Laurel Manor Equestrian

02/06/2026

15 Fun Unmounted Lesson Plan Ideas

It's that time of year where most of us are dealing with a frozen arena, icy footing, and temperature so cold you can't feel your fingers.

Canceling lessons means lost income for you and disappointed students but riding in unsafe conditions? Not an option of course!

So what do you do? You get creative with unmounted lessons. These aren't just filler activities to kill time... they're actual horsemanship education that makes students better riders when they get back in the saddle.

Adjust these activities to suit your program/horses/riders needs:

1. LONG REINING / GROUND DRIVING
Teach students the basics of long reining such as how it works, what it's for, and how to do it safely. If you're comfortable demonstrating, show them how it's done. Explain how horses can be worked without a rider on their back, it shows another way to communicate through reins and body position. It is also great for young horses, horses in rehab, or building communication
If students are interested, they can start learning the basics with supervision!

2. CLICKER TRAINING OR TRICK TRAINING
Teach something fun - bow, smile, fetch, Spanish walk, whatever!
Use treats and/or positive reinforcement. YouTube has tons of ideas on what and how to teach if you don't know how. This keeps horses mentally engaged during winter downtime and builds trust and communication. Plus it's fun which both students and horses need in the middle of a cold, gray winter!

3. OBSTACLE COURSE
Set up poles, tarps, cones, buckets etc whatever fits in your aisle space. Walk through obstacles in-hand. Obstacle courses builds confidence, teaches problem-solving, strengthens partnership plus you can get creative with whatever supplies you have lying around the barn! The possibilities are endless with obstacle courses!

4. BACKING UP EXERCISES
Not just basic backing but backing straight lines, around corners, through obstacles, between standards or poles. Backing builds body awareness, control, and engagement. Ensure students are asking to back up horses correctly and relaxed.

5. LIBERTY WORK
If you have access to a round pen or small indoor space, let the horse loose and work on connection through body language. This Builds connection without relying on tack. Students learn to read body language and communicate through positioning and energy. Incredibly valuable and doesn't require riding!

6. "JOIN UP" TECHNIQUES
Teach natural horsemanship join-up using body language and positioning. Students learn how horses think, how pressure and release works, and how to build connection through understanding. Perfect winter skill-building! It is magical for a student to have a horse follow them once they "join up" when their horse!

7. BREATHING TOGETHER
Stand quietly next to your horse in their stall or cross-ties. Match your breathing to theirs. Sounds too simple, right? This exercise is surprisingly powerful for bonding and calming. Great for cold days when horses and humans are tense from the weather.

8. TARGET TRAINING
Teach your horse to touch a target (your hand, a cone, a ball) with their nose on cue. This is a great foundation for other tricks and behaviors. Sharpens focus and timing. Can be done in the smallest spaces, making it perfect for winter barn work. Target training is AMAZING for some spooky horses! Once you teach a horse to target "scary" objects with their nose, they become braver and more confident. I discovered this with my warmblood who spooked at everything but once he learned to touch scary objects on cue, he became so much more brave about approaching new things.

9. MINDFUL LEADING PRACTICE
Have your student walk slowly down the barn aisle with their horse. Ask the horse to match their pace exactly. Practice stopping together, backing up together, and turning together as one unit.
The goal is to make leading intentional and connected, not just dragging the horse from point A to point B. Most people lead on complete autopilot with the horse trailing behind, pulling ahead, or totally checked out. This exercise makes leading INTENTIONAL. It improves communication, attention, and partnership in a way that translates directly to riding. Plus, barn aisles are IDEAL for practicing straight, controlled, synchronized leading!

10. CARROT STRETCHES
Use carrots to encourage stretching:
Down between front legs
Around to each hip
Up and over their back
Horses get stiff standing in stalls during cold weather. Carrot stretches are gymnastics, massage, and bonding all in one. This keeps them flexible and feeling good even when they can't move as much.

11. VOICE COMMANDS FROM THE GROUND
Have students teach their (school) horse verbal cues such as walk, whoa, trot, back using only their voice. No physical aids, no touching, just voice communication. This shows students how much horses can actually understand from voice alone! It's amazing communication practice and super useful year-round when leading, lunging, or working around horses. Plus, students get a huge confidence boost when they realize they can control a 1,200-lb animal with just their words.

