Riding in different types of terrain (uphill - downhill)
Riding uphill and downhill trains the horse's balance, surefootedness and muscle building.
However, the pace has to be chosen according to the uphill/downhill and ground conditions. On unsuitable (too deep/solid) ground with a strong uphill/downhill gradient, the speed must be reduced, if necessary, the horse must be ridden at a walking pace. If the uphill/downhill gradient is moderate, it is also possible to ride uphill and downhill at a trot or canter on suitable ground.
When riding uphill, the rider must take up the light seat in order to relieve the horse's hindquarters and thus allow the thrust to develop.
When riding downhill, the rider must tend to pull back the upper body to relieve the forehand more.
When riding uphill and downhill, the rider must also sit well balanced so as not to disturb the horse's movement.
Riding uphill strengthens the muscles of the hindquarters to a great extent and thus the development and strength of the pushes, the back is arched up, which promotes relaxation.
Riding downhill has a gathering effect, because the hindquarters are placed under the center of gravity, which improves the carrying capacity. When riding downhill the horse tilts in the pelvis and uses its abdominal muscles.
On some eventing arenas there are special wave tracks, whose uphill and downhill gradients and ground conditions are designed in such a way that they can be ridden over them without any problems in canter and trot. Riding on the wave course is especially effective in training the horse.
