By Nicole Carswell
©Voice, November 2006

Back Row - Nicole Carswell, Casee Crocker, Ellen Wisecup, Cheryl Jones, Tammy Flowers, Leslie Perry assistant instructor, Leslie Wells assistant instructor.

Front Row - Jaimee Lewis, Carmen Franck Lucas, Christy Mauney, CJ, Stephanie Slagle.

I believe that some of the most important people within the walking horse industry are our instructors. These are the people who bring vast amounts of education, learning opportunities, and total breed exposure to the very general and grassroots public. These individuals are the ones who bring that unfamiliar family in off the street, convince them that horseback riding is beneficial and just as nourishing to their children (and the parents) as soccer, basketball, etc… They give the public that foundation to become long term, TWH lovers who will be around for years supporting the breed. Instructors have also been known to give new meaning to enjoying this sport for those that are already involved, but just want to be more knowledgeable and become more accomplished.

A good teacher is like a candle - it consumes itself to light the way for others.

~Author Unknown

The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.

~ William A. Ward

I am very passionate about our instructors and teaching new, incoming instructors how to be successful and excited about this craft. That is why I started the Instructors’ School three years ago. The school continues to grow, and this year with the school being a TWHBEA^SM event, and Certification Testing being offered, it was another great experience for us all. This year, eight fantastic people from five states gathered to learn both teaching technique and horsemanship theory. This was a great group to work with. All instructors to be were full of questions, and excitement with learning new ideas that they could carry back to their own respective barns. The curriculum for the school is comprehensive. The teachers work with: all ages of students, all levels of students based on ability, and teaching on all types of Tennessee Walking Horses. They actually get a lesson of their own! It is not uncommon for many new instructors to have only taught on pleasure horses or on performance horses. This school gives them an opportunity to at least be exposed to all facets of the breed and have some skill to work with each.

I hope all instructors have
a great holiday season and a successful 2007!