What arena exercises do you do?

melindak1982 · 10-31-2009, 10:20 AM

I have an OTTB that had a year off after racing, then used a a very basic riding horse for kids (like, walk , trot(maybe) and i'm guessing zero consistency. What riding exercises can i do with him to fine tune the basics and build on them, i don't want to bore either of us with endless circles around the arena at a walk and trot. Are there suppling exercises i can do? Or some basic lateral work? I'm also in canada, with just an outdoor pen, (snow, ice, mud) so cantering will be somewhat rare for a bit.
thanks!

Jim_in_PA · 10-31-2009, 06:50 PM

Transitions and later bending and lateral work. Basics. This will build the consistency I suspect you want/need and also make the horse happy, too, without being boring.

pippy · 10-31-2009, 10:21 PM

ditto - jim.

If you want to add more - add poles if possible, or there are myriads of books with schooling exercises - litereally thousands of them to take your pick from, I can't even answer yuor question because I'd have to write a book on what exercises I would do in a single lesson!

Nightwindrider · 10-31-2009, 11:49 PM

Reverse bend turns, lots and lots with give you a verrry nice jog.

10-31-2009, 10:20 AM	#1
melindak1982 Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 7 Images: 4	What arena exercises do you do? I have an OTTB that had a year off after racing, then used a a very basic riding horse for kids (like, walk , trot(maybe) and i'm guessing zero consistency. What riding exercises can i do with him to fine tune the basics and build on them, i don't want to bore either of us with endless circles around the arena at a walk and trot. Are there suppling exercises i can do? Or some basic lateral work? I'm also in canada, with just an outdoor pen, (snow, ice, mud) so cantering will be somewhat rare for a bit. thanks!

10-31-2009, 06:50 PM	#2
Jim_in_PA Senior Member+ Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Central Bucks County PA Posts: 3,135 Images: 16	Transitions and later bending and lateral work. Basics. This will build the consistency I suspect you want/need and also make the horse happy, too, without being boring. __________________ “Never raise your hands to your children, it leaves your groin unprotected.” - Red Buttons Be safety conscious. 80% of people are caused by accidents. For best results, try not to do anything stupid. Horseback Riding...the most fun you can have with your boots still on...

10-31-2009, 10:21 PM	#3
pippy Senior Member+ Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: New Zealand Posts: 1,842 Images: 128 Blog Entries: 7	ditto - jim. If you want to add more - add poles if possible, or there are myriads of books with schooling exercises - litereally thousands of them to take your pick from, I can't even answer yuor question because I'd have to write a book on what exercises I would do in a single lesson! __________________ Pip + Turbo Living A healthy lifestyle only deprives you of fat and lethargy. Always remember that using your hands BEFORE your driving aids is the same as picking up the telephone before it rings. Why would you pick up the phone? No one is there!

10-31-2009, 11:49 PM	#4
Nightwindrider Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Oregon Posts: 512 Blog Entries: 1	Reverse bend turns, lots and lots with give you a verrry nice jog. __________________ I'd rather nuzzle a muzzle than kiss a boy

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