Hoof Falls and Footfalls

📌 Intuitive Instructor Club - Hoof Falls & Footfalls: https://hooffallsandfootfalls.com/coaching-2/

📌MORE educational resources for instructors: Hoof Falls & Footfalls: https://hooffallsandfootfalls.com

📌 The ultimate planner for adaptive/therapeutic riding instructors: https://thebarnhand.com/products/the-barn-hand-draft-horse-edition-digital-download

In this episode, we explore how well-intentioned policies like the 24-hour cancellation policy can actually harm you, your program, and your students. We delve into the psychology behind why these flexible policies often lead to negative outcomes and how they contribute to financial instability and higher stress levels. We'll share a proven solution that boosts student attendance, enhances program sustainability, and preserves your sanity. Discover the hidden costs of lenient cancellation policies and learn how to implement a robust policy change seamlessly. This shift can lead to better student retention, higher satisfaction, and overall program success.

Join us for a transformative discussion on creating more structured and effective cancellation policies in the horseback riding industry.

00:00 Introduction: Are Your Policies Harming More Than Helping?

01:10 Welcome to Hoof Falls and Footfalls

02:49 The Problem with 24-Hour Cancellation Policies

07:58 Hidden Costs and Human Psychology

23:49 The Solution: A New Policy for Success

27:53 Implementing the New Policy

30:05 Conclusion and Community Engagement

📌 Intuitive Instructor Club - Hoof Falls & Footfalls: https://hooffallsandfootfalls.com/coaching-2/

📌MORE educational resources for instructors: Hoof Falls & Footfalls: https://hooffallsandfootfalls.com

📌 The ultimate planner for adaptive/therapeutic riding instructors: https://thebarnhand.com/products/the-barn-hand-draft-horse-edition-digital-download

In this critical discussion, we delve into the recent ban of Peacock Safety Stirrups by several major equestrian organizations in the US and Canada due to significant safety concerns. We explore the history behind the ban, the risks involved, and the lessons we can learn as adaptive or therapeutic horseback riding instructors. We also share vital considerations for determining whether to remove these stirrups from your barn, and provide alternative safety stirrup options. Join us to ensure the safety and well-being of your students. Don't forget to check the links below for recommended stirrup options and let us know your thoughts and experiences in the comments!

00:00 Introduction to the Banned Safety Stirrup

00:42 History and Reasons for the Ban

03:38 Personal Experience and Legal Insights

06:29 Safety Concerns and Instructor Responsibilities

08:14 Implications for Adaptive Riding Instructors

11:41 Alternative Safety Stirrup Options

18:58 Conclusion and Viewer Engagement

📌 Intuitive Instructor Club - Hoof Falls & Footfalls: https://hooffallsandfootfalls.com/coaching-2/

📌MORE educational resources for instructors: Hoof Falls & Footfalls: https://hooffallsandfootfalls.com

📌 The ultimate planner for adaptive/therapeutic riding instructors: https://thebarnhand.com/products/the-barn-hand-draft-horse-edition-digital-download

Struggling with anxious students in your adaptive or therapeutic horseback riding lessons? You’re not alone—and you can help them succeed.

In this video, we’ll go over 10 practical, proven strategies to build confidence and create a supportive learning environment for anxious riders. Whether you teach mounted lessons or groundwork, these tips will help you better connect with your students and set them up for success.

We’ll cover:

- How to read body language early

- Why normalizing anxiety helps

- Choosing the right words and mindset

- Demonstrating tasks clearly

- Calming techniques you can use immediately

- Why posture matters for confidence

- The role of honest, well-timed praise

- How to vary difficulty appropriately

- The surprising impact of horse build and tack choices

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to Teaching Anxious Students

01:36 Proactive Reading of Student Body Language

03:24 Normalizing Anxiety in Lessons

05:14 Impact of Words and Mindset

08:48 Demonstrating Tasks to Ease Anxiety

11:45 Calming and Relaxation Techniques

14:33 Importance of Good Posture

17:14 Honest and Well-Timed Praise

19:32 Varying Lesson Difficulty

22:48 Impact of Horse Build on Student Confidence

27:28 Choosing the Right Tack and Equipment

31:32 Conclusion and Instructor Engagement

👉 If these tips helped you, please like, subscribe, and share your experience in the comments!

