The Library Classroom
Located right next to the dorm, the library classroom is used for all types of classes, including riding theory. All students enrolled in a riding class participate in a theory class of the same discipline. Theory classes provide for an understanding of the underlying principles of Dressage, Jumping and Western through a variety of techniques and opportunities for discussion. One technique that is used in theory is videotaping. Each student is videotaped riding twice a quarter. You and your theory instructor will then evaluate this video during class, which will allow you to benefit from a visual of what is happening in the saddle.
This classroom is also used for our teaching classes. Everyone taking teaching as a career area will take Teaching I, no matter what discipline they ride. This class usually varies in size from 10 to 25 students. Skills developed in Teaching I include those related to good communication, planning for instruction, and providing for effective teaching and learning. Students in this class are given opportunities to observe and analyze practicing teachers.
They will also learn to organize and plan lessons for the various riding disciplines and/or content areas they will be teaching. Teaching I students work directly with the public, assisting with clinics and demonstrations at the school's facilities. As students get further involved in teaching classes, they will become more specialized to their riding discipline and be given more opportunity to apply the skills they have learned to independent projects or internships. Students in the upper level teaching classes may become involved with private lessons for students or lessons given to the public.
Now we will head next door to the dorm that many of our students call home.