A Rider, Trainer, and Instructor’s Reference
By Christian Baier
As Christian Baier worked to develop a rider and trainer education and certification system, he realized the equestrian lexicon lacked a practical reference that brought the classical “arena tracks” patterns and figures used in training the horse together in a simple way.
The arena tracks guide riders on how to work horses within a specific space in an organized way. They are also an integral tool in the conscientious trainer’s development of the horse’s body and conditioning. For the instructor, arena tracks are an important tool for communicating with the student. Ultimately, these classical tracks are at the foundation of everything we do in an arena with a horse. Even jumping courses consist of a combination of arena tracks strung together from start to finish marker!
In these pages readers will find handy quick-reference sections on the correct arena tracks for training and riding and a collection of over 50 exercises for using them in the development of a sport horse on the flat and over fences. The book has distinct sections devoted to clear illustrations of where to go and fundamental explanations for what to do. Progression in ability and understanding of both horse and rider is the goal, with tracks featured from simple to most complex, and sections dedicated to cavalletti and jumping—moving from riding over a pole to advanced exercises and courses.
The exercises shared in this book can lead to growth and advancement of horse and rider. Arena Tracks is a fabulous reference to keep in the barn and for any instructor dedicated to teaching the classical art of riding.
Published by Trafalgar Square Books.
See this article in the September 2024 Online Digital Edition:
September 2024
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.