📌 Intuitive Instructor Club - Hoof Falls & Footfalls: https://hooffallsandfootfalls.com/coaching-2/

📌MORE educational resources for instructors: Hoof Falls & Footfalls: https://hooffallsandfootfalls.com

📌 The ultimate planner for adaptive/therapeutic riding instructors: https://thebarnhand.com/products/the-barn-hand-draft-horse-edition-digital-download

Skipping an intake or meet and greet before promising a student a spot in your adaptive or therapeutic horseback riding program is one of the biggest mistakes you can make.

In this episode, we'll break down why mandatory intakes are critical for programs of all sizes.

You'll learn:

- Why intakes and meet and greets are non-negotiable

- How to conduct an effective intake

- Key observations to make during the meet and greet

- The role of initial phone screenings

- How to set up new students (and your program) for long-term success

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to the Importance of Intakes

00:21 Personal Experience and Program Overview

01:34 The Necessity of Intakes and Meet and Greets

03:51 Detailed Steps of Conducting an Intake

05:52 Observations During the Meet and Greet

16:54 Addressing Policies and Expectations

28:14 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

31:14 Engagement and Feedback Request

👉 If you found this video helpful, don't forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments!

📌 Intuitive Instructor Club - Hoof Falls & Footfalls: https://hooffallsandfootfalls.com/coaching-2/

📌MORE educational resources for instructors: Hoof Falls & Footfalls: https://hooffallsandfootfalls.com

📌 The ultimate planner for adaptive/therapeutic riding instructors: https://thebarnhand.com/products/the-barn-hand-draft-horse-edition-digital-download

Got a student who refuses to wear a helmet? We've been there! In this episode, we share proven methods to help adaptive and therapeutic horseback riding students go from hating helmets to happily participating. 🐎

You'll learn how to:

✔️ Lead by example

✔️ Manage sensory sensitivities

✔️ Ensure proper helmet fit

✔️ Build positive helmet associations

✔️ Use peer influence and timing strategiesand much more!

Whether you're new to adaptive riding instruction or looking for fresh tools, this guide will help you create safe, positive, and effective lessons for students of all abilities.

🔔 Don't forget to subscribe for more tips on teaching adaptive and therapeutic riding!

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to Helmet Haters

00:46 Proven Methods and Techniques

02:46 Lead by Example

05:35 Sensory Considerations

08:55 Proper Helmet Fit

10:03 Positive Associations

11:34 Utilizing Photos and Videos

13:59 Loaner Helmets for Practice

15:06 Group Helmet Wearing

17:37 Peer Influence

18:59 Strategic Timing

20:29 Final Tips and Safety Reminders

📌 Intuitive Instructor Club - Hoof Falls & Footfalls: https://hooffallsandfootfalls.com/coaching-2/📌 The Barn Hand - Draft Horse Edition (Digital Download): https://thebarnhand.com/products/the-barn-hand-draft-horse-edition-digital-download📌 Certification Renewal & Maintenance | PATH Intl: https://pathintl.org/certification/maintenance/📌 CHA Instructor Recertification – Certified Horsemanship Association: https://cha.horse/cha-instructor-recertification/Should students in adaptive or therapeutic riding lessons be taught how to walk behind horses? This topic is widely debated among instructors, with some saying it’s too dangerous and others believing it’s an essential skill. In this episode, I share my professional opinion, safety strategies, and practical tips for teaching students of all ability levels to navigate behind a horse safely.00:00 Introduction to the Debate on Walking Behind Horses01:17 Sabra Popoli's Professional Opinion03:31 Teaching Safe Practices Around Horses05:16 Practical Demonstrations and Techniques09:19 Life Skills and Safety Considerations10:37 Adaptive Equipment and Special Considerations12:31 Conclusion and Call for Feedback#TherapeuticRiding #AdaptiveRiding #HorsebackRidingInstructor #EquineTherapy #InstructorTips

