Group Lesson (3)

Yesterday I taught a large group lesson. Four riders of varying skill levels joined for an evening ride. I cleared the arena of jumps and decided that I would ride too (with an assistant instructor on the ground - if a girth needed to be checked etc.). 

Once we were all mounted we discussed passing one another and keeping a good distance, then we headed out onto the rail. We began with hunter trial exercises. All in a line, the first horse stopped and all the other horses went around them. Then the back horse began trotting to the front of the line, leaving plenty of space in between the other horses. 

After the warm up, we turned into the middle of the arena and lined up on the centerline. I explained that we were going to ride an equitation walk/trot class. We would all walk, trot, halt, reverse and line up at the direction of the ground instructor. Out we went and everyone (WallE included) rocked it! No one got too fast, no horse had a melt down and everyone kept their horses consistent (For the most part). 

For the next half of the lesson, we focused on drill team exercises. We began with simple movements and increased the complexity as we went along. This is fun for the horses and riders, because they all move as a group and ride a pattern (have a focus). We videoed the final run through and then walked out.

I was certain that WallE was going to act wild during this lesson. I just knew he would explode and do something dumb. However, I need to give him more credit. There was no silliness the entire ride and I think he actually enjoyed riding all together. With the lesson having such a variety of abilities I did not canter him, but I still think the ride was beneficial. He was awesome. A few times riders became confused and almost ran into him or stopped in the middle. WallE stayed calm and attentive the entire time. I guess if I want him to behave in the flat classes, I just need to take a convoy of horses to follow him around?