12. DESENSITIZATION WORK
Have students introduce "scary" objects to their horse in a safe, controlled way such a tarps, umbrellas, balls, pool noodles, crinkly bags, flags, whatever you have around the barn. Let the horse investigate at THEIR pace while the student stays calm and supportive. No forcing, no rushing. Builds trust and confidence in both horse and handler. Plus, it teaches students how to stay calm when their horse is uncertain which is an invaluable skill!

13. HALT AND STAND PERFECTLY STILL, GROUND TYING
Teach students to practice asking their horse for a halt and having them stand like a statue - square, balanced, calm, no fidgeting.
Progress to ground tying: horse stands perfectly still with lead rope dropped on the ground, no one holding them. Just... standing and waiting patiently. This can be way harder than it sounds for some horses! Standing still can be difficult for some horses as it requires patience, self-control, and trust. Ground tying is next-level and incredibly practical for real life: mounting, vet visits, farrier work, tacking up. Teaching students how to build this skill shows them the power of patience and proper training over force. Plus, a horse that ground ties is a joy to work with year-round!

14. GROOMING CLINIC
Turn grooming into actual TEACHING and show students different brush types and their purposes, how to find heat, swelling, or sensitivity, mane and tail care techniques, and hoof care and what to look for (thrush, etc). Students often rush through grooming to "get to the fun part." Use winter to slow down and actually TEACH horsemanship. They'll be better horse people for it!

15. PLAN SPRING RIDING GOALS
Sit down with your student somewhere warm such as the tack room, office, wherever! Grab a notebook and dream about spring - what shows, clinics, trails, skills do they want to accomplish? Write it down. Make it real and create a roadmap. Goal-setting keeps students motivated through tough winter months. Having a PLAN makes them more likely to stick around instead of quitting when weather gets hard. Plus, it shows you're invested in their growth.

WHERE CAN YOU DO ALL OF THIS?
The beauty of unmounted work? You don't need a perfect arena!
You can use your barn aisle if it's long, safe, and wide enough. An indoor arena if you're lucky enough to have one. If your arena is rutted and frozen, look for a flat, softer spot on the property. Don't cancel lessons just because your arena is unusable. Get creative with the space you DO have. A 20-foot section of barn aisle can teach MORE than you think.

PRICING UNMOUNTED LESSONS
Should you charge the same as riding lessons? My take is YES - if the lesson is well-planned and educational. You are still teaching valuable skills, providing your expertise and time, using your horses and facility, and creating a structured learning experience. Don't discount just because they're not in the saddle. Horsemanship education has VALUE.

SET EXPECTATIONS AHEAD OF TIME
When you know riding won't be possible, message students:
"Heads up - footing is frozen tomorrow so we won't be riding. We're going to work on [clicker training/liberty work/obstacle course navigation] instead, which will really improve your partnership when we get back in the saddle." Managing expectations = happier students in my opinion.

Frozen footing and brutal cold don't have to mean lost income or bored students sitting at home. Get creative and use your barn space. When spring comes and students get back in the saddle, they'll be BETTER riders because of the foundation you built all winter. Plus, you kept them engaged, committed, and paying - which keeps YOUR business sustainable through the slow season.
Winter doesn't have to be dead time. Make it LEARNING time.

What are YOUR favorite winter unmounted lessons?
What works in your barn aisle when you can't use the arena?

02/06/2026

Are you a serious young rider who wants to improve, but feels stuck, unsure what to work on next, or nervous about moving up?

EMES gives you a clear, structured path to build confidence, ride safely, and progress the right way.

✔ Follow a step-by-step learning system
✔ Train with credentialed, growth-focused instructors
✔ Track real progress beyond ribbons and jump height
✔ Build strong fundamentals that last a lifetime
✔ Join a supportive student community with weekly Zoom sessions

Build confidence. Build skill. Build your future with EMES.
www.emes.academy/for-students

02/06/2026

Green Flags: Signs You've Got a GREAT Student

Let's talk about the students who make this job absolutely worth it.
The ones who show up ready to work. The ones who listen, try hard, and genuinely make you love teaching. The ones who remind you why you became an instructor in the first place.

These students deserve celebration so let's name the GREEN FLAGS - the signs you've got a keeper because when we highlight what makes great students GREAT, maybe more riders will aspire to be exactly that.

