Makes it easier for children with ADHD and autism • Color codes make teaching easier
With color codes and the latest research, riding instructor Maria Falck takes riding to new levels.
– It is incredibly important. Something is happening in Swedish equestrian sport, we are facing a new era, says Maria Falck, riding school teacher at Björkvik pony riding school.
Riding school teacher Maria Falck introduced color codes to make it easier for everyone to learn to ride. A method that has become extremely popular, especially among children with neuropsychiatric disabilities, such as ADHD and autism.
– Here are colorful cones that I get to follow and learn from doing different routes with different horses, says riding school student Matilda Blomqvist Andersson.
Colorful cones make it easier
Here at Björkvik’s pony riding school outside Katrineholm, it is clear that pedagogy is at the center. In addition to colored cones in the paddock, all the ponies in the stable have also been given their own color.
– The big challenge is that we try to challenge the old traditions and weave in modern pedagogical research, says Maria Falck, riding school teacher at Björkvik’s pony riding school.
– It is very good, especially for the younger children. They find it easier when they know what color the horse has and what tools belong to that horse, says Linnea Norinder Colvéus, riding school student.
“Incredibly important for Swedish equestrian sport”
Maria Falck’s riding school pedagogy is very popular among children with neuropsychiatric disabilities such as ADHD and autism, and many travel all the way from Stockholm to take part in her riding lessons. And now, almost 20 years since the start, Maria has started teaching her pedagogy at the university of applied sciences for riding instructors.
– The goal is to train modern riding instructors, who have a different pedagogical approach compared to the traditional school. Incredibly important! Something is happening with Swedish equestrian sport and we are facing a new era, says Maria Falck.
Do you think this pedagogy should also exist in school?
– Absolutely! I myself would experience that it was much easier then, says Matilda Andersson Blomqvist riding school student.