📌 Intuitive Instructor Club - Hoof Falls & Footfalls: https://hooffallsandfootfalls.com/coaching-2/📌 The Barn Hand - Draft Horse Edition (Digital Download): https://thebarnhand.com/products/the-barn-hand-draft-horse-edition-digital-download📌 Certification Renewal & Maintenance | PATH Intl: https://pathintl.org/certification/maintenance/📌 CHA Instructor Recertification – Certified Horsemanship Association: https://cha.horse/cha-instructor-recertification/As a therapeutic riding instructor, saying "no" or "not right now" is an inevitable part of your teaching journey. But how do you confidently set boundaries while maintaining trust with students, parents, and caregivers? ✅ Why saying "no" is essential for safety and progress ✅ How to communicate your decisions with confidence ✅ Real-life examples of when I've had to say "no" and what I learned ✅ Tips to prevent pushback from students and parentsChapters:00:00 Introduction: The Inevitable 'No' in Teaching01:29 Personal Experiences and Challenges02:48 About the Instructor04:29 Practical Examples of Saying 'No'08:26 The Importance of Clear Communication10:58 Handling Persistent Requests16:41 Building Confidence in Confrontation19:00 Conclusion and Encouragement#TherapeuticRiding #AdaptiveRiding #HorsebackRidingInstructor #EquineTherapy #InstructorTips

📌 Intuitive Instructor Club - Hoof Falls & Footfalls: https://hooffallsandfootfalls.com/coaching-2/📌 The Barn Hand - Draft Horse Edition (Digital Download): https://thebarnhand.com/products/the-barn-hand-draft-horse-edition-digital-download📌 Certification Renewal & Maintenance | PATH Intl: https://pathintl.org/certification/maintenance/📌 CHA Instructor Recertification – Certified Horsemanship Association: https://cha.horse/cha-instructor-recertification/Are you paying attention to the small, subtle ways your students communicate with you? In adaptive and therapeutic horseback riding lessons, communication isn't always verbal. In this episode, I share a powerful real-life example of how a simple whiteboard exercise helped strengthen trust, connection, and communication with my students—especially those who struggle with verbal expression.By recognizing and responding to small cues, we can create a more supportive and engaging learning environment. This is a must-watch for adaptive riding instructors who want to deepen their relationships with students and improve their teaching approach.Let me know in the comments—do you already look for these subtle communication cues in your lessons?Chapters:00:00 Introduction: Recognizing Opportunities in Instruction00:22 The Importance of Communication in Adaptive Riding01:12 The Whiteboard Example: A Teaching Tool03:27 Understanding Non-Verbal Communication05:03 Building Trust Through Recognition06:33 Encouraging Communication in Lessons09:36 Applying Equine Skills to Human Interaction10:09 Conclusion and Call to Action📌 Subscribe for more adaptive riding insights!🔔 Follow for more tips on teaching adaptive and therapeutic riding!#TherapeuticRiding #AdaptiveRiding #HorsebackRidingInstructor #EquineTherapy #InstructorTips

📌 Intuitive Instructor Club - Hoof Falls & Footfalls: https://hooffallsandfootfalls.com/coaching-2/📌 The Barn Hand - Draft Horse Edition (Digital Download): https://thebarnhand.com/products/the-barn-hand-draft-horse-edition-digital-download📌 Certification Renewal & Maintenance | PATH Intl: https://pathintl.org/certification/maintenance/📌 CHA Instructor Recertification – Certified Horsemanship Association: https://cha.horse/cha-instructor-recertification/Finding the right saddle for adaptive or therapeutic horseback riding is essential for both rider and horse. In this episode, we explore the pros and cons of Western, Dressage, and English saddles, as well as bareback pads, to help you make the best choice.Learn how different saddles impact posture, comfort, and performance and discover tips to choose the right fit based on physical, cognitive, and emotional needs. We also discuss saddle fit for the horse and key adjustments for an optimal riding experience.🔹 Timestamps:00:00 Introduction to Adaptive Riding Saddles01:20 Meet Sabra Popoli: Your Guide02:05 Understanding Traditional Tack and Equipment09:02 Western Saddles: The Most Supportive Option16:06 Dressage Saddles: A Balanced Choice19:40 English Saddles: Close Contact and All-Purpose23:54 Bareback Pads: Least Supportive Option30:42 Final Thoughts and Recommendations💬 What’s your go-to saddle for adaptive riding? Drop a comment below!🔔 Subscribe for more insights on adaptive riding techniques!

