Like other sports, riding and training horses involves a certain amount of repetition in order to improve. A well-designed plan of lessons and exercises is indispensable, both for keeping horse and rider interested in what they’re doing and for advancing their fitness and ability level. Riders, trainers, and instructors of all disciplines are always looking for ways to keep boredom at bay—and that’s where this handy guide can save the day.
50 Best Arena Exercises and Patterns provides a terrific collection of upbeat ideas for essential schooling, adding variety and challenge to everyday workouts. Exercises are organized in easy-to-reference sections, including: improving the rider’s seat, increasing mobility with gymnastics, finding rhythm, getting supple and relaxed, achieving connection and softness, activating the hindquarters, traveling straight, and achieving collection. In addition, two chapters provide fun alternatives to supplement any lesson. Both English and Western riders will enjoy this infinitely useful collection of practice routines.
$22.95 or less at all major bookstores and other retailers including Target and Walmart.
NWHS Editor’s Review: I’ll admit, I’m not always motivated to go out and ride around in the arena. Having a book on hand like 50 Best Arena Exercises and Patterns gets me going and excited to go play in the sandbox again. It also helps with those students who may be feeling overwhelmed or bored. Riding exercises and patterns helps show the rider what they need to do, instead of telling them. This is an easy-to-read, nicely bound, and well-illustrated book.
Originally Published April 2017 Issue
The Northwest Horse Source is an independently owned and operated print and online magazine for horse owners and enthusiasts of all breeds and disciplines in the Pacific Northwest. Our contemporary editorial columns are predominantly written by experts in the region, covering the care, training, keeping and enjoyment of horses, with an eye to the specific concerns in our region.
