Schooling without an arena?

[gingernut]

I was wondering if anyone can give me some tips for schooling out on rides as I no longer have access to an arena. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you :0)

[solomon]

It is possible. We had two years of no arena. Leg yielding used to be my favourite to engage his brain then working on change of speed within paces. Slow trot then fast walk etc. It isn't easy to maintain their concentration but is doable.

[haffyfan]

Can you school in the field in better weather?

I don't think theres much you can really do in an arena that you can't out hacking as long as your prepared to look a little outside the box. okay your sometimes limited in terms of not being able to work on a circle/sepentine etc but you can still do suppling exercises and lateral work as you go along, changes of pace/tempo etc. The hardest bit is i find the motivation to actually do something other than enjoy the scenary, slobbing along is sooo easily done!

[brigadier]

Accuracy work is good, choose a lamp post and aim to change pace making sure its when your shoulder is level with it. Aim to use shoulder in to go past spooky objects then change the flexion and shoulder in the other way. really works the horse.

[racaille]

I've been without an arena for nearly four years (other than the occasional lesson) but schooling can be done out hacking. Even on straight paths I do a lot of lateral work or just ask for a flexion on either side or things like that. Sometimes I turn around but instead of just doing a U turn I will ask for a turn on the forehand or on the haunches (not sure if that is good english).

Just pottering about can be done working properly, asking for a contact and engagement.

Even cantering can be 'work' - I will ask for the lead I want and try to get Paco round, although this is much harder for him outside as he likes to charge!

[ceej]

I like doing serpentines on a wide road with Mariah (if safe) and then leg yield across...and lots of transitions..

I can be a bit guilty of dawdling on hacks though!!