GAME IDEA: “Horse Person’s Simon Says”- Transitions & Change of Rein

Game: “Horse Person’s Simon Says” for Transitions and Change of Rein on Rail

Objective of this game: A fun way to help students practice terminology and skills of upward transitions, downward transitions, and change of rein on the rail. This game also serves as a check for their comprehension of the terms and their ability to focus and follow instructions.

How to Play:

1. Set Up:
   • Students begin by riding on the rail at a designated gait (e.g., walk or trot) and practice the skills and terms.
   • The instructor should first explain the terms during the main portion of the class and have students practice without the pressure of the game. Be sure to reinforce appropriate riding position, use of aids, etc. as appropriate for your students.
     • Upward transition: Moving from a slower gait to a faster gait (e.g., halt to walk, walk to trot).
     • Downward transition: Moving from a faster gait to a slower gait (e.g., trot to walk, walk to halt).
     • Change of rein on the rail: Changing direction while riding along the rail by turning to the inside then returning to the rail tracking the other direction.
2. Instructor’s Role:
   • The instructor calls out commands such as “Upward transition,” “Downward transition,” or “Change of rein.”
   • Students follow the commands based on the gaits they are allowed to use. For instance, if students are only riding at walk and halt, they respond to commands within those limits. If riding at trot, they could then move between halt, walk, and trot.
   • The instructor can throw in challenges to increase difficulty, such as calling out a “downward transition” when the students are already at a halt to see if they stay in place or react incorrectly.
3. Basic Rules:
   • If an instructor says “Upward transition” when a rider is at halt, they move to a walk.
   • If the instructor says “Downward transition” when riders are at a trot, they move to a walk, and from walk to halt.
   • For “Change of rein,” riders reverse direction at the gait they are riding (walk, trot, etc.)
4. Game Progression:
   • The instructor can adjust the allowed gaits (halt, walk, trot, canter) based on skill level.
   • The game can become progressively harder, starting with just two speeds (e.g., halt and walk) and introducing a trot later on once students have become comfortable with the faster gait.

Modifications to Make the Game Easier:

1. Limit the Gaits: Only allow students to use halt and walk at first to simplify the game and focus on their understanding of transitions.
2. Call Out Slower: Give students more time to process each command by calling out the terms more slowly with pauses between commands.
3. Provide Examples: Before starting the game, give a few examples of what to do when a command is called. For example, demonstrate “Upward transition from halt” or “Change of rein at the walk.”

Modifications to Make the Game Harder:

1. Add More Gaits: Once students are comfortable, include transitions in and out of the trot and canter. This will require them to think quickly and control their horse more effectively.
2. Mix Commands: Call out commands more frequently and in quick succession. For instance, call “Change of rein” immediately after a transition to test the rider’s focus and multitasking skills.
3. Add “False” Commands: Call out commands like “Downward transition” when students are at a halt or “Upward transition” when they are already at a trot to see if they make an unnecessary move or stay focused.

Let me know in the comments what you think of the game and if your student’s enjoyed it!

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

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