6 Practical Tips for Managing Rushy or Speedy Students in Adaptive/Therapeutic Riding Lessons

1. Use Count Ups or Countdowns

Counting can be a powerful tool to slow students down and help them focus on each step of an activity. Counting helps students process each step, improving both safety and quality of movement. When students start rushing through a task they lose their rhythm and smoothness and they need something to focus on that can bring them back. That is why using Count Ups or Countdowns can be extremely helpful for the student and us as the instructors too!

Here are a few ways to apply it:

• Mounting: Have students count the steps leading up to the mounting block. Once there, they can count to three before swinging a leg over the horse: “1, 2, 3—up and over.”
• Transitions: Use a countdown when preparing for transitions, such as from a walk to a trot and link a count to a step in your task analysis of that skill. For example:
  • Count 1: Take a deep breath.
  • Count 2: Say “walk on” or “trot.”
  • Count 3: Apply gentle leg pressure.

2. Link Speed to a Visual Cue

Connecting speed to a physical marker is a great way to help students get a better feel for regulating their pace. By giving them something visual and tangible, they can more easily recognize when they’re moving too fast or slow and make adjustments in the moment.

• Leading the Horse: Encourage students to keep their shoulder aligned with the horse’s head, just as they would walk next to a friend. This helps them stay in sync without rushing or dragging behind.
• Warm-Ups: Instead of allowing students to rush through warm-ups, break the movements into clear visual checkpoints. For example, if doing arm circles, guide them with a step-by-step approach: “Point your fingers toward your horse’s ears, then the sky, then the tail, and finally down toward the sand.” Using visual cues in warm-ups helps slow the activity and improve the student’s focus.

These small adjustments help students build body awareness and stay in tune with the horse, which leads to smoother, more intentional interactions all around.

3. Don’t Be Afraid to Hit Pause

When students rush, hitting pause can be an effective way to reset:

• Gently say “Whoa” or “Pause” to stop the activity.
• Take a moment to review what needs adjustment.
• Implement any necessary cues or reminders before restarting.

As the instructor, remember that you set the pace for the student. Don’t be afraid to step fully into your instructor role—you can be firm while still being caring. This balance helps students slow down without feeling scolded or discouraged. When hitting pause, consider implementing one or more of the other tips mentioned in this list to help redirect the student and foster their success.

4. Monitor Your Tone and Inflection

Your tone and pacing can either calm or excite a rushing student. To promote a slower, more intentional approach:

• Use a calm, measured voice when giving instructions. Stretch out words or add pauses to slow the student’s pace.
• Lead by example. Incorporate deep breathing to model a relaxed demeanor.

For example, during a transition, space out your cues: “On the count of three, we’re going to ask for a trot. One—deep breath. Two—say ‘trot.’ Three—hug with your legs.” This technique not only uses the counting method from step one but also ties in slower-paced, intentional instruction to reinforce focus.

5. Reduce the Number of Reps

If students rush through tasks to “just get it done,” they may be overwhelmed by what is being asked of them and may not feel they can be successful. Try reducing the number of reps you are asking of the student and emphasizing quality over quantity. Let students know that doing it really, really good for a few reps first is the goal, and that it’s okay to build up to higher repetitions over time. This approach can help them stay motivated and focused on improvement.

For example: If a student is rushing through and having difficulty performing 10 quality arm circles, try decreasing the number to 4 and focus on quality and doing it well vs. quantity and finishing quickly

When students know you’re not asking them to do anything beyond their current abilities, they’re more likely to engage and follow instructions.

6. Hold Students Accountable with Clear Expectations

Setting clear expectations helps students know exactly what’s expected and creates a more trusting, consistent learning environment. When they’re clear on the goals, they feel more confident and accountable for their progress. It also shows that you’re invested in their success, which helps build trust and keeps things positive and fair. 

• Communicate barn and lesson rules and expectations upfront.
• Reinforce the idea that quality is more important than speed or quantity.
• Try not to fixate on perfection and praise the effort.
• Celebrate small wins and improvements to encourage continued effort. 

Remember that you can show the student the progress they made and point it out to them. Those little moments of celebrating success will make an impact.

Encouragement and Celebrating Progress

Once students have adjusted from rushing to being more thoughtful in their actions, make sure to acknowledge and celebrate their progress. Compare their initial attempts to their improved performance to highlight how slowing down leads to better outcomes. This reinforces the value of quality effort and builds confidence.

By implementing one or all of the six tips in this post, you can help your students decrease their rushing tendencies, stay focused, improve their riding skills, and enjoy a more rewarding experience  during their adaptive/therapeutic riding lessons. Have you tried any of these strategies? Share your experiences and solutions in the comments below! 

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Want to learn more about topics mentioned in this post? Check out the Intuitive Instructor Content below:

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Disclaimer: The information provided by Hoof Falls & Footfalls is for educational purposes only and is intended to support instructors in expanding their knowledge and skills. It is not a substitute for professional training, certification, or individual judgment. By choosing to implement any of the ideas, techniques, or practices shared here, you do so at your own risk and accept full responsibility for the outcomes. Hoof Falls & Footfalls and its creator, Saebra, assume no liability for any injuries, damages, or losses resulting from the use of the information provided. Always ensure the safety and well-being of your students, horses, and yourself by following appropriate safety guidelines and industry best practices.

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