons. They can fill it out at their leisure and you’ll have all the tools you need. Yes, these questions might seem personal, but failing to ask can get your students hurt.
Sample Questions for Riding Lesson students
- Are you taking any medications? If yes, please explain.
- Have you been diagnosed with any conditions, disorders or disabilities that might impair your ability to ride, and work with, horses?
- Do you have a learning disability? Please explain.
- Have you ever had a negative experience with a horse? Please explain, and indicate any fears you might have about equestrian activities.
- Do you have any balance or coordination issues that might affect your ability to ride?
- Have you been diagnosed with a developmental disorder (e.g., ADD, ADHD)? Please explain.
These are just a few questions you might ask your students before they start riding lessons. If the student (or his or her parents) give affirmative answers to any of them, discuss those answers before putting the student on the horse.
Find out what you can expect, whether there are any triggers to a disease or condition (e.g., allergies, frustration, heat), and what you can do to make the learning process easier and more enjoyable.
Your students will appreciate your attention to detail and the depth to which you care about them.
You might also like:
- Q: How do you deal with hyperactive students?
- Why Do Your Students
Want to Ride? - Interview Questions for
Horse Business Employees - Are Your Students Ready?
- Should Riding Instructors Let Students Ride Outside Lessons?
About the Author: Laura Jane Thompson is the Chief Equestrian Officer of Riding Instructor University and the Feature writer for the horses section at Suite101. She believes that any horse business can succeed provided its owner practices smart strategy.
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