I have been approached to put on a basic clinic to help 4H kids with showing at open shows. Halter, showmanship, Western and English. Trying to work up a proposed format.
Was thinking have one group do a mock class, while the other is with the “judge” seeing what they see, and then switching. But would that open the doors to people being petty/mean towards the other riders? Or feeling overly self conscious?
Any ideas on format? One day clinic.
The most important thing we do at 4-H clinics is spacing and how to avoid the “magnetic properties” of horses in an arena situation.
I think the half and half could work as long as the group is mixed. Not having the advanced group watching the beginners. You can maybe get a feel of the dynamic and if it will work in your first activity.
I am sure you will do fine will have a great time!
I think it’s hard to get constructive feedback from kids-- too much conflicting social pressure. Are the most of the kids old enough to have smartphones? Or will parents with phones be there? What I’m thinking:
Short riding lesson where they get coaching on proper position, use of arena, safety, etc. Then break them up into groups that will allow decent spacing for a W-T-C “class”, where they’ll be asked to put those lessons to the test.
The riders are all paired up with one of the non-riders. They exchange phones so the non-rider can take a video of “their” rider, then switch roles and have another brief class. So, each rider will have a video of themselves on their own phone.
Take an unmounted break, where the kids all sit down for 10min and study their own video. Ask them to identify 3 things they think they did well, and 3 things that they’d like to improve. Might need to coach them a little on what kinds of things to look at. Did they keep a safe distance at all times? Heels down? Hands, seat, posture, transitions, etc.
Self-critique I think will feel more safe for the kids.
It’s not supposed to be a lesson like that (so not changing how they ride position wise unless it is something key like how they hold the reins): more just preparing them for a show. So not making changes to how they ride (wouldn’t be enough time), but rather preparing them for what to expect at a show, and some tips to help them show their best.
Thinking now just holding it like a show format. Start with theory, then hold the classes, with feed back and tips per class, plus do overs.
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