Strides for Success

Tag: Exercises

  • Strategically Using Your Time when Training or Retraining Your Horse

    Strategically Using Your Time when Training or Retraining Your Horse

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    Why is it that, as equestrians, we often want to immediately have what we see others with?  And I’m not just talking about saddles, boots, and gloves… But the actual ‘horse’, exercises, movements, training, and level of performance.  We ‘know’ that time is required, but gosh, time can mean a lot of things to a lot of different riders!

    When you are working alone riding and training your horse, strategically using your time is vitally important if you are to make progress. 

    Today, I want to suggest a few key areas you can begin to think about in order to do this… So to keep both you and your horse moving forward in your training, and your development while keeping everyone happy in interested.

    CLICK HERE to have a PDF of this article delivered straight to your inbox to print off or save and read later

    Creating a Defined Outcome

    I’m going to start this by being really honest; better is not a goal.  Wanting to be ‘better’ will not help or progress your riding or your training.  Better is a feeling.  We feel good when we feel better.  However, we might not always be doing as well as we feel at that moment…

    Stop using ‘better’ as an outcome in your riding and your training. Start using outcomes you can measure… Or, even better, anyone watching can measure! 

    Rather than ‘better canter transitions, why not use ‘clean and happen a split second after asking’ canter transitions?  Or rather than ‘better trails’, use ‘can ride 3km on our own, unaided, unassisted, and consistently relaxed’ trails?

    It’s worth remembering that as you and your horse develop, the same topic can still be used as an outcome, its just the details of whats being measured changes…

    So ‘clean transitions become ‘maintaining the contact’ transitions.  And ‘3km relaxed and alone trail rides’ become ’10km challenging while remaining relaxed and trusting the partnership trail’ rides. I give more examples in the actual episode, so make sure you give it a listen…

    Okay, so once we are agreed that ‘better’ is not a goal or an outcome, let’s carry on ;)

    Can Your Horse Do this?

    Now, for most riders the answer is “Eh, Yes!, I mean, I’m pretty sure, right?”. I feel that this particular ‘time factor’ must be divided into two separate categories.  The first is for riders who are trying to force an issue on a horse who has no intention of EVER being the horse they want them to ‘become’.  Everyone has talents, and every horse has talents.  It takes a really responsible and intuitive rider to admit that their goals might not be their ‘heart horse’s talents…

     Will your horse have the ability to do this ‘happily’ in the future? (Happliy is a key word!).

    And the second is for riders who feel confident that their horse is definitely the horse for the job at hand.  The question is about where they are now, and what they need to be before they can do this ‘thing’.  Many of us simply just think our horses can ‘do’ things.  After all, we see them doing the things all of the time in the field with their friends, right?!

    Has your horse the ability to do this ‘thing’ the correct way, at some point in the future – and what does he need to learn or develop in order to get there?

    What Does He Know Already?

    Why is it that when we’re training horses, it is often easier to see the downsides to what our horse already knows?  The challenges and issues with the training or retraining that has to happen…  Why not begin seeing some of these past lessons (I do say some) as opportunities?

    What is it your horse already knows (good or bad) that you can use to help him understand a concept you’re trying to impress on him now?

    We all ‘know’ things that help us understand other things better.  Your horse is no different.  When you begin actively looking for ways that you can better explain things to him using what he already knows, you can ‘leap frog’ some of the ‘time’ involved with learning new things… That’s worth considering, right?!

    What Previous Training is Working Against You Now?

    Similarly, there are things that your horse ‘thinks’ are good and correct, that is probably holding you both back!  We once had a horse here, an OTTB, who had this exact issue.  And it was a groundwork, not a riding issue.  Yet, it affected everything…

    Someone had trained this horse to rear on command when the ‘rider’ was on the ground in front of her… The issue was that we didn’t know the command! 

    This was a tall (16.3hh) horse who would rear up, and flick out her front feet while doing it. Afterward, she would elegantly stop waving (put all 4 feet on the ground) and give the terrified/surprised/confused/perplexed handler a look of “I made my move, now you make yours…”!

