School is a necessary, unavoidable part of horse riding. However, it can be boring – for you and your horse. If you have an upcoming dressage test, or you just want to brush up on what you already know, there are ways to make it more exciting for both of you. Boredom is the biggest killer of productivity and it can be hard to work with a horse who isn’t going forward and clearly doesn’t want to be there. So it’s time to shake up the routine and do things that will excite both of you.
Incorporate the Use of Poles
Poles are a great tool for training, but they often get overlooked. However, they have huge benefits for you and your horse. Forget the line formation – it’s time to do something new that will engage both of you. Try using a diamond shape – multiple if you have access to them. Riding down the middle or even diagonally will check the straightness of your lines and help figure out who is leaning. Perform circles inside the diamond and try to ride the perfect one. It will improve your horse’s bending ability, but they will never know! Now try rearranging into a zigzag, perform the same training and notice how it feels different.
Ride Without Stirrups
So you have an upcoming dressage test that you have been practicing constantly – you even dream about it. But, have you tried doing it without stirrups? Suddenly the routine that seemed so easy has a new level of difficulty. Take your time to perform it and make sure your weight is even on the corners and your hands stay level – these are all things that will help your horse. Practicing transitions and circles all stirrup free will improve your seat and add a level of enjoyment to what would otherwise be dull movements.
Practice Hacking
Just because we learn to ride in a school, doesn’t mean that’s where all lessons have to take place. Training on a hack is just as effective and will add excitement to mundane tasks. You can also create your own riding school if you prefer. Use natural markers you find outside and try exploring to find new fields/areas that are suitable. If your horse is warmed up, then they will be more willing to get to work. Try working on something outside then see the difference when you return to the ring. The uneven ground will help your horse improve their balance at the same time.
Go to the Beach
Is there anything as good as a day out? So why not bring your horse on your next one. The same methods can be applied as when hacking and you will be able to practice all the same things, just with the added element of fun. You can practice transitions, draw a school in the sand, see how accurate your circles are, gallop as fast as you can – the possibilities are endless. Why not go with your friends for an even better time? If the weather is suitable then try swimming with your horse, it’s the ultimate trust exercise and something you are both sure to enjoy.
Play Some Games
Mounted games are something we all enjoy as children, but rarely partake in as adults. This is a shame because there are valuable skills to be taken from what feels like just a bit of fun. Stopping, starting, bending – all things that are foundations of the games. Why not get some friends together to play some games? Throw the sock in the bucket, fastest round the post, relay races passing the baton. You will learn speed, accuracy, and control as well as giving your horse a chance to socialize. If you can successfully play some games without your horse shying or spooking, then you know it will be fine at a competition.
Practice with Friends
Sometimes a bit of company is all it takes. Remember how fun group lessons used to be when you were starting out? When the lessons stop, the group flatwork tends to stop as well, despite the fact it is a great motivation technique for you and your horse. Try riding with a buddy and going through some movements. You can do it in synchronization, tandem and help correct each other with any errors. Plus, it is a chance to teach each other dressage tests you might know and practice moves you have never thought of. Your horse will enjoy working alongside another, and if they can behave badly, try and find someone with a calm horse who can calm yours down.
Keep It Simple Keep It Fun
As long as you keep switching things up, you are sure to find schooling easier than usual. Flatwork can be fun and it’s just about finding a balance that works for you and your horse. Try asking your friend for company and make sure you have some rest days. If you were studying for a test, you would find it hard to focus every day and your horse it just the same.