Shrinking Bridge

Shrinking Bridge

What you'll need

• Three ground poles

Preparation

• Lay the poles on the ground at right angles to each other, so that they form a "U" shape
• Make sure there is enough room on either side of the bridge that the horse and rider combination will not be in danger of running into anything

Game

Rider walks through open end of "bridge" and over the pole at the end to get to the "land" on the other side. Each time through, the bridge gets smaller and smaller, until rider cannot easily step over the "bridge" anymore.

Variations:

• Use real wood to make a bridge
• Spread a tarp under the "bridge" to act as water
• Trot over bridge

Added Benefits:

This game teaches riders concentration, as well as learning where there horse's feet are. If they don't know where the horse is stepping, then they don't know if they are still on the "bridge" or not. This helps them learn the footfalls of the horses, and how to squeeze a horse through a tight space and keep them moving forward.

Thanks to Catherine and Angel for being willing participants!