    Trying to explain to her that we didn’t want that ‘move’ was incredibly difficult when we didn’t even know what initiated it in the first place! 

    So we focused on what we did know; our training methods.  We overly celebrated all ‘wanted moves’ and ignored the unwanted ones.  Over time, she slowly forgot about her casting for Zorro movie training, and rather began to understand what was required in this part of her career…

    The key to all of this was time. And knowing that she was working on an outdated expectation – which was our responsibility to help her understand. 

    Being Strategic with Time

    This leads me to my last point… Are you being realistic with your timeframe when it comes to training or retraining your horse?  Does the plan that you have laid out on paper, or digitally, accurately reflect where both of you are right now?

    And your resources? Does your plan match the resources you have available?  Your time, your other commitments, your finances, your focus, attention, etc…

    The key to using your time strategically, regardless of how little or how much you have, is to know what needs to be done.

    As you begin working with and training or retraining your horse, you will begin to gain more clarity around this.  You will see where your horse has potential ‘gaps’ in their training.  And. you will know what you can include in each session to help ‘fill’ those gaps.

    Happy Riding
    Lorna

    More on This Topic

    More Training & Support

  • 3 Exercises to Ride While on a Circle with Your Horse

    3 Exercises to Ride While on a Circle with Your Horse

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    It is probably the most ridden shape for most riders, the trusty circle.  And yet, a lot of circles are uninteresting, uninspiring, and (if we’re being completely honest here) a total waste of time for you and your horse.
    When ridden with a little intention and purpose, the trusty circle can become one of the greatest ways to develop your horse and improve your skills.
    Here are 3 exercises you can ride next time you’re in the arena to help you make the most of your circles with your horse.

    1.  Counting Strides on the Circle

    This is a great way to practice and work on some basics in your riding.  By knowing how many strides you are riding on a specifically sized circle, you can begin to ‘test’ yourself and your horse.
    Start with counting strides to see if you can ride the same number consistently on each consecutive circle.
    Once you have your number and can maintain it, you can then begin to ask different questions.  Shortening the strides to fit more into each circle.  Or lengthening to fit less.  You can also play with tempo while you do this exercise.

    2.  Leg Yielding on a Circle

    Circles, in and of themselves, are a great way to build and develop suppleness in both horse and rider.  However, you can take this a step further by incorporating lateral work into your circle.
    By asking your horse to leg yield while continuing to ride the circle, you can ask different questions around both straightness and suppleness – for you and your horse.
    I find that this exercise also helps riders to become more aware of their own straightness in the saddle.  Couple this with the fact that, for many riders, rhythm can be a challenge, it truly is a great exercise to incorporate into your riding plans.

    3.  Accurate Transitions on a Circle

    The final way I suggest making better use of the versatile circle is to become intentional with transitions while on it.  Moving up and down the gears, whether between gaits or inside of a gait,  will test both horse and rider.
    Transitions on a circle are a great way of ‘tuning’ both horse and rider to each other. 
    The preparation involved before each transition, the lightness through the transition, and the quality of the gait after each one is a great way to test horse and riders balance.

    Riding A Circle

    So, next time you are in the arena, give one or two of these a go.  By beginning to ride each circle with a little more intention, you can dramatically improve the quality of your schooling.
    Happy Riding
    Lorna
    Connection; My Online Membership for Equestrians is open and enrolling new riders.  if you would like a day-by-day plan to follow in your riding, this is for you.  Your own time, your own arena,  your own horse…
  • Simplifying Your Plan when Working Two Horses

    Simplifying Your Plan when Working Two Horses

    Simplifying Your Plan when Working Two Horses

    What this episode is all about & how it can help you:-

    • Figure out how to choose a theme or topic
    • Be specific about what you are going to do with each of the two horses
    • Align your schooling with the goals for each of the two horses
    • Understand that adjustments are often essential