Here are the qualities that make instructors grateful to teach you:

🟢 GREEN FLAG: THEY SHOW UP ON TIME (AND READY)
Not 15 minutes late with excuses. Not unprepared and scrambling. They arrive on time, boots on, ready to work.

Why this matters:
- Respects your time and other students' time
- Shows they value the lesson
- Allows full use of lesson time for actual teaching
- Sets the tone that this is important to them
Bonus points if: They text ahead when they're genuinely running late (with actual notice, not "I'm 5 min away" when lesson started 10 min ago).

🟢 GREEN FLAG: THEY ACTUALLY LISTEN TO INSTRUCTION
Not nodding while clearly zoning out. Not arguing about why they don't need to do it that way. Not interrupting with "but at my old barn we did it like this..." They listen, process, and then try what you asked.

Why this matters:
- Shows respect for your expertise
- Allows actual progress instead of wasting time debating
- Creates a productive learning environment
- Demonstrates coachability
Bonus points if: They ask clarifying questions to make sure they understand correctly.

🟢 GREEN FLAG: THEY TRY THINGS EVEN WHEN SCARED
Not refusing challenges and not making excuses to avoid hard things. They feel the fear and do it anyway, with your support.

Why this matters:
- Growth happens outside comfort zones
- Shows trust in you as their instructor
- Demonstrates genuine commitment to improving
- Inspires other students watching them be brave
Bonus points if: They tell you they're nervous instead of hiding it, allowing you to support them properly.

🟢 GREEN FLAG: THEY TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR MISTAKES
Not blaming the horse every time and not making excuses for why it's never their fault.

Why this matters:
- Self-awareness is required for improvement
- Shows maturity and accountability
- Makes coaching so much easier
- Creates a growth mindset instead of victim mentality
Bonus points if: They ask "what should I do differently next time?"

🟢 GREEN FLAG: THEY DO THE WORK BETWEEN LESSONS
Not showing up week after week with the exact same issues and not expecting you to fix everything in 45 minutes once a week. They practice what you taught (whether on their own horse, journaling their lesson experience, or reading books on the subject). They stretch and work on fitness. They think about riding between lessons.

Why this matters:
- Shows they're invested in their own progress
- Respects that YOU can't do the work for them
- Actually makes measurable progress
- Demonstrates dedication beyond just showing up
Bonus points if: They tell you what they worked on at home and ask for feedback.

🟢 GREEN FLAG: THEY'RE GRATEFUL
Not entitled and not taking your time, expertise, and horses for granted. A simple "thank you" at the end of lessons. Recognition that you're investing in them.

Why this matters:
- Teaching is HARD work and the appreciation fuels us
- Shows they value what you provide
- Creates positive energy in your program
- Models good character for other students
Bonus points if: They occasionally bring you coffee, write a genuine thank-you note, or leave a great review.

🟢 GREEN FLAG: THEY RESPECT THE HORSES
Not treating horses like equipment and not getting frustrated and rough when things don't go their way. They groom thoroughly and scratch the horse to thank them after rides. They care about the horse's wellbeing.

Why this matters:
- Horses aren't machines and they deserve respect
- Shows character and empathy
- Creates better partnerships
- Keeps your lesson horses willing and happy
Bonus points if: They notice when a horse seems off and alert you to it.

🟢 GREEN FLAG: THEY HELP WITHOUT BEING ASKED
Not waiting to be told to put their horse away, not leaving grooming supplies scattered everywhere, and not walking past trash on the ground. They clean up after themselves, help catch horses, and offer to help other students.

Why this matters:
- Shows they see the barn as a community, not a service
- Lightens your workload
- Sets an example for other students
- Demonstrates barn rat potential (the GOOD kind!)
Bonus points if: They stay after to help with barn chores just because they want to be around horses.

🟢 GREEN FLAG: THEY COMMUNICATE CLEARLY
Not ghosting when they need to cancel and not having their parent text you 5 minutes before the lesson. Not assuming you'll just "figure out" their schedule. They (or their parent) communicate changes promptly, follow your cancellation policy, and respond to your messages.

Why this matters:
- Respects your time and business
- Allows you to fill the slot or adjust your day
- Creates a professional relationship
- Reduces stress and frustration
Bonus points if: They give you advance notice of upcoming schedule changes (vacations, school conflicts, etc.).

