Tricks of the Trade

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Note: this will be a growing series!

Learn tips and tricks that have been acquired over decades of teaching that will not only make your job easier but also keep things safe and affordable!

Part 1- All Things Stirrups

Rubber Banding Feet in Stirrups
  • Peacock Stirrup Pros & Cons
  • S Stirrup Pros & Cons
  • Caged Stirrup Pros & Cons
  • Hooded & Devonshire Stirrup Pros & Cons
  • Attachable/Removable Stirrup Covers
  • Adjusting English Stirrups
    • Uneven holes
    • Correct wrapping
  • Adjusting Western Stirrups
    • Adjusting the fender
    • Importance of fender keeper
    • Swapping western fender for English stirrup leather
    • Little Dudes
  • Rubber Banding Feet in Stirrups
  • Tethering Stirrups to Girth
  • Correct Fit/Size of Stirrups for Safety

Part 2- Whips

A student learning how to use a crop.
  • Dressage whips
    • What it is
    • How it’s used
    • How to incorporate into lessons based on rider’s ability and unique needs
    • Demonstration of use and in-depth discussion
  • Crops/Bats
    • What it is
    • How it’s used
    • How to incorporate into lessons based on rider’s ability and unique needs
    • Demonstration of use and in-depth discussion
    • Short lesson showing a rider learning to use a crop
  • Western Popper
    • What it is
    • How it’s used
    • How to incorporate into lessons based on rider’s ability and unique needs
  • Discussion of final thoughts, cautions, and considerations when incorporating whips into lessons.
  • Demonstration video discussing and how to use them

Part 3- Reins

Amy discussing PVC Ladder Reins
  • Adaptive Reins
    • Ladder Reins
      • Demo video discussing and how to use them
      • Flexible vs. PVC
      • Safety considerations when using handle reins
    • Handle Reins
      • Demo video discussing and how to use them
      • Safety considerations when using handle reins
    • Rainbow Reins
      • Demo video discussing and how to use them
    • Rein Extenders
      • Demo video discussing and how to use them
      • Safety considerations when using rein extenders
    • Alternate Locations for Attaching Reins
  • Progressing from Halter to a Bit and Bridle
  • Western Rein Types
    • Demo video discussing when and how to use
    • Safety considerations for western rein types
    • Safety considerations when using English style reins in western saddle
  • Grazing Check/Overcheck Rein
    • How and why to use one
    • How to make one with things found around the barn
    • Safety considerations when using
  • Correct Rein Grip
    • What is correct rein grip
    • Common phrases heard that encourage bad rein grip
    • Why teaching correct grip for all riders is important