    [smart_track_player url=”https://op3.dev/e/traffic.libsyn.com/dailystridespodcast/1088-Simplifying-Your-Plan-when-Working-Two-Horses.mp3″ title=”Simplifying Your Plan when Working Two Horses” social_linkedin=”true” social_pinterest=”true” social_email=”true” tweet_text=”Do you feel a little overwhelmed when it comes to creating a schooling plan for two horses? This episode of the Daily Strides Podcast will help…” hashtag=”equestrian #horseriding” twitter_username=”strides_success” ]

    Planning what to work on with your horse is often a task that many riders neglect.  Often this is due to having failed at making it simple enough that you can follow.  This ‘threat’ doubles when you add a second horse into the mix.

    Creating one plan can seem daunting enough; now to create two plans for two horses, who have different needs and goals can seem impossible.   Luckily, it doesn’t have to be…

    In this episode of the Daily Strides Podcast I take you step by step through a process that works where planning for two horses is concerned.  It works because it is simple to do.  Simple and easy.  In fact, once I explain this to you, I’m confident that you will feel like this is definitely something you can do in your riding and schooling.

    Why is Planning for Two Horses So Difficult?

    Well, the real answer here is that it actually isn’t!  It is often the rider who makes it difficult by over complicating the whole process.  In riding, there are thousands of different exercises you can ride with your horse.  Add lunging and groundwork into the mix and that number multiplies significantly.

    Don’t allow yourself to get caught in the trap of thinking that complicated exercises or school movements are necessary in your schooling. 

    Any rider who has a successful relationship with a horse will tell you to focus on the basics.  Get those right and then work on from there. Now, obviously when you are working two horses, particularly if one is more developed than the other, more challenging questions are necessary.

    However the question or the desired outcome should remain the focus of your schooling – not the exercises you are using to apply the question…

    Choose a Theme or Topic for Each Horse

    I know, it seems so obvious; and yet so many riders fail to do this.  I recommend having a monthly theme or topic that part of a bigger 3, 6 or 12 month goal.  Another way of choosing this is what came up during your last clinic or lesson… However you decide to choose a topic, the important thing is that you do just that – make a decision or choice!

    Having something that you want to work towards or achieve for each of your two horses will make deciding what to actually do in the saddle with each of them so much easier. 

    Your topics or themes do not have to be the same.  Now, of course, it will make life a whole lot easier if they are similar or related. But again, this does not necessarily have to be the case.

    Working two horses using two completely different themes or topics does not have to be difficult.  Your approach is what will determine the outcome; keep that in mind as you plan your exercises.

    Choosing Schooling Exercises for Your Two Horses

    Be careful here; this is where most riders overcomplicate and confuse both themselves and their horses!  If your ‘plan’ is too complicated or time-consuming, you are not going to stick to it.  It’s as simple as that!

    Think of the basics. Keep things as simple as possible.  And use your chosen theme as the perspective you approach each exercise from.

    I personally recommend choosing four exercises a month.  Then just riding them using the specific individual filter or perspective that you have already chosen for each of your two horses.  This way it doesn’t matter how far apart your two horses are in their training level.  They will both be worked in a way that benefits where they are right now in their development.

    Most basic schooling exercises can either be worked on using a different focus, perspective or filter.  And simple variations can be added where necessary to the existing basic exercise. 

    Less Time Planning; More Time Implementing

    Following the above suggestion will give you more time to actually school or ride. While setting up different exercises for each of your two horses might be a novelty at first, I can guarantee you that it will soon become a chore.  And we all know what happens when the fun is gone from something we once enjoyed!

    Choosing the same exercise for both horses will help you to simplify your whole schooling plan.

    The same exercise does not mean having the same intention, as mentioned, it simply means that you have more time to work on how the horse is actually working through the exercise.  Less time moving any poles or markers.  More time in the saddle actually working on what you want to improve with your horse.

