TEAM TALK SERIES

Team Talk #1: Who Communicates with the Rider?

This is the first post in our "Teamwork Talk: Who Does What? " series, where we’ll clarify different roles in lessons to help everything run smoothly. Clear communication is key in every lesson, and knowing who is responsible for communicating with the rider helps keep things structured and effective. Case 1: One Horse Handler + Two Side Walkers. The horse handler focuses on the horse and does not give instructions to the rider. The side walkers must decide who will take the lead in communication. The lead side walker is the primary communicator with the rider. Case 2: One Horse Handler + One Side Walker. The side walker is the primary communicator with the rider. The horse handler remains focused on managing the horse. Case 3: One Horse Handler + No Side Walker. In this case, the horse handler will communicate with the rider as needed while still prioritizing control of the horse. We are all working together as a team—including the horse! Keeping communication structured and clear helps every team member work effectively and supports a positive experience for the rider. Stay tuned for more posts in this series as we break down different responsibilities in the arena and the barn! 

Teamwork Talk #2: Groom vs Assistant Instructor - Tack Duty

Who’s responsible for putting the tack out and back? Here’s the breakdown: Assistant Instructor (AI): At the beginning of their shift, the AI is responsible for setting out the tack in the barn and in the ring before lessons start. This ensures everything is ready to go! Groom: During lessons, when grooms untack horses between classes, they must return the tack to the appropriate tack room if the horse is not being ridden in another lesson. Of course, if the AI needs a hand, grooms are more than welcome to help! Teamwork and communication makes everything run smoother.

Teamwork Talk #3: Side Walker – Who’s Getting the Participant Ready?

When a participant has two side walkers, the lead side walker is responsible for ensuring the rider has their helmet, boots, and belt on properly. The second side walker introduces themselves, however the lead side walker takes charge of most of the communication. For some participants, too many interactions at once can be overwhelming, so keeping it structured helps create a smoother experience. Teamwork Tip: Communicate ahead of time with your fellow side walker to clarify roles. If you're a regular team and your partner is running late, step up, take the lead, and support your rider!

Teamwork Talk #4: Horse Handler vs. Groom – Who’s Getting the Horse Ready?

The groom position can be a bit tricky, and we’re testing different shift start times to find the best fit. Until the end of this term, grooms will continue arriving at the same time as horse handlers to ensure horses are ready on time for the first lesson of the morning or afternoon. Case 1: Horse Handler & Groom Both On Time The horse handler grooms and tacks up their assigned horse. The groom checks the chalkboard at the barn entrance for any barn chores to do before preparing horses for the second lesson. Case 2: Horse Handler Late, Groom Present The groom starts getting the horse ready for the first lesson. As soon as the horse handler arrives, they take over from the groom. Case 3: 3:30 PM Lesson The groom starts preparing horses for the second lesson of the afternoon. When the horse handler arrives, they take over. The groom then untacks any horses that are not in the second or third lesson. By working together and staying flexible, we keep things running smoothly for both horses and participants!