HORSE RIDING i need some ideas

[danilee222]

hiya. I'm on a private livery yard with about 6 horses on it. I'm always there alone. And I ride alone everyday. But because of the lack of people, I find it boring to ride for more that half an hour! I've been thinking about how I can make riding fun again. I need some idea's does anyone know where I can download a recording, or pod-cast of riding tuition? I listen to my ipod while I'm riding and if someone was telling me things to do while riding, like a kind of lesson. That'd be great. Or if anyone else rides alone in an outdoor paddock with only a few jumps, let me know what I can do to make it more enjoyable for my pony and me! thanks!

[Whickerman]

Seems the simple solution would be to offer the use of the horses to others you get along with, and have them share your company - it really does become a great social outlet.

[danilee222]

well it's my own pony, so it's my fault if anything happens, we're insured of course. I worry too about accidents and no1 being around, because she does spook a lot at things out there, like rabbits and birds in the bushes!

[kezza001]

the ipod idea sounds good use some schooling books for reference . i ride on my own a lot to and try to school while i am out that helps and works your pony at the same time
i also lunge as well over poles or on the flat try doing road work one day then off road, then schooling another then some jumping

[showcatbenga]

You may find that you can co-ordinate your time at the yard with someone else if you ask around a little.
You can use some of the basic dressage tests to give you schooling ideas, they look very simple but are hard to do well. Each movement is simple to perform but ride them in different places around the school not just from the regular markers & work off the track away from the support of the 'wall', linking them together smoothly & using lateral work can be more tricky - this will give you an idea where you & your pony would benefit on working. Not all exercises have to be done as per the 'tests', on the flat however you can incorporate jumps & using ground poles can be challenging too. Maybe you could have a regular lesson from a freelance instructor - ideally once a week - this will give you some 'homework' ideas to practice or watch someone else's lesson. Or try to share a lesson with someone or visit clinics or competitions. Just trying to ride to your favourite music can be fun - working on your balance, rhythm & form through transitions & school movements - maybe making up your own routine? Don't forget that you need to spend 10 mins on your warm up & at least the same on coolong down after.Hope this helps.