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  Discussion on Tell me you favourite pattern
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Posted on Thursday, Dec 21, 2000 - 2:23 pm:

Hi everyone,

the weather here is such that outdoor riding will be at a minimum (if at all) for the rest of the winter. I'm looking for some interesting riding patterns to keep me and Woody interested in the work. We're working on basic dressage type maneuvers(sp?) and I love to hear from you describing some interesting patterns that will keep us trim, fit, supple and interested. My horse has a VERY active mind.

thanks


Teresa

Posted on Thursday, Dec 21, 2000 - 10:40 pm:

Perhaps you could set up a little obstacle course like for a trail riding class & see if that entertains the both of you....Things like opening & closing gates, getting mail out of a mail box, crossing bridges (can just lay some ply wood on the ground for simulation), dragging logs or poles, etc. Might make a nice break from the arena.

Linda Tellington-Jones also has some interesting patterns of grids that you can make out of poles & can manuever on the ground or on board.

You can use clicker training to teach your horse some tricks (inside the barn).

Have fun.

Posted on Saturday, Dec 23, 2000 - 2:13 am:

Here are some to try.

Shallow serpentines on the long sides of the arena. Lengthening on the long sides, shortening on the short sides. You can try some sitting trot as well.

Spiral ins and spiral outs. Lots of transitions. Walk -trot, trot-walk, walk-halt, etc.

20 meter big circles at the ends. In all 3 gaits.

I also like to use cavaletti. You can put 3 or 4 down the middle , make a fan with them , etc.

Changes of direction thru the diagnol, off a circle, etc.

There are some good patterns in Cherry Hill's books. She has an English Arena Exercises and a Western one. I also like Anne Kursinki's book on Hunter/Jumpers and Jane Savoie's Cross Training books.

Good Luck and Have Fun.

Heidi

Posted on Tuesday, Dec 26, 2000 - 12:42 pm:

I find plaid to be an excellent pattern.

LOL
Sorry, I just couldn't resist.

Merry Christmas Teresa.

Posted on Thursday, Dec 28, 2000 - 11:21 am:

Hi,

I also liked the book by Cherry Hill (titled "101 Arena Exercises - A Ringside Guide for Horse and Rider"). Lots and lots of exercises with easy to follow diagrams and descriptions.
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