SHERLOCK'S PAGE 20
Riding in the Arena

©  2009 Cherry Hill   © Copyright Information

In the continuing adventures of Richard and Sherlock, this month's installment shows the first ride in the outdoor arena.

Richard's goals were safety, familiarization with new surroundings, relaxation, rhythm, a natural balance, light contact on the bit, riding along the rail and some elementary exercises like bending in both directions, stopping, and walk-trot transitions.

At first while being ridden around the arena rail the strange sights distract Sherlock's attention from his school work. He's looking around, tensing up a bit and holding his head high with a stiff neck.

One of the best ways to take a horse's mind off boogeymen and other distractions is to give them something else to think about, a job to do.

So. Richard initiates a large full circle to the left, which calms Sherlock right down.

One of the signs that a horse is relaxing is when he lowers his head and neck and "blows", that is, exhales forcefully through his mouth and nose.

Really walking out at a steady rhythm is key to everything else that is to come. Forward, straight and steady !!

When Sherlock is relaxed, Richard allows him to inspect things they come across in the arena such as this mounting block.

After a successful ride, Richard stops Sherlock and leans over to give him a rub and tell him he did good !

Standing still is a great exercise for developing balance and patience in a horse. And because Richard has done all the ground work right, this part comes easily to the happy duo !

Although we are only showing a few photos of each stage, please note that before riding, for safety's sake, every horse should be thoroughly sacked out to ropes, flapping items such as clothing, odd items along the rail and other distractions.

Have a great year and a great ride !

< Sherlock's Page 19, Driving in the Arena