    Riding the Same Exercise Differently with Two Horses

    So now that you have your four exercises for the month, what is next?  Well actually putting it all into practice and riding your both of your two horses through one of the exercises.  Let’s use an example here; one of your horses is a 4-year-old green horse who is still working on establishing rhythm, particularly through bends and circles. The other horse is a 12-year-old who is competing and working towards the next level.  Straightness is key for this horses overall development and strength.

    Remember, everything when riding is related; meaning that nothing worked on will be done in isolation from other schooling principles. 

    I would suggest one of your exercises being a simple serpentine.  With your first horse focus on riding the exercise as accurately as possible, and trying to maintain the rhythm throughout the whole exercise.  You can later begin adding some transitions into the same schooling exercise.  With your second horse, obviously the same will apply with the added focus of straightness through the exercise.

    The same exercise, ridden the same way just using a different filter or perspective depending on your end goal or focus with each of your two horses.

    The Advantages of Working Two Horses Using the Same Exercises

    As you begin working your two horses using the exercises you have chosen, use the fact that you are working two different horses to your advantage.  Begin noticing what challenges are coming up.

    Often a green horse can bring your attention to a missing element with a more advanced horse.  A basic missing element which otherwise might be overlooked.

    The other advantage of working two horses through the same exercise is that it highlights some potential pitfalls which are being caused by you, the rider!

    If two completely different horses at two different levels are having the same issue show up; one of the common denominators is you – the rider! 

    Is there something you are doing that is causing both horses to have a similar issue with the same exercise?  If so, what can you do to begin replacing this with something that is more beneficial to both yourself and your two horses?

    Working two horses at the same time does not have to be complicated or stressful.  Remember, simplify where you can.  Then just enjoy the process.  You are, after all, blessed that you have two horses to work in the first place :)

    Happy Riding
    Lorna

    Other posts and episodes that relate to this topic:-

  • Improving Your Dressage Scores – Part 2

    Improving Your Dressage Scores – Part 2

    You leave the arena on a long rein at A and to say you feel a little disheartened is putting things mildly… Dressage can be difficult, there’s no doubt about it, however what tends to stack the odds even more so against a good dressage score is the fact that many riders see it as ‘boring’; a means to an end of sorts.

    Are you the sort of rider that thinks the most challenging part of dressage is memorising your test? For many riders, this is the be all and end all of dressage. Is it any wonder that it is often those same riders that feel hard done by and disappointed when they receive their score sheet?

    [fusebox_track_player url=”https://op3.dev/e/traffic.libsyn.com/dailystridespodcast/681-Improving-Your-Dressage-Scores-Part-2.mp3″ title=”Improving Your Dressage Scores Part 2″ social_linkedin=”true” social_pinterest=”true” social_email=”true” ]The dressage test is merely a means to see how the horses, and riders, training is progressing and a way to ‘course correct’ where necessary. If the test is looked at in this way, the boredom vanishes and the scores begin to mean something…

    We already discussed a few points on improving your dressage scores previously here on the blog. You can read Part 1 HERE >>

    In this blog post I want to focus on using the training aspects that the test is trying to encourage, the reason behind the ‘symmetry’ on both reins and the disastrous effect riding the test just to ‘check’ all the movements off can have on your overall score.

    Training Aspects of the Test

    Each level of dressage is looking to progress and build on the level that came before. The ascension through the levels corresponds with the basic training scale, the foundation of which is rhythm, relaxation and, suppleness. Both the movements themselves and the sequence they are asked in that are laid out in the test are there to see just how well you and your horse have grasped the concepts.

    Depending on the level you are riding at, the dressage judge will be looking for slightly different things while you ride your horse. Keep this in mind and work towards what is required for your level. Don’t try to achieve something that is far more advanced than where you are right now. Similarly, if you are riding at a higher level, but have not truly mastered the basics, your scores and comments will reflect this.

    Allow the level you are currently at to set the tone for all your rides. Focus on achieving that particular aspect of riding within both yourself and your horse, regardless of the exercise or work you are busy with. This is how you will then become better; and move up the scale.

