What should instructors focus on when developing lesson plans?

When developing lesson plans, instructors should prioritize meeting the riders' objectives and ensuring safety. This focus is foundational in therapeutic riding, where the goals of each rider can vary significantly, often tailored to individual learning styles, physical abilities, and emotional needs. By aligning the lesson plans with these objectives, instructors create a meaningful and personalized experience that maximizes each rider's potential.

Additionally, safety is a critical component in any equestrian activity, especially in therapeutic riding, where participants might have varying degrees of physical and cognitive challenges. Ensuring that safety protocols are incorporated into lesson plans protects both the riders and the horses, thus fostering a nurturing and secure environment conducive to learning and personal growth.

While leading horses, increasing competition, or standardizing sessions might be relevant in certain contexts of riding, these aspects do not cater to the individual needs of riders nor prioritize safety, which are essential in therapeutic settings. Therefore, the focus should definitively remain on rider objectives and safety as the cornerstones of effective lesson planning in therapeutic riding.