🟢 GREEN FLAG: THEY SUPPORT OTHER STUDENTS
Not competing or tearing others down, not complaining about who got which horse and not creating drama in the barn. They cheer for other riders, offer encouragement and celebrate others' wins.

Why this matters:
- Creates positive barn culture
- Makes YOUR job easier (less drama management!)
- Shows emotional maturity
- Makes lessons more enjoyable for everyone
Bonus points if: They mentor newer students without being asked.

🟢 GREEN FLAG: THEY HAVE REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS
Not expecting to jump after two lessons, not comparing themselves to Olympic riders, and not demanding constant advancement without putting in the work. They understand riding takes TIME. Progress isn't linear and plateaus are normal.

Why this matters:
- Reduces pressure on you to push them faster than safe
- Creates sustainable, healthy progression
- Prevents burnout and frustration
- Shows maturity and patience
Bonus points if: They trust your judgment on when they're ready to move up.

🟢 GREEN FLAG: THEIR PARENTS ARE SUPPORTIVE (Not Hovering)
Not helicopter parents arguing with every assessment, not undermining your teaching, and not using lessons as free childcare.
Parents who trust you, respect boundaries, and support their kid's learning without interfering.

Why this matters:
- Allows you to actually TEACH
- Creates healthy student-instructor relationship
- Reduces stress and conflict
- Shows the family values your expertise
Bonus points if: Parents ask how THEY can support their child's progress at home.

🟢 GREEN FLAG: THEY CELEBRATE SMALL WINS
Not only caring about ribbons and big achievements and not dismissing progress as "not good enough." They get excited about posting correctly, staying balanced through a turn, or finally getting that diagonal.

Why this matters:
- Shows they value the PROCESS, not just outcomes
- Makes teaching joyful
- Creates positive momentum
- Demonstrates healthy goal perspective
Bonus points if: They remember to celebrate YOUR wins too (your horse doing well, your birthday, etc.).

🟢 GREEN FLAG: THEY'RE CONSISTENT
Not flaky about showing up and not disappearing for months then expecting to pick up where they left off. They commit to a schedule and stick to it (barring genuine emergencies).

Why this matters:
- Consistency creates real progress
- Allows you to plan your schedule and income
- Shows they're serious about riding
- Builds actual skills instead of constantly restarting
Bonus points if: They prioritize lessons even when life gets busy because riding matters to them.

🟢 GREEN FLAG: THEY'RE COACHABLE
Not defensive when corrected, not "yes-butting" every suggestion.
They receive feedback as HELP, not criticism. They try corrections immediately.

Why this matters:
- Coachability is THE #1 predictor of success
- Makes teaching effective instead of exhausting
- Creates trust in the instructor-student relationship
- Shows humility and growth mindset
Bonus points if: They THANK you for corrections and feedback.

THE ULTIMATE GREEN FLAG COMBINATION IS A STUDENT WHO:
✅ Shows up on time, ready to work
✅ Listens and tries what you teach
✅ Takes responsibility for mistakes
✅ Respects horses and other students
✅ Communicates clearly
✅ Has realistic expectations
✅ Is grateful for instruction
That's a unicorn student and if you have even ONE, you're lucky.

TO THESE STUDENTS:
- You make this job worth it.
- You remind us why we became instructors.
- You make us BETTER teachers because teaching you is actually rewarding.
- You're the ones we think about when we're considering quitting on hard days because students like you are why we stay.
- Thank you for being coachable, grateful, hardworking, and kind.
You are appreciated more than you know.

TO INSTRUCTORS:
Take a moment right now and think of your green-flag students.
Text them and tell them you appreciate them. Let them know they make your job better. We're quick to complain about difficult students. Let's be equally quick to celebrate the great ones.

Instructors: What green flags did I miss? What makes YOUR favorite students stand out? Let's celebrate the riders who make teaching a joy!

11/22/2025

It might not seem like it, but you are on the right track

11/22/2025

Public Notice: Due to recent Equine Herpesvirus (EHV) outbreaks in Oklahoma and Texas, we are recommending that all equine events in Arkansas, including shows, competitions, and large gatherings, be postponed for two weeks. We also recommend isolating and monitoring any horses that attended events in OK or TX during November for 21 days.

These steps are precautionary to help protect Arkansas’s equine industry. We will continue to share updates as the situation develops.