    Focusing on Symmetry while Riding

    You have probably noticed that when riding a dressage test, whatever you do on one rein is generally repeated on the opposite rein soon after. This is not due to the creator or designer of the test taking a shortcut when designing the test; rather it has to do with the symmetry that you should be aiming for in your riding.

    Dressage tests are there so the experts, judges, can guide you and give you pointers as to how both you and your horse can improve your overall ride. By seeing how well you both can ride a movement to the right and to the left, any stiffness, crookedness or lopsidedness is more easily identified and noted.

    Going back to that initial thought that the dressage test is to see how well your training is progressing, you have to agree that being loose and supple on ‘both’ sides is vitally important to your horses way of going… And to both of you successfully grasping and then applying the concepts behind each step of the training scale.

    Change Your Perception of the Scores

    A lot of riders seem to think that their dressage judge is just there to nit pick their overall riding performance. Reshaping this single belief can sometimes be the catalyst to becoming a more effective and efficient rider – regardless of where and when.

    I suggest rather thinking of your next dressage judge as being a trainer of sorts. It’s like having a lesson or training session and then being given a hardcopy of your homework afterwards

    Just like when in the arena with a trainer, the judges comments on your dressage score sheet will usually include some positive aspects of your ride. They will also spotlight a few places that can be improved, a couple of ideas on what to focus on improving and, very often, an overall synopsis that you can use as a benchmark for your riding at that particular time in your equestrian journey.

    If knowledge is power, your dressage score is a mighty benchmark of your riding progress indeed. Seeing it as this, rather than something negative can very often encourage you to really begin working on your weaknesses; and take more pride in your strengths

    Improving Your Dressage Scores - Part 2

    Don’t Ride a Checklist!

    Before you begin getting into the more technical aspects of your particular test, you have to first memorise the test. Every dressage test is like a map, you reach a particular place on your way to somewhere else. However just looking at the test as this is the downfall of so many riders.

    Most riders seem to have an attitude of getting in and out of the arena as quickly as possible. Savour your time in the arena – it’s your time, use all of it to the fullest to really show what you and your horse can do.

    When we are initially introduced to dressage, the mere fact that we have to ‘learn’ the test seems to be the overriding factor of the whole process. It is easy to begin believing that taking a wrong turn somewhere, going off course so to speak, is the worse thing that can happen to you. It’s not! If you do find yourself on a slight detour, how you react and deal with it will very often dictate the outcome of the test – not the fact that you took a wrong turn.

    Rather think about each individual movement you ride in the test as setting up the next movement. That way, you can work on riding the current movement to the best of your ability, while still keeping your ‘plan’ or ‘map’ in mind

    If you do find yourself ‘lost’ out on the course, take a moment to gather yourself and your horse, pick up where you went wrong and continue on; it’s done! Worrying and stressing about it won’t undo it. Rather make a conscious decision to ride every movement from that point on to the absolute best of you and your horses ability.

    If you can begin seeing your dressage scores as another tool in your belt that you can use to better your riding, you will soon begin to see a definite improvement in your overall scores. Ride each test to the best of your abilities and value each score sheet as much as you would a lesson with a top trainer; that is essentially what it is after all.

    Happy Riding
    Lorna

    This is part 2 in a series on how you can begin improving your dressage scores. There are 5 audio programs in each part, which along with other ‘schooling’ topics, are available for you to download and listen to inside of Daily Strides Premium. To find out more click HERE >>

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  • Exercises for a Young Horse

    Exercises for a Young Horse

    Young horses!  It is such an honour as a rider to be one of the first people they get to work with, however can sometimes feel like you are riding an eel!  They are moving up and down in the rhythm and if there is a dance that you are both moving to, it quickly becomes evident that no one is really sure of the correct moves or steps!

    Horses need to be allowed the time and space to begin working out how they can carry themselves, with all this new equipment and also, how they can then carry the added weight of a rider on board their backs as well.  When given the necessary time and when the correct guidelines are there to help, your horse will soon become more confident in his abilities to carry you and confidence is key for balance.

