Free Resource for Riding Instructors: No-Stirrup Exercise Progression Guide
Help Your Students Build Strength with This Editable Template
As riding instructors, we know that no-stirrup work is one of the most effective ways to develop our students' independent seats, core strength, and overall riding position.
We've created a comprehensive 10-level progressive exercise guide that you can download, customize, and share with your students - completely free!
What's Included in This Template
This editable document provides a structured progression of no-stirrup exercises from beginner to advanced levels:
Level 1-3: Foundation Building
- Walking exercises for balance and body awareness
- Introduction to short trot intervals
- Basic transitions and circles
- Confidence-building movements
Level 4-6: Strength Development
- Extended sitting trot work
- Pattern work and serpentines
- Introduction to lateral movements
- Rising trot without stirrups
Level 7-9: Advanced Balance
- Canter work introduction
- Smaller circles and more complex patterns
- Lateral movement combinations
- Two-point position exercises
Level 10: Mastery
- Full training sessions without stirrups
- Counter-canter and extended gaits
- Complete test patterns
- Advanced lateral work
Why Use This Template?
For Your Students:
- Clear progression path from beginner to advanced
- Optional checklist format - pick and choose exercises
- Builds confidence through structured advancement
- Tracks their progress throughout their no-stirrup journey
For You as an Instructor:
- Fully editable to match your teaching style
- Customize exercises for different student levels
- Add your stable name and branding
- Save time creating handouts
- Professional resource to enhance your lessons
How to Use This Template
- Download the free editable template here via Canva, edit right in Canva
- Customize the exercises to fit your teaching approach
- Add your stable name, logo, or additional instructions
- Print or email to your students
- Use during lessons to guide progression
You can adjust exercises based on:
- Your students' skill levels
- Your school horses' temperaments and training
- Your arena space and facilities
- Seasonal considerations
- Individual student goals
Important Usage Terms
This template is provided completely free for riding instructors to use with their students. You're welcome to:
✓ Edit and customize the content
✓ Add your stable branding
✓ Print copies for your students
✓ Share digitally with your riders
✓ Adapt exercises to your teaching style
However, please note: This document is for free distribution to your students only. It may not be:
- Sold or included in paid programs
- Reproduced for commercial purposes
- Redistributed to other instructors for payment
- Used as part of paid downloads or courses
Feel free to share it with your students as a complimentary training resource - that's exactly what it's designed for!
Teaching Tips for No-Stirrup Work
When implementing no-stirrup exercises with your students, consider:
Safety First:
- Start students on steady, reliable horses
- Use enclosed arenas for initial sessions
- Ensure proper helmet fit
- Monitor fatigue levels closely
Progressive Approach:
- Begin with short intervals (5-10 minutes)
- Build duration gradually over weeks
- Allow walk breaks between sets
- Celebrate small victories
One Stirrup vs. Both Stirrups: The template includes guidance on both methods. Some students build confidence faster by dropping just one stirrup initially, while others prefer the traditional both-stirrups approach. Both methods are equally valid and effective!
Customization Ideas:
- Add specific exercises for your discipline (dressage, jumping, western)
- Include photos or diagrams of positions
- Create level-specific handouts for different student groups
- Incorporate ground pole or cavaletti work
- Add strengthening exercises for off-horse training
Download Your Free Template
Ready to enhance your no-stirrup instruction? Click below to download the fully editable Canva template:
DOWNLOAD FREE EDITABLE TEMPLATE
Share This Resource
Know other riding instructors who could benefit from this template? Share this post with them! The more instructors equipped with quality teaching resources, the better for our entire riding community.
About This Resource
This template was originally developed for our No Stirrup November Challenge and has been adapted for general instructor use. It's based on progressive training principles and input from experienced riding instructors across multiple disciplines.
Our mission is to support riding instructors with quality, practical resources that enhance student learning and make your teaching more effective.
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Tags: riding instruction, no-stirrup exercises, free instructor resources, equestrian teaching materials, student handouts, riding lesson plans, progressive training