
Hoof Falls & Footfalls
By Hoof Falls & Footfalls

Hoof Falls & FootfallsAug 01, 2022

Incorporating "Chat Laps" in your Lessons!- Teaching Tip for Adaptive/Therapeutic Riding Instructors
TEACHING TIP: "Chat Laps"
Do you have chatty riders? Do you have chatty volunteers? Then "Chat Laps" may be the solution for you!
This quick Instructor Chat goes over the whats, hows, and whys of implementing Chat Laps during your Adaptive/Therapeutic Riding Lessons.
More adaptive/therapeutic riding instructor blogs, tips, resources and education available at HoofFallsandFootfalls.com
to access online education from multiple EAS industry professionals! (OVER 120 videos currently available!) This is a great way to knock out CEUs and grow as an instructor! Check out IntuitiveInstructorClub.com

Why, when, and how we practice emergency dismounts in lessons BEFORE a real emergency happens! - Live Adaptive/Therapeutic Riding Instructor Chat Replay
Live Adaptive/Therapeutic Riding Instructor chat on: Why, when, and how we practice emergency dismounts in lessons BEFORE a real emergency happens!
Discussion points:
Why should we practice emergency dismounts with our students and volunteers?
When should we practice emergency dismounts?
What are different ways we can practice emergency dismounts with supported riders?
What are different ways we can practice emergency dismounts with independent riders?
Interested in online 1:1 custom adaptive riding instructor coaching & development, in-person clinics to grow your instructor team, mentoring for instructor certification? I want to help you take your teaching or program to the next level! Email Saebra.p@hooffallsandfootfalls.com
and like/follow/subscribe to Hoof Falls & Footfalls on YouTube and Facebook!
Want more free educational content and resources made specifically for Adaptive/Therapeutic Riding Instructors? Visit https://hooffallsandfootfalls.com/
Wat 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 (https://hooffallsandfootfalls.com/intuitiveinstructor/) 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 CEUs for multiple certifying organizations!)

Is your Adaptive/Therapeutic Riding lesson horse chronically crooked? Why? What are the remedies?- Live Instructor Chat Replay
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!).

Different teaching positions in the arena for adaptive/therapeutic riding instructors- Live Instructor Chat Replay
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!).

How rein size, shape, and texture can impact your adaptive/therapeutic riding student- Instructor Chat Replay
Replay of the Live Instructor Chat on an "Equipment and Mechanics" themed topic: How rein size, shape, and texture can impact your adaptive/therapeutic riding student Chat covers: Discussion about how rein size, shape, and texture can impact riders of different abilities. Reins can impact rider position and their ability to be successful at rein management, reining, and more! Take a closer look at this often overlooked and under addressed piece of equipment! 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! Free Summer Book Club live meetings on "The Language of Coaching" during July 2021: get on the notification list here: https://forms.gle/VwaEYPRNEQS1JKKF9
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!).

"Can a horse wear a fly mask during an adaptive riding lesson?"- Ask an Adaptive/Therapeutic Horseback Riding Instructor (#9)
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

"How many students should you have in an adaptive/therapeutic riding lesson? "- Ask an Adaptive/Therapeutic Horseback Riding Instructor (#8)
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

"Is it required or mandatory for instructors to stand in the center of the arena during a lesson?"- Ask an Adaptive/Therapeutic Horseback Riding Instructor (#7)
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

"How do I correct a volunteer during class without hurting their feelings?"- Ask an Adaptive/Therapeutic Horseback Riding Instructor(#6)
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

Looking to add a new equine to your EAAT center? What should be on your "list" of minimum requirements?: An Adaptive/Therapeutic Horseback Riding Instructor Chat
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

The Book EVERY Adaptive/Therapeutic Riding Instructor Should Read!- an interview with Nick Winkelman, Author of The Language of Coaching
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)

Dr. Rebecca Wara-Goss discusses "Horses Healing the Wounded Warrior"
In this interview, Saebra Pipoly of Hoof Falls & Footfalls talks with Dr. Rebecca Wara-Goss about her new dissertation: "Horses Healing The Wounded Warrior: A Qualitative Inquiry of Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy in Treating Posttraumatic Stress Disorder for Female Veterans"
Request a copy of her dissertation: rrwaragoss.lmft@gmail.com
https://eudaemoniaconnections.com
Dissertation Abstract:
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a major concern for military veterans in the United States and current research on women’s experiences in the military and the effects of their postmilitary PTSD are limited. Currently, there are a variety of evidence-based and alternative treatment options for veterans with PTSD, and one alternative treatment option includes equine-facilitated psychotherapy (EFP). EFP is a form of animal-assisted therapy (AAT) that integrates the human–animal bond as part of treatment and recovery. The purpose of this exploratory study was to explore in-depth experiences of the horse–human relationship in EFP with female veterans to elucidate how the horse–human relationship may assist in reducing impacts of PTSD. The research question was, “What is the lived experience of EFP in female veterans with PTSD?” The research was designed as an exploratory qualitative inquiry study that utilized semi-structured interviews with 10 female veterans. The findings from this study included six theme groupings with a total of thirty-three themes found. The most significant themes common to five or more participants included: Emotional discomfort with the horse, Spiritual experience with the horse, Experience of safety with the horse, Visual contact with the horse, Emotional connection with the horse, Beneficial impact of therapy, Increased connection with others, Reduced anxiety, Reduced withdrawal, EFP advocacy for others, and Delayed awareness of PTSD. Through exploring the nature of the human–animal bond in EFP, this research revealed invaluable insights into the potential healing power of horses and alternative mental health treatment options and served to honor women’s experiences in the military. In addition, this qualitative study provided an opportunity to gather rich detail and general information as to the effects of EFP for sufferers of PTSD."
Keywords animal-assisted therapy (AAT) equine-facilitated psychotherapy (EFP) female veterans human-animal bond (HAB) Interconnectivity posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatment options
Learn more about Hoof Falls & Footfalls: HoofFallsandFootfalls.com