    The reason the ‘dance’ seems so staggered is due to the lack of true balance.  So, in saying this, balance is first and foremost for young horses.  However very often riders try to do this job for their horse, rather than allowing the horse to figure it out on their own.  This usually results in a horse that insists on holding on to or grabbing the contact and being unable to relax enough through their backs to truly use themselves correctly.  This, as I am sure you can imagine, will inevitably lead to all sorts of trouble and problems further down the line.

    [smart_track_player url=”https://op3.dev/e/traffic.libsyn.com/dailystridespodcast/541-Exercises-for-Working-with-a-Young-Horse.mp3″ title=”Exercises for a Young Horse” social_linkedin=”true” social_pinterest=”true” social_email=”true” tweet_text=”Do you have a young horse? Here’s a couple of useful exercises to try today ” hashtag=”horseriding #younghorse” twitter_username=”strides_success” ]

    Before we go any further, it is important to stress that the rider must be experienced, sympathetic and patient. Young horses should not be ridden by riders who lack a balanced and independent seat.  It will only make the horse’s job much more difficult and very often results in a loss of confidence, that will have repercussions all through their riding career.

    When working with a young horse, remember it is the quality of the work, rather than the quantity that is important.  Ride for shorter periods and rest often throughout each ride

    Many factors will influence how quickly your horse progresses, such as age, breed, build, confirmation, groundwork, consistency and even his upbringing.  Remember, even if your horse is the ‘ideal age’ to start, he may still not be physically or mentally ready to begin work.  Again, slow and steady will win out over pushing your horse to do things he is not ready for.

    So assuming that you have assessed the situation and have deemed it the right time in your horse’s life to begin introducing him to a more ‘structured’ training program, I suggest by starting off on a long rein.  You can begin teaching your horse this on the lunge initially and then, when you’re on his back.  The long rein will allow him to stretch out his back muscles and overall body, which will encourage relaxation and rid him of any excess tension

    Start at the lunge.  This will allow your horse to loosen up, and also work out any excess energy that he might be ‘storing up’.  It also gives you a great opportunity to assess him further which will then help you to create a more structured plan.  Which gait is the most balanced and comfortable for him?  Which rein, if any, does he prefer?  You can then use this information when you mount up to help relax him and start by doing something he enjoys and working on the side he goes better on.

    Keep in mind that lunging is not just chasing him around the ring; he must begin with relaxing, just like he would if on a long rein and then slowly beginning to work into a contact, with emphasis on moving forward at all times.  You can also use the time on the lunge to reinforce the voice aids.

    Exercises for a Young Horse

    When riding a young horse, the focus should begin on rhythm and balance within that rhythm.  As I mentioned before, you as the rider must be balanced in your seat and able to move with your horse as he works forward.  At no point should you begin trying to ‘shorten’ him or force him into a ‘frame’.  If he is to develop correctly he must learn to balance himself and from there, then look for your contact and accept it happily while moving forward all the time.

    Another thing to keep in mind when riding a young horse is that he will be naturally a little ‘downhill’.  His body must strengthen, over time, before he can begin to transfer that weight back onto his hind quarters, and during this period it is your responsibility as the rider not to add to the weight being carried by his front end by leaning or slouching

    When working in the arena, vary the work and sprinkle breaks or rest periods throughout the ride, which will allow him to relax and stretch out on a long rein again.  This will help to make sure he does not become stiff or tense which will in turn, ruin the work you are trying to achieve.

    Work on basic school figures such as large circles, all the time trying to establish the rhythm in the gait.  You can also work in some transitions, however I find that it is better to work in a chosen gait for a few minutes, allowing him to become confident in his balance and rhythm, rather than chopping and changing gaits.  Transitions are a wonderful tool when schooling horses but I have found that if too many are incorporated into the early rides, the horse can tend to become a little choppy, short and tense through his work, rather than moving forward in a relaxed  and loose fashion.

