Tips from Term 3 - SIDE WALKER

Safety First: Let the AI Handle It

When you're serving as a side walker, it’s important to stay focused on your rider at all times. For safety reasons, avoid picking up items that may fall to the ground during the lesson. Our Assistant Instructors (AI) will handle things like this. The AI will safely retrieve the item, allowing you to keep your attention on supporting your rider. This ensures both you and your participant remain safe and focused throughout the session. 

Assigning the Lead Side Walker

If there are two side walkers supporting a participant, it’s important to assign one person as the lead side walker. This helps streamline communication and makes it easier for the participant to follow instructions. The lead side walker will be the primary communicator with the rider, ensuring clear and consistent guidance throughout the session. By designating this role ahead of time, you can enhance the participant’s experience and help create a smoother, more supportive environment. 

Helmet Hygiene: Keep it Clean!

After each ride, remember to sanitize the helmets to keep everything clean and safe for our participants. Once sanitized, place the helmets on the table with the inside facing up to allow them to dry properly. This small step ensures that every rider has a clean, dry helmet for their next session and helps maintain a healthy environment for everyone at VTRA. 

Progressive Helping: Encouraging Independence, One Step at a Time

When supporting riders as a side walker, it’s important to allow them to do as much as they can on their own. Give them time to receive, process, and attempt to complete the instructor’s directions. If they are struggling with a task, help them in small, incremental steps. Here’s how you can help progressively: Picking Up an Object: If the rider’s task is to reach and pick up an object, start by using their name and repeating the instructor’s verbal instructions. Then, demonstrate by picking up the object to show the rider how it’s done. After that, move the object closer to the rider and encourage them to try it themselves. Repeat the verbal instructions as needed. Steering with the Reins: If the rider is learning to steer with the reins, begin by calling their name and asking them to steer. If they don’t respond, repeat the verbal prompt and gently tap on the rider’s hand that should be steering. If needed, gently take the rider’s hand by placing your hand over theirs to guide them through the action. Remember: it is important to take the rider’s hand, not the rein of the horse, to maintain their sense of independence. The goal is to encourage the rider’s independence while offering support when necessary, helping them build confidence and skills at their own pace. 

Order of Instruction: Focused Roles for Clear Communication

When working with the team, it’s important to follow a clear order of instruction to ensure everyone is on the same page: Instructor Gives Command: The instructor provides clear directions for the rider. Sidewalker Waits & Repeats: The sidewalker waits to see if the rider can follow the instructor’s direction. If the rider does not respond, the sidewalker repeats the instruction and helps progressively. Rider Attempts: The rider tries to follow the instruction. Handler Follows Through: The horse handler ensures the horse follows the rider’s attempts, stepping in as needed to support the rider’s effort. Review the Chain of Instruction: Instruction always comes from the instructor, and the sidewalker plays a key role in reinforcing it. The horse handler’s primary responsibility is the horse, so focus on making sure the horse responds to the rider’s actions. Remember, riders are allowed to make safe mistakes. It’s part of the learning process, and your support helps guide them through it.