📌 Intuitive Instructor Club - Hoof Falls & Footfalls: https://hooffallsandfootfalls.com/coaching-2/📌 The Barn Hand - Draft Horse Edition (Digital Download): https://thebarnhand.com/products/the-barn-hand-draft-horse-edition-digital-download📌 Certification Renewal & Maintenance | PATH Intl: https://pathintl.org/certification/maintenance/📌 CHA Instructor Recertification – Certified Horsemanship Association: https://cha.horse/cha-instructor-recertification/Top Tips for Maintaining Instructor Certification & Earning CEUsKeeping your instructor certification up to date doesn’t have to be stressful! In this episode, I’ll share expert tips on how to earn and track your Continuing Education Units (CEUs) efficiently—so you can focus more on what you love: teaching and working with horses.Whether you're certified through PATH International, CHA, or another organization, these strategies will help you stay on top of renewal requirements with confidence.💡 Learn:✔️ Where to find official certification maintenance guidelines✔️ What activities count for CEUs (including budget-friendly options!)✔️ The best ways to track your hours so you’re always prepared✔️ How to simplify the renewal process and avoid last-minute stress✨ Pro tip: The Intuitive Instructor Club and The Barn Hand Planner include tools to make tracking CEUs effortless—check them out in the links above!⏳ Timestamps for Easy Navigation00:00 Introduction & Speaker Background01:47 Understanding Certification Maintenance03:05 Continuing Education Tips & Tricks05:54 Tracking Your CEU Hours08:30 Specific Certification Requirements12:04 Additional Resources & Final Tips13:26 Conclusion & Contact Information🔔 Enjoyed this video? Make sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more expert insights on instructor certification, CEU tracking, and professional development!💬 Got questions? Drop them in the comments—I’m happy to help!#InstructorCertification #EquineEducation #CEUTracking #EquestrianTraining #PATHIntl #CHACertification

6 Tips To Help Slow Down Students Who Tend To Rush

Discover effective strategies to manage enthusiastic and 'rushy' students in therapeutic horseback riding lessons. We share six actionable tips to help slow down students who may struggle to control their excitement and speed, ensuring safe and enjoyable sessions for both the students and the horses. Learn how to use countdowns, physical markers, tone adjustment, and more to foster a constructive learning environment. Join the conversation and share your own tips for handling 'rushy' riders. Don't forget to subscribe for more insightful content specifically designed for adaptive or therapeutic horseback riding instructors.

00:00 Introduction to Managing Rushy Students

00:24 Understanding Rushy Behavior

01:53 Meet Your Instructor: Sabra Popoli

02:50 Top Tips for Working with Rushy Students

02:59 Tip 1: Using Counts and Countdowns

04:53 Tip 2: Linking Speed to Physical Cues

06:36 Tip 3: Don't Be Afraid to Hit Pause

07:35 Tip 4: Tone, Inflection, and Rhythm

09:38 Tip 5: Decrease the Number of Reps

11:21 Tip 6: Hold Your Student Accountable

14:07 Conclusion and Community Engagement

15:12 Final Thoughts and Resources

This recording of a live instructor chat discusses the use of bareback pads in adaptive/therapeutic riding lessons. It outlines key considerations for their use, including the impact on the rider and horse, as well as the equipment and support required for safe incorporation. The speaker emphasizes thoughtful decision-making and highlights that bareback pads can be used as a progression tool to build confidence, improve position, and refine skills rather than as a starting point for most students. Practical advice and personal experiences are shared to guide instructors in making informed choices. Outline:

• Introduction

  • Overview of adaptive riding and bareback pad use.
  • Importance of intentional equipment choices.

• Key Considerations for Using Bareback Pads

  • Why Use a Bareback Pad?
  • Impact on the Rider
  • Impact on the Horse
  • Tools and Support

• Applications in Lessons

  • Gradual progression from saddles to bareback pads.
  • Confidence-building exercises (e.g., Around the World, balance games).
  • Use as a backup or low-impact lesson option.