Mentoring Instructors In-Training with Less Stress & More Success
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

Why YOU need an Equine Training Checklist and How to Use One- Adaptive Horseback Riding Instructor Chat
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

Meet Frankie Lovato, Jr.: Equicizer inventor and Eclipse Award winning Jockey
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

Working with Students who are Nonverbal or have Limited Communication: Adaptive Horseback Riding Instructor Chat
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

Meet Equi-Force President and HETRA COO Erin Bevinton!
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

Meet Certified Interactive Vaulting & Therapeutic Riding Instructor! Stefani of EAAT Education Co-Op
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

Starting Back Post-COVID: Instructor Chat
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)

Skill Progression in the Arena: Instructor Chat
January 2019 Topic: Skill Progression Are you confuddled by skill progression? You are not alone! This is one of the top areas I hear instructors say they are frustrated with or not confident in. This instructor chat will talk about a unique outlook on skill progression and give some take home tips that you can start applying to help you feel more confident when progressing your students!
Resources:
Comprehensive Guide to Equine Assisted Activities and Therapies: https://amzn.to/2SOZhSn CHA Manual: https://amzn.to/2RFQbKp Pony Club Manual: https://amzn.to/2M2eVHzHoof Falls & Footfalls Facebook: facebook.com/hooffallsandfootfalls Hoof Falls & Footfalls Website: www.hooffallsandfootfalls.com

WHY Whats/Hows/Whys are Important in the Arena: Instructor Chat
Original Facebook LIVE Date: October 4, 2018
What sets apart an ok instructor from a great instructor? Knowledge of their topic of course....but most of all the ability to communicate with their students!
Teaching techniques such as Whats/Hows/Whys can help take your instructing to the next level!
Listen in and learn more about WHY the teaching technique of Whats/Hows/Whys is important in the arena during your lessons.
Tips will also be given to help instructors increase the effectiveness of their groundwork, horsemanship, and/or riding lessons by including more whats/hows/whys in creative ways.
Whats/Hows/Whys is a Teaching Technique that is beneficial for horseback riding instructors that teach both able bodied students and those that have physical, cognitive, or emotional disabilities.
Want to catch the next instructor video LIVE? Follow the Hoof Falls & Footfalls Facebook page: facebook.com/hooffallsandfootfalls
HF&FF Blog Post on Whats/Hows/Whys: https://goo.gl/r6Wwps

"What kind of stirrups do you use for your students? Do you have a preference? "- Ask an Adaptive/Therapeutic Horseback Riding Instructor(#5)
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

"What do you do with horses nibbling at volunteers? "- Ask an Adaptive/Therapeutic Horseback Riding Instructor(#4)
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

"My student is nonverbal...how do they ask the horse to walk"- Ask an Adaptive/Therapeutic Horseback Riding Instructor(#3)
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

A policy change that saved an EAAT Program OVER $6k in one year!- Instructor Chats
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

Tips for a Successful Certification for Therapeutic Riding Instructor- Instructor Chats
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

Weight Limits and Weigh-ins - Instructor Chat
Hang on tight…we’re going to talk about a hot topic: Student Weight Limits and Weigh-ins.
(Weigh-ins 21:51-end)
Establishing a weight limit policy can be difficult….enforcing that policy consistently even harder.
Saebra will discuss her thoughts on this topic and offer suggestions on:
Setting weight limits for our equines Factors that may impact weight limits Starting or modifying a weight limit policy Weigh-ins…should you do them?Link to HF&FF Blog on Weight Limits: https://hooffallsandfootfalls.com/wei... Link to study mentioned in video: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/f... Learn more about Hoof Falls & Footfalls: www.HoofFallsandFootfalls.com

"Should sidewalkers help a student use their legs to cue the horse?" - Ask an Adaptive/Therapeutic Horseback Riding Instructor(#1)
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

"My student won't keep her knee bent!"- Ask an Adaptive/Therapeutic Horseback Riding Instructor(#1)
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