Place of training
The choice of training with horses on the training objectives and the individual requirements of rider and horse is important. It is desirable to have conditions that offer the possibility of a variety and varied training and that are in accordance with accident prevention.
It is advisable that the training first takes place in a riding arena. Here a high degree of safety is given for the beginner, since external influences, which could distract the horse, not yet fully controlled by him, are largely eliminated. However, the lessons can also be held in a suitable, safely enclosed outdoor arena. For further training, an outdoor riding arena should be available in any case.
In addition to a dressage arena, a larger place is desirable for cantering, riding in a light seat and jumping training. Sufficient obstacle material should be available so that gymnastics rows or a jumping course can be set up regularly. Natural obstacles complement the obstacle material. A moat of natural appearance, ramparts and deep jumps ideally complement the exercise possibilities.
It is desirable that riders, after learning the light seat, can extend their training in the terrain. Where these possibilities are not available directly at the stables, riders and trainers should load their horses and visit a suitable terrain.
The riding arena and the stable alley are the figurehead of a training facility. In addition to cleanliness and tidiness, regular maintenance of, among other things, the grounding, the fences and the obstacle material is a matter of course. A cantering track also offers a welcome change for both rider and horse. The riding arena is the so called „business card“ of the training centre. Stables, tack room, social rooms as well as the toilets are the first perceptible signs of quality for customers. A neglected place, where broken obstacles lie around untidily and where you can see that the track is never levelled and smoothed, speaks neither for trainers nor riders who are at home there. With a little effort from all users, it will always be possible to keep the arena clean and tidy.
For the theoretical lessons, which are an indispensable addition to the practical riding training, a suitable room should be available, unless the lessons need to be held at the stable or with the horse (e.g. about the horse's physique, grooming, bandaging, saddling and bridling etc.) or in the riding arena. Illustrative material such as display boards or digital media should be used as much as possible. Standard literature should also be available. Educational films or the use of a video camera will enliven and intensify the lessons.