• Final Thoughts

  • Encouragement to assess individual needs of riders and horses.
  • Practical advice for safe and effective implementation.
  • Invitation for instructor feedback and discussion.

Disclaimer: The information provided on this channel is for educational purposes only and is intended to support instructors in expanding their knowledge and skills. It is not a substitute for professional training, certification, or individual judgment.By choosing to implement any of the ideas, techniques, or practices shared here, you do so at your own risk and accept full responsibility for the outcomes. Hoof Falls & Footfalls and its creator, Saebra, assume no liability for any injuries, damages, or losses resulting from the use of the information provided. Always ensure the safety and well-being of your students, horses, and yourself by following appropriate safety guidelines and industry best practices. Learn more at www.HoofFallsandFootfalls.com and follow Hoof Falls & Footfalls on Facebook!

In this live chat replay for adaptive/therapeutic riding instructors I'll share my whats/hows/whys for how I introduce the trot and progress riders through the different types of trot.I'll be discussing sitting, posting, and 2 point trot and also give examples of past struggles and roadblocks I encountered while teaching trot that has led me do a 180 on how I introduce and progress riders as it relates to the trot.Even though I'm using "trot", points discussed in this chat are not exclusively for instructors who trach in English or dressage saddles and will also apply to instructors who teach in western tack.

Outline: I. Introduction A. Saebra Pipoly's background 1. Owner and founder of Hoof Falls and Foot Falls 2. Certified adaptive/therapeutic riding instructor 3. Over 15 years of experience B. Importance of continuous learning and growth as an instructor II. Initial Teaching Approach A. Starting with sitting trot, then posting, and two-point trot B. Challenges encountered 1. Students tensing up and bouncing 2. Issues with students with sensory processing disorders III. First Evolution of Teaching Method A. Shifting to posting trot first, then sitting trot, and two-point B. Continued roadblocks 1. Students unable to find rhythm 2. Feeling overwhelmed by complexity IV. Introducing the Two-Point Trot A. Pivotal moment of realizing the benefits of two-point trot first B. Advantages of two-point trot 1. Easier on horse's back 2. More joint-friendly for rider 3. Reduced cognitive processing V. Establishing a Solid Foundation A. Importance of two-point at the walk B. Helping students learn to move with the horse C. Developing soft, giving joints VI. Earning the Reins A. Requiring proficiency in two-point and posting trot B. Improved safety and progression VII. Adapting for Unique Needs A. Matching riders with smooth-trotting horses B. Exploring alternatives like fast, controlled walk VIII. Continuous Learning and Adaptation A. Embracing changes in teaching methods B. Prioritizing well-being of students and horses C. Sharing insights to inspire other instructors IX. Conclusion A. Encouraging instructors to reevaluate their methods B. Helping students succeed on and off the horse

Disclaimer: The information provided on this channel is for educational purposes only and is intended to support instructors in expanding their knowledge and skills. It is not a substitute for professional training, certification, or individual judgment.By choosing to implement any of the ideas, techniques, or practices shared here, you do so at your own risk and accept full responsibility for the outcomes. Hoof Falls & Footfalls and its creator, Saebra, assume no liability for any injuries, damages, or losses resulting from the use of the information provided. Always ensure the safety and well-being of your students, horses, and yourself by following appropriate safety guidelines and industry best practices.

This replay of a live instructor chat that discusses:

• Does your lesson horse seem to track or behave better going one direction?
• Does your student struggle to keep the horse on the rail or stay centered during class?
• Does your horse seem stiff or uncomfortable during lessons or schooling sessions...particularly to one direction?
• Find out what might be a factor in the things you are seeing in your equine coworker and some tips to remedy these problems.

Visit HoofFallsandFootfalls.com and Find Hoof Falls & Footfalls on YouTube and Facebook!

Want to learn from more professional adaptive/therapeutic riding instructors with over 100+ years combined experience in the EAS industry?  Check out The Intuitive Instructor Club at IntuitiveInstructorClub.com which includes a GROWING library of 60+ hours (at the time of this episode) of educational videos and 2+ hours of new content released each month (and YES....this is a great way to get continuing education for multiple certifying organizations!).