    Keep in mind that you are there to guide; he must learn to balance himself.  So correcting him is important, but it should be only that, a correction, rather than a constant support or aid

    After a few weeks or months, depending on your horse, and once he is happily carrying you around the arena you can begin introducing ground poles into his schooling sessions.  You will know the time is right when he has found a certain rhythm and balance to his way of going, which he can adjust in and out of with ease.  Like everything else, incorporating the poles too early will only serve to do more harm than good, so proceed with caution and only when you are confident that he is confident!

    Start with a single pole on the ground, which you can allow him to walk over.  Walk over it, from both directions quite a few times until it becomes a non-event in your horse’s head.  Keep in mind that your horse might just jump the pole on the first few occasions and take the precautions to avoid any discomfort for him or you if this happens!  Make sure that you do not punish him when he successfully navigates the pole by catching him in the mouth or becoming heavy on his back.

    Once he is happily walking over the single pole, you can then begin trotting up to and over the pole.  Again, we want him working over the poles happily and relaxed before you move on to anything more complicated.  This may take a few rides, however your patience while he is finding his way here will be worth it later.

    Poles can be used in all sorts of ways when riding a young horse, as both obstacles to navigate over and also guiding rails to ride between or around.  Depending on your horse, you can use them to help reinforce a concept and also, to ask for more flexion and a way of asking him to ‘use’ himself more.

    Riding young horses can be a challenge, but when done with patience and kindness as well as consistently, it pays off as both a rewarding for the rider and it sets the horse up for a happier, healthier working life as well.

    Happy Riding!

    Exercises for Riding a Young Horse

  • Riding In A Small Space

    Riding In A Small Space

    Riding in Smaller Spaces - Daily Strides Podcast - Strides for Success

    There are certain times of the year when regular riding becomes a little struggle; winter can be one of them.  Sometimes summer can be equally as troublesome for many riders.

    Due to this being an issue at some point or another for so many riders around the world, I thought it would be fun to try approaching this seeming ‘drawback’ from a slightly different angle.

    [smart_track_player url=”https://op3.dev/e/traffic.libsyn.com/dailystridespodcast/SFA266-Riding-in-Smaller-Spaces.mp3″ title=”Riding in Smaller Spaces” social_linkedin=”true” social_pinterest=”true” social_email=”true” tweet_text=”Confined to riding in a smaller space? Here are a couple of ideas…” hashtag=”equestrian #horseriding #arena” twitter_username=”strides_success” ]

    This episode of the Daily Strides Podcast is about useful exercises and movements that you can use in a smaller riding area.  When the weather is ‘extreme’ we often have no choice but to ride in smaller outdoors or indoor arenas, or perhaps the floodlights only cover a smaller section of the arena.

    For more details about what to focus on when riding in your smaller arena, I have another episode and blog post HERE.  In there you will learn how to turn this initial ‘constraint’ in your training, into an actual tool to help both you and your horse make progress.

    During these times, it is easy to fall into the trap of thinking that we have no alternative but to sacrifice our horse’s schooling and work; however, this couldn’t be further from the truth.

    Exercise 1 for a Small Arena

    The first exercise I suggest you ride is 10-meter circles and shallow 5-meter loops between those circles.  The whole time you are riding this, either in walk or trot, pay close attention to what your body is doing, particularly that you are not getting ahead of the movement, which is very tempting to do when riding smaller movements and figures.

    I also want you to focus on not allowing your horse’s attention to wander, and you do this by continuously asking different questions and changing the movements and patterns we are riding to keep his concentration on you, the rider

    Exercise 2 for a Small Arena

    Once you have managed to get your horse consistently riding in and out of the circles and loops, begin working on a 20m square.  Start this in walk and, once you have established and can maintain a rhythm, you can add trot.

    If you horse is developed enough mentally and physically, you can also ride this exercise in canter.  

    Again, it is imperative that we are continuously asking a different question so horse horses don’t begin to anticipate, but also don’t become bored and dull.

    You can also begin incorporating a lot of half halts and transitions into your ride, as well as some grids that are specifically created for a smaller working space.

    Happy Riding

    Lorna

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