Department of Horsemanship

LESSON PLAN
DATE:
INSTRUCTOR:
LOCATION:

Jordan Parker

End of the Jud Little Riding Hall

OBJECT OF LESSON:

Transitions for Advanced students

LEADERSHIP MODULE:

Duty

LEADERSHIP EXAMPLE:
It is the riders responsibility to help the horse a smooth transition,
aiding them in moving them upward or downward as needed.
EQUIPMENT REQUIRED:
5 colored cones: red, 2 green, purple, and yellow, although any
four colors will work, so long as there are two of one color. Start at the red cone from a posting
trot. Beginning at the purple cone, the riders will pick up the canter from the trot. Once they reach
the green cone, they will ask for a smooth downward transition to the posting trot, picking up the
correct diagonal without looking. A yellow cone will be next, where they are to walk, followed by
another green cone where they pick up the sitting trot. The final cone will be red and here they will
halt from the sitting trot. The exercise can then be repeated, this time moving into the canter from
the walk. Ideally, all transitions will be achieved at the cone, so they may have to begin asking
their horse earlier for the transition, depending on their mount and the riders proficiency in
communication. Two riders could do this at once; the others should walk their horses in the middle.
Advanced students should be observing their classmates to see what is successful and what is not
in accomplishing transitions. If they are not doing that, then they can work independently provided
there is enough arena space until it is their turn to run through the exercise. The space between
the cones is not specified, so the distance can be increased to make the exercise easier or
decreased to make it more difficult. Please refer to the arena notes set up for a suggestion on
general initial position. This exercise will have the riders practice both upwards and downwards
transitions, occasionally skipping a gait a horse might naturally go into during acceleration or
deceleration. Proficiency in transitions is a demonstration of communication and teamwork, both
vital aspects in being successful and safe riders.
HORSE
STUDENT

STUDENT

Lilly 32

Elanna Reavill OToole

Taz 45

Lewis Chang

Belle V 5

Raraza

Mena 50

Kadous

HORSE
Addison 6

Gong

Department of Horsemanship
Stitch 80

Philip

ISSUES WITH HORSES

The horses were all very good. Stitch was reluctant to pick up his canter from the trot, so we tried
from the walk but he was still uns
ISSUES WITH STUDENTS
One student could have put more effort into asking his horse to canter, but overall the students
contributed well and tried their best to complete the exercise.
MAKE NOTES FOR ARENA SETUP

N
1/3 of the arena

Department of Horsemanship