A live instructor chat discussing the pros and cons of different teaching positions in the arena for Adaptive/Therapeutic Riding Instructors. Standing in the middle, Standing on the centerline, Standing on the midline, Standing in the corner  

Want more free educational content and resources made specifically for Adaptive/Therapeutic Riding Instructors?  

Visit HoofFallsandFootfalls.com and Find Hoof Falls & Footfalls on YouTube and Facebook!  

Want to learn from more professional adaptive/therapeutic riding instructors with over 100+ years combined experience in the EAS industry?  Check out The Intuitive Instructor Club at IntuitiveInstructorClub.com which includes a library of 60+ hours of educational videos and 2+ hours of new content released each month (and YES....this is a great way to get continuing education for multiple certifying organizations!).

Ask an Adaptive Riding Instructor is a mini-series answering questions submitted from instructors all over the globe!

In this episode I answer the question: "Can a horse wear a fly mask during an adaptive riding lesson?" 

While answering the question I'll talk about:

• Safety considerations when an equine wears a fly mask during a lesson. 
• My preferred "layering" of the fly mask with other equipment. 
• Important actions and thoughts to take before deciding if a horse wears a fly mask during class 
• Is a fly mask a good fit for every horse? 
• Are there any standards that say horses can/can’t wear fly masks during lessons?  

For more EAAT Instructor resources and education visit HoofFallsandFootfalls.com OR IntuitiveInstructorClub.com 

Want your question featured on this series? Email them to saebra.p@hooffallsandfootfalls.com

Ask an Adaptive Riding Instructor is a mini-series answering questions submitted from instructors all over the globe!

In this episode I answer the frequently asked question: "How many students should you have in an adaptive/therapeutic riding lesson? Can you have too many? Can you have too few?"

For more EAAT Instructor resources and education visit www.HoofFallsandFootfalls.com or IntuitiveInstructorClub.com

Want your question featured on this series? Email them to saebra.p@hooffallsandfootfalls.com

Ask an Adaptive Riding Instructor is a mini-series answering questions submitted from instructors all over the globe!

In this episode I answer the frequently asked question that is often tied to a myth: "Is it required or mandatory for instructors to stand in the center of the arena during a lesson?"

For more EAAT Instructor resources and education visit www.HoofFallsandFootfalls.com

Want your question featured on this series? Email them to saebra.p@hooffallsandfootfalls.com

Ask an Adaptive Riding Instructor is a mini-series answering questions submitted from instructors all over the globe! 

In this episode I answer the frequently asked question: "How do I correct a volunteer during class without hurting their feelings?"

For more EAAT Instructor resources and education visit www.HoofFallsandFootfalls.com

Want your question featured on this series? Email them to saebra.p@hooffallsandfootfalls.com

Instructors and centers in the Equine Assisted Activities and Therapies (EAAT) industry often ask if there is a "list" of suggested requirements when they are looking for and screening a new equine.

This Instructor Chat will cover this topic and talk about the various factors that may go into an instructor or center's "List" when searching for a new equine coworker.

Instructor Chat Presented by Saebra Pipoly (PATH Intl. Advanced Therapeutic Riding Instructor, Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning, Instructor Mentor, and Associate Faculty/Evaluator for the Registered TRI Workshop & Certification)  Learn more about Hoof Falls & Footfalls by visiting our website! www.hooffallsandfootfalls.com    and IntuitiveInstructorClub.com

This interview introduces you to a book that will change you as an instructor....The Language of Coaching. Don't let the runner on the front of the book fool you! This book is filled with information that instructors in the Equine Assisted Activities and Therapies industry can use in every single lesson and interaction with not only their students (of all abilities!) but also volunteers, fellow staff, and instructors in training. Learn more about The Language of Coaching and how "The HOW" of instructing is passed on to YOU in this book that I believe will dramatically impact instructors across the globe.

Learn more at TheLanguageofCoaching.com     Order the book here (affiliate link): https://amzn.to/2C17fon

.......

Interview by Saebra Pipoly of HoofFallsandFootfalls.com (IntuitiveInstructorClub.com)

Mentors...join in for some tips on how to mentor adaptive (therapeutic) riding Instructors with less stress and more success!

