| As a rider there are times when it is less than exciting | | | | mentally engaging type of training that can be |
| to get out in the arena and complete the same old | | | | incorporated into exercise and warm up routines with |
| routine of jumps and exercises. There is no reason to | | | | very little effort. All that is required are basic jumping |
| think that the poor horse is also less than thrilled with | | | | materials such as poles, oxers and cross rails, all set at |
| the same series of jumps and exercises on a daily | | | | low levels. The basics of horse gymnastics are to set |
| basis. This type of reaction to the same training routine | | | | the poles and low jumps strategically apart based on |
| is only to be expected, however it can lead to a lot of | | | | stride length for the horse, providing both cues as well |
| problems for both the horse and rider. | | | | as challenges for the horse to maintain balance, control |
| The most obvious issue with a bored horse and rider | | | | and flexibility on the course. |
| going over a stale training routine is that it doesn't lead | | | | The course can be altered based on the level of |
| to any type of improvement. It may actually contribute | | | | experience of the horse and rider with the various |
| to injuries and poor conditioning and will definitely keep | | | | types of jumps and gaits between jumps. The goal is |
| reinforcing bad habits, poor balance and decreased | | | | not to try to jump higher or father, but rather to have |
| athletic ability of the horse over time. In addition the | | | | the horse think about jumping and movement, allowing |
| same old routine also reduces flexibility for the horse, | | | | for more balance, better carriage and more focus on |
| potentially leading to more risk of injury during a | | | | technique for both the horse and rider. This mental and |
| competition or while on a new routine. At the very | | | | physical challenge is terrific for horses of any age and |
| least it can lead to a horse that is soured of being in | | | | experience level from those that have developed bad |
| the ring, causing behavior problems and jump refusals. | | | | habits to those that are just getting started. |
| Thankfully there is a simple, effective and highly | | | | |