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When working with children I have also found it very effective to "contract" with them what our goals are. The goals are not mine, although I will often guide the kids in a realistic direction, the goals are the kids idea and thus are of more importance to them and makes the work more effective. As we meet each goal, we celebrate by coming up with a new goal and this helps keep us moving forward with enthusiasm. I have also found it important to contract with the parent(s), not about what we will accomplish, but in their participation with the lessons. I do not allow "sideline coaching" from parents; it is distracting and counter productive and has a negative impact on what the kids and I are doing. There will be times when I have to ask parents to "go get coffee" to take them out of the situation if they can't bite their tongue and usually this has the desired effect of getting them away for a moment so the parent and child can disengage emotionally and get refocused on the task at hand. I also contract goals with my adult student and this serves to give us both a clear idea of where to start and where we are headed. In addition to regular lessons, I also offer Show Coaching for my students on a first come first serve basis. This includes helping the student from the tacking up process (for kids, if needed) to post show de-briefing.
I have given and offer lessons in the following disciplines:
Rates: $30/per lesson $120 ~ Lesson package 5 for the price of 4, pre-paid only, makes a great gift $45 + Lunch ~ Show coaching; can be divided if more than one student at show is being coached - fuel surcharge may apply for shows outside Whatcom County. 2 lessons are included with each 30 days of training for training clients. |
Lessons: Lessons are offered to clients of all ages, skill level and discipline. I particularly enjoy my work with children and consider confidence building both with children and "re-ginner" adults to be my main priority. I do not employ such methods as yelling, belittleing, scolding or getting into power-struggles. I focus on positive re-inforcement and praise and have found this to be the best method. On the rare occasion when a child is really not listening or is argumentative, I have found it to be very effective to simply have them get off and be done. I explain if they can't listen then they can't ride. Works every time and usually only has to be employed once.
Tel: 360-318-0838 or 360-223-3080 Contact Us
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