Learn more at HoofFallsandFootfalls.com or IntuitiveInstructorClub.com

Link to blog with free template download! https://bit.ly/3bE0aG9 

In this Instructor Chat Replay: Why should you have (and use!) an Equine Training Checklist?  How can an Equine Training Checklist help strengthen your program in more areas than just "documentation"?  How can you use an Equine Training Checklist to help develop and change a schooling or training program for your lesson horses?  What does an Equine Training Checklist look like?  For more educational resources for professionals in the EAAT industry, check out HoofFallsandFootfalls.com and IntuitiveInstructorClub.com

Saebra Pipoly of Hoof Falls & Footfalls interviews Frankie Lovato, Jr. of Equicizer.

Frankie shares ups and downs from his long career as an award winning jockey and how a big "down" led to the invention of his first "wood horse"....now dubbed the Equicizer. The Equicizer has been revolutionary in how and what can be taught in both the traditional equine and Equine Assisted Activities and Therapies industries. Frankie also shares some words of wisdom for professionals and instructors in the EAAT industry.  

Learn more about the Equicizer on their website (equicizer.com), facebook page (facebook.com/equicizer), and facebook group (facebook.com/equicizertherapy)

Find more professional and affordable mentoring, development, and education for instructors in the EAAT Industry at HoofFallsandFootfalls.com and IntuitiveInstructorClub.com

This Instructor Chat shares some tips on teaching and instructor mindset when working with a student who is nonverbal or has limited communication. Tips and techniques are geared for instructors that teach Adaptive Riding and/or Adaptive Horsemanship lessons.  Key Points: What mindset do I have when working with this type of student? What ways to I adapt my teaching? What are some top 'tips' I give to other instructors?  Instructor Chat Presented by Saebra Pipoly (PATH Intl. Advanced Therapeutic Riding Instructor, Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning, Instructor Mentor, and Associate Faculty/Evaluator for the Registered TRI Workshop & Certification)  Learn more about Hoof Falls & Footfalls by visiting our website! www.hooffallsandfootfalls.com

Saebra Pipoly of Hoof Falls & Footfalls interviews Erin Bevington of HETRA and Equi-Force. Erin is a PATH Intl. CTRI Therapeutic Riding Instructor and shares the story of how she became an instructor, the beginning of HETRA, and highs and lows during her time in the Equine Assisted Activities and Therapies Industry. Erin also shares about Equi-Force (equi-force.com), a database that is upping the game for documentation and record keeping of fellow instructors and centers. Find more free and low cost education for instructors in the EAAT Industry at HoofFallsandFootfalls.com and IntuitiveInstructorClub.com

Saebra Pipoly of Hoof Falls & Footfalls interviews Stefani Viktora Zabala of EAAT Virtual Education Co-Op  Stefani is a PATH Intl. Certified Advanced Therapeutic Riding Instructor, Interactive Vaulting Instructor, and Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning.  Stefani shares the story of how she became an instructor, highs and lows during her time in the Equine Assisted Activities and Therapies Industry, and talks about her new project: The EAAT Virtual Education Co-Op (virtualeducationco-op.com).  Find more free and low cost education for instructors in the EAAT Industry at HoofFallsandFootfalls.com and IntuitiveInstructorClub.com

TOPIC: How do we start offering Equine Assisted Activities, such as Adaptive Horseback Riding, after this unplanned break?

Although I've been a little hesitant to a chat on this topic because I feel like I don't have black and white answers....it's time to start talking about how to start back up when, not if, we start serving our participants again. Heck....no one has all the answers right now so let's dig into this current hot topic even if it's a sensitive one that has a lot of gray areas.

This chat will offer discussion points and thought exercises to help instructors and centers navigate through how they can start serving participants again in a way that works for their specific program and location.

Talking points will include:
1. Preparing our equine co-workers
2. Preparing our participants
3. Preparing our volunteers
4. Preparing our staff

Want to learn more? Check out:

Hoof Falls & Footfalls (www.HoofFallsandFootfalls.com)

The Intuitive Instructor Club (www.IntuitiveInstructorClub.com)

Ask an Adaptive Riding Instructor is a mini-series answering questions submitted from instructors all over the globe!

