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Rope Wind-Up
What you'll need:
- Tall tree, jump standard, or pole in
an open area
- 30-50 foot nylon rope
- (optional) gloves for rider's hands
Preparation
- Tie one end of the rope to the
tree/pole and stretch the other end
straight out, and lay it on the
ground
 Game
Rider starts with loose end of
the rope and winds it around the
tree (going in circles) until they
are at the end of the rope. If
preferred, students can then unwind
the rope all the way back out.
Variations:
- Start with student up next
to tree and unwind the rope,
then reverse the process
- Wind the rope up by backing
up the horse
Added Benefits:
This game teaches the rider
to control the horse by using
leg/rein pressure. If the horse
goes too far away from the pole,
the rope will become taut and
the rider will be forced to drop
it. This encourages the rider to
keep more slack in the rope,
which teaches them to use the
outside leg to keep the horse
closer to the pole. It also
helps with forming a circle and
familiarizing the beginning
rider with a good circle and the
aids to cue for one, and for
maintaining a good circle for
the more advanced rider.
Thanks to Annica, Maggie, and
Prissy for their participation! |
