SESSION PLAN

Date: Venue:Name of Riders:

Goal for the Session:To teach rider Sporting Figure of 8 (game/novelty)Preparation: (Plan the session and check the necessary equipment. Arrive early to setup equipment).

Enclose arena Setup event - 4 pegs, tape measure, marking paint

Risk Management – safety – riding surface, riding area, transiting to and from riding area.Introduction: (Use of language appropriate to the age group being coached – children – young adults – adults)

Introduce yourself Horse riding is a dangerous activity which may result in serious injury. Are you willing to

continue with riding in this session? (Verbal consent – rider and parent/guardian (under 18) Are there any injuries or illnesses I need to know about that may affect your riding or your

horse’s performance today? Emergency Stop Gear Compliance – ask riders/parents to check chin strap, girth, strip bars, reins, bit, strip

irons, jewellery. (The aim here is to have riders/parents to perform gear compliance prior to leaving stable or float prior to arriving at session).

Explanation: (Tell – What will the rider be able to do at the end of the session. How will they do it. Why should they do it this way. (Keep the coaching principles in mind and concentrate on the main skill to be taught. Do Not Over Load with too many de-tails).

Going to teach Sporting Figure of 8. This is a turning game - right and left. Done to show control of horse, fun, competition. The better the control the faster and smoother the turn. Event directions Event Rules

Demonstration: (Visual demonstration of the topic)

Coach to walk on foot the direction of the event. Content: (Warmup - appropriate to the activity being performed. Practice – exercises to develop skill, Feedback – give feedback on the practice. Practice – give feedback to develop skill. Cool down – finish to the session with an appropriate exercise concluding in walk.)

In session arena at safety distance Rider exercises – stretch and relax rider – right hand touch left toe, left hand touch right

toe. (ask each rider to lead an exercise to the group). Walk and trot to warm up horses –

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o commence with working horse on straight lineo move to ride 20m circles (both directions) stretch horse’s longitudinal muscles o move to ride 10m circleo move to ride 5m circle

Review how to turn right and left (inside leg on girth, outside leg behind girth, open inside rein, allow outside rein (but maintain contact with rein, look to the direction of the turn)

Using one (1) peg perform a right hand turn. Using one (1) peg perform a left hand turn. Ride event at walk, keeping turn close and smooth to peg. Ride event at trot, keeping turn close and smooth to peg. Time riders to complete the event. Can they improve their time whilst keeping the turn

smooth and close to the peg? Team riders and combine their times to have winning team time.

Conclusion: (Summaries the lesson. Homework and future.)

What did you learn today? What are the aids to turn our horse around a peg? Which direction do we turn first when doing a Sporting Figure of 8. Let’s keep a register of our times and see if we can improve on the times next time we do a

Sporting Figure of 8. Next time we try doing Sporting Figure of 8 in a canter.

NOTE: Effective coaching requires good time management

o Organise groups effectivelyo Get activities started quicklyo Move efficiently from one practice activity to anothero Maintain flow and effectiveness of the practice keeping unnecessary stoppages to a

minimumo Develop clear expectations for

Attendance Punctuality Behaviour Sportsmanship Training standards

Strategies to Manage Behaviouro Good discipline is essential to carrying out effective coaching program. o Coaches can reduce the need for discipline by ensuring activity is FUN, ACTIVE and

LEARNINGo When dealing with unsatisfactory behaviour, focus on the behaviour, not the indi-

vidual. Do not publicly insult or embarrass the rider. Safe group control

o Get and maintain rider’s attentiono Maintain control and discipline within the groupo Position riders and horses effectively and safelyo Coach position to maximise vision of riders at all timeso Communicate commands clearly and concisely.

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