In this episode I answer the Question: "What kind of stirrups do you use for your students? Do you have a preference?"

For more EAAT Instructor resources and education visit www.HoofFallsandFootfalls.com

Want your question featured on this series? Email them to saebra.p@hooffallsandfootfalls.com

Ask an Adaptive Riding Instructor is a mini-series answering questions submitted from instructors all over the globe!

In this episode I answer the Question: "What do you do with horses nibbling at volunteers? I told one of the volunteers about space and boundaries and that she could put her elbow up or could take the flat part of her hand and just push the face away gently. Any other thoughts? "

For more EAAT Instructor resources and education visit www.HoofFallsandFootfalls.com

Want your question featured on this series? Email them to saebra.p@hooffallsandfootfalls.com

Ask an Adaptive Riding Instructor is a mini-series answering questions submitted from instructors all over the globe!

In this episode I answer the Question: "How do you get the horses to walk on if the student is nonverbal without a horse leader? "

For more EAAT Instructor resources and education visit www.HoofFallsandFootfalls.com

Want your question featured on this series? Email them to saebra.p@hooffallsandfootfalls.com

Can you guess what policy change saved a center OVER $6,000 in one program year?

Join in during the chat to hear:
- What the "old" policy was and why it was not working any longer
- The research and thought process that took place to develop a new policy
- How the new policy was implemented
- Results of the new policy that was implemented

For more EAAT Instructor resources and education visit www.HoofFallsandFootfalls.com

Want your question featured on this series? Email them to saebra.p@hooffallsandfootfalls.com

Are YOU testing for the PATH Intl. Registered Therapeutic Riding Instructor Certification soon?  

Are you a MENTOR to someone going through this process and want to set them up for success?  

Then this Instructor Chat is for you!!!!  

I will be giving you some of my tried and true top tips to prepare yourself (or your mentee) for certification and set yourself up for success.   These tips come from years of experience with the CURRENT (not the new pilot for the credential) Registered Therapeutic Riding Instructor Certification process and experiencing it from multiple aspects: 

• As a registered level candidate 
• As host site representative and seeing hundreds of people go through the process.  
• As a mentor and guiding over two dozen instructors through the certification process.  
• As an Evaluator for the Registered process.  

If you missed the capital letters up there that were a hint... we will be talking about the current PATH Intl. Registered Level certification process. I will not be broaching the topic of the new CTRI process....if you have questions about that ask the PATH Office.  Original recording date: February 2019  

This video does not necessarily reflect the views of the PATH Intl. main office. I was not paid, endorsed, or asked by the organization to produce this video.    This video was done independently on my own time as a way to share information with those looking to pursue certification   

Helpful Links: HoofFallsandFootfalls.com  

PATH Intl. Registered Therapeutic Riding Certification Information:  https://www.pathintl.org/40-resources/certification/931-tri-certification

Ask an Adaptive Riding Instructor is a mini-series answering questions submitted from instructors all over the globe! 

In this episode I answer the Question: " I have a girl who is in a wheelchair and she can wiggle her feet. To get the horse to go I have seen another instructor have the volunteer sidewalkers help her squeeze the horse. My line of thinking is can she [independently] kick the horse physically to move on? It's not something she would naturally do ans she can only wiggle her feet. If I teach this student, would I want to have them do something that they probably won't be doing for themselves? " 

For more EAAT Instructor resources and education visit www.HoofFallsandFootfalls.com

Want your question featured on this series? Email them to saebra.p@hooffallsandfootfalls.com

Ask an Adaptive Riding Instructor is a mini-series answering questions submitted from instructors all over the globe! 

In this episode I answer the Question: "I have a rider who doesn't bend her knee so that her foot is under her knee so to speak. It's more by the shoulder of the horse. I tell her to "bend your knee" and it works. Another instructor thought it might be due to longer stirrups. I'll check it out next week but it's [the straight knee] a consistent thing. Any thoughts?"  

For more EAAT Instructor resources and education visit www.HoofFallsandFootfalls.com

Want your question featured on this series? Email them to saebra.p@hooffallsandfootfalls.com