Building Blocks™ Games Part 2: Introducing Team Play in Riding Lessons
Once your students have successfully mastered Pattern 4 (see part 1), you can begin to introduce team play. Understanding your students’ personalities will help you structure a successful and enjoyable competition for everyone.
The Purpose of Team Play
Develops riding skills in a fun, engaging atmosphere
Encourages teamwork and cooperation
Introduces light competition in a controlled and supportive way
Setting Up for Team Play
Before starting, ensure each student knows which pattern they will ride. Each team member can ride a different pattern, as long as both teams follow the same sequence.
Instruction
Be sure each student knows which pattern they are responsible for. Each team member can do a different pattern as long as all teams do the same patterns.
📌 Diagram Reference: Take a look at the “Set Up for Team Play” diagram. The green arrows on either side of the markers indicate where each team should perform the straight-line portion of their relay. This setup helps prevent student collisions and ensures a safe riding environment.
Safety Considerations
Horses and ponies can sense their riders’ excitement, which may lead to increased energy or unpredictable behavior. Keep the following safety guidelines in mind:
* Monitor horse excitement levels: Even calm horses may become agitated in a crowded or competitive setting. Watch for signs of stress or frustration.
* Maintain proper spacing: Ensure riders keep adequate distance from each other while waiting for their turn in the relay.
* Prevent overuse: Avoid excessive repetitions, especially in hot weather, to prevent fatigue or overheating in lesson horses.
* Introduce competition gradually: Do not rush into competitive play until all students have mastered the required skills. Some students may find competition intimidating, and it is not essential at the Basic 1 level.
⚠ Note: Some students have naturally competitive personalities, which may lead to unintentional roughness with their ponies. Foster an environment where horsemanship and skill take priority over speed.
Tips for Managing Team Play
* Divide students into two groups. If teams are uneven, one rider can go twice.
* Strategically place competitive riders. Put highly competitive students last so they put pressure on themselves rather than their teammates.
* Support timid riders. Place them in the first or middle positions to minimize pressure.
* Control the start of play. At this stage, the instructor should direct the order of riders instead of assigning a team captain. This reduces stress for more timid students.
* Encourage balance and control. Competitive riders should occasionally complete a relay lap at a walk to refocus on precision rather than speed.
Patterns for Team Play
🚦 All patterns begin with a straight ride away from the group and finish with weaving. To maintain safety at the Basic 1 level, students should not race toward the group.
Customizing Patterns for Different Skill Levels
* Use any of the four basic patterns to create a relay that suits all riders on a team.
* Mix and match patterns to accommodate varying skill levels within the same team.
* Adjust relay lanes and directions every 3-4 rounds to maintain fairness.
* Conduct practice runs before introducing competitive play.
Example Pattern Arrangement for a Mixed-Skill Team:
* Rider 1 (timid) → Pattern 1
* Rider 2 (developing confidence) → Pattern 2
* Rider 3 (most confident/competitive) → Pattern 3
Adding Challenges to Advance Skills
Once students become comfortable with team play, introduce additional challenges to keep lessons engaging. Some challenges can be applied to all riders, while others can help level the playing field by giving specific riders an extra challenge.
🔹 Skill Challenges for Advancing Riders:
* Decrease the distance between markers.
* Add extra markers to increase difficulty.
* (Select one team member) Complete the pattern in two-point position.
* (Select one team member) Ride without stirrups at the walk or trot.
* (Select two team members) Swap horses for the relay.
* (Select one team member) Ride bareback.
* Try Pattern 5 for an added challenge.
📌 Diagram Reference: The second diagram illustrates a more advanced pattern for riders ready to take on greater difficulty.
Final Thoughts
Students usually love team relays and quickly develop both confidence and independence. The excitement of working with a team shifts their focus from overthinking their riding to using their skills instinctively. By incorporating games into lessons, you can enhance skill development while keeping learning fun and engaging.
Do you use team games in your lessons? What strategies have worked best for you? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Barbara Fox
TheRidingInstructor.net
Update of previously published article