Learn more: https://agriculture.arkansas.gov/public-notice/recommendation-to-postpone-equine-events/

11/21/2025

Marguerite Henry, author of Misty of Chincoteague and many, many more beloved children's books.

Photo by Tony Francis Photography.

11/21/2025

Neck Straps: The Underrated Tool For Lesson Programs

Let's talk about a piece of tack that doesn't get nearly enough credit: the neck strap. If Olympic eventer William Fox-Pitt uses one at five-star competitions, why are we acting like they're only for beginners? Here's the truth: Neck straps aren't a crutch. They're a smart training tool.

WHY NECK STRAPS BELONG IN YOUR PROGRAM:
1. Confidence Builder: Trying a new horse? Nervous rider? Green horse? A neck strap gives riders something to hold WITHOUT pulling on the mouth. Confidence goes up, tension goes down. I've watched countless riders transform from white-knuckling the reins to actually RIDING once they have a neck strap to grab if needed.
2. Protects Young Horses: Starting youngsters over fences or out on trail? Neck straps are non-negotiable. When your green horse throws an awkward jump or spooks, you grab the strap - NOT their mouth. This keeps young horses soft, willing, and trusting instead of defensive and mouth-dead.
3. Teaches Proper Hand Position: For novice riders still learning independent hands, a neck strap gives them a reference point. It reinforces using seat and leg aids BEFORE hands, and helps keep hands steady and in the right place.
4. Safety for Unbalanced Moments: Even experienced riders have off-balance moments. The neck strap gives you something to grab that won't hurt the horse or compromise your position as badly as grabbing mane or reins.

PROPER FIT MATTERS:
Too tight = too far up the neck to reach
Too loose = slides back and becomes useless
The sweet spot: You should be able to fit one finger underneath while still holding your reins comfortably. This usually means 10-12cm of slack measured just in front of the withers.
Play around with fit until it works for both horse and rider!

NECK STRAP OPTIONS:
Old-school: Repurposed stirrup leather
1. Multiple holes for adjustability
2. Usually already at the barn
3. Costs nothing

Modern: Purpose-made neck straps
1. Cut to custom size
2. Can personalize with colors, names, emergency contact info
3. Looks more polished
4. Great for trail riders (add your phone number!)
Both work perfectly - pick what suits your program!

FOR INSTRUCTORS:
Consider adding neck straps to your program for:
- All beginner/intermediate riders
- Anyone trying a new horse
- Jump lessons (especially learning or green horses)
- Trail rides
- Nervous riders rebuilding confidence

You'll see better hand position, more confident riders, and happier horses.
Win. Win. Win.

If William Fox-Pitt - a five-star, Olympic-level eventer - uses a neck strap at the highest levels of competition, maybe we should stop treating them like training wheels and start treating them like the valuable tools they are. Your hands stay softer. Your horse stays happier. Your riders stay safer. What's not to love?

Instructors: Do you use neck straps in your program? Why or why not?

11/17/2025

11/15/2025

Don’t pull — feel! Use “feeling fingers,” not “pulling hands.”

Pulling causes resistance, tension, and discomfort for the horse.

Correct technique: hold the rein softly with the thumb and index finger, use light pressure with other fingers, keep elbows and wrists relaxed, and move in harmony with the horse.

👉 The goal: soft, responsive communication between rider and horse — built on trust, not force.

11/15/2025

Moves to allow voice aids in dressage competition, made after rider feedback, have been welcomed as a positive step by competitors. From January, British Dressage (BD) and British Riding Clubs (BRC) will allow “discreet” use of vocal aids, including tongue clicking, during tests. BRC has also ru...

11/13/2025

Training Tip Tuesday. More exercises to prepare the horse for the flying changes - The 20 meter walk or trot counter shoulder in to canter volte. In this exercise, the horse will be asked to mobilize the shoulder during the counter shoulder in phase. The canter will occur on the 10 meter volte with the depart taking place over centerline. These elements will encourage the horse to sit more resulting in a more expressive, uphill transition. Riding the volte in a slight shoulder fore position will add to the level of collection and the expression of the canter. This is an excellent way to improve suppleness, self carriage, hindquarter engagement and balance. Accuracy, geometry and timing are of the utmost importance in this exercise.

11/08/2025

Clean your tack, groom your horse, and shine your boots. Every day. If you can control nothing else, you can control your turn out. There is no excuse to not do the minimum effort.

www.EquestrianCoach.com