| In many ways a horse is similar to a person, without | | | | riding discipline. For those moving on to more advanced |
| challenges in their life they become stale, stagnant and | | | | jumping training, this is also a great foundation that can |
| soured on everything in life. In the stable or the pasture | | | | be incorporated into the most advanced training |
| they start causing problems and develop bad | | | | programs as the horse develops. |
| behaviors, which is exactly the same thing that | | | | Gymnastics for the horse and rider focuses on having |
| happens in the ring or out on a pleasure ride. Both | | | | the horse centered and improving the overall position |
| physical and mental health and happiness for your | | | | of both the horse and rider over poles, low jumps and |
| horse is essential to keep the interested and | | | | other types of obstacles. Selective spacing between |
| challenged, striving to constantly improve and excel. | | | | obstacles forces the horse to think about strides and |
| Many riders simply don't know how to spice up a | | | | balance, while increasing flexibility and control. The rider |
| training routine to bring both themselves and their horse | | | | improves his or her seat as well since working with the |
| out of the same old rut. Designing a new routine can | | | | horse is the whole goal of the exercises. |
| be difficult and somewhat overwhelming unless you | | | | Starting lower and slower is the key, with early |
| happen to know about horse gymnastics. Horse | | | | gymnastic routines on the flat or with very low jump |
| gymnastics is a specialized form of training work for | | | | combinations. As horse and rider gain confidence |
| the horse and rider to increase balance, | | | | alternative jumps and heights can be added for a bit |
| responsiveness and teamwork while also increasing | | | | more of a challenge. Although often used for jumpers, |
| mental alertness. | | | | there is no reason why a horse used in any type of |
| The methods used in horse gymnastics also allow for | | | | event wouldn't benefit from this simple yet highly |
| an increasing physical demand on the horse, providing | | | | effective training routine. |
| strength, endurance and flexibility regardless of the | | | | |