Courtney Smith, a resident of Tennessee, holds a Masters of Science degree with a concentration in Equine Education and Coaching from Middle Tennessee State University. Courtney is the owner of Need A Hand Horse Training where she has spent her time being actively involved in the equine industry through training horses, competing, teaching clinics, and coaching youth and adults from local to national levels. She is the Head Coach of Team Need A Hand, a member of the Interscholastic Equestrian Association and is involved in multiple organizations holding positions such as the IEA Western Region 4 president, the TN State 4H Horse Show Committee, and as a Board Member for the TN Stock Horse Association. Courtney is a strong advocate for youth involvement in the equine industry which is seen in her passion for teaching and helping others.
“Putting the FUN in FUNdamentals”
“Why aren’t we riding today?” A frequent question asked by many new students at their first lesson, on a rainy day or camp. As riding instructors, we know the importance of teaching our students all aspects of horsemanship from learning the parts of the horse to the basics of nutrition. The reality is most students do not want to learn the “boring” stuff. This is where it can become a challenge to educate our students while keeping them engaged. We want to transition from “boring” to interesting and relevant. This workshop will share strategies to help put the FUN in the FUNdamentals. We will give instructors an overview of available, and often free, resources to use when teaching non-riding activities that make learning interactive and applicable. I hope it will give you inventive ideas and ways to inspire and liven up your teaching routines.