Fun schooling ideas!

VioletStripe

VioletStripe

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Hello!

So, am really interested to hear what you all do to make schooling fun :) My 4 year old always looks excited to be going into the school, where we do work on transitions and plenty of changing rein and circling (the latest thing he's been doing is spiraling in and out of circles, which he's been getting good at!) and also introducing a small amount of lateral work - he's progressing very well with the leg yielding, even if it is just a few steps at a time! Very balanced and mature for a young one though, and carries himself beautifully. I was just wondering if anyone had some more ideas. He's schooled for a maximum of 15-20mins, usually less though, and always shows signs of wanting to do more even after we've cooled down haha! Would love to hear more exercises for flatwork, he doesn't need to concentrate on anything in particular, am just keen to hear more ideas for the youngsters! Thanks all, cake if you've read through my essay :p xx
 
I often do lots and lots of transitions when I'm in a school. Sort of walk to trot, trot for three strides, then back to walk for two strides, then back to trot for five strides, then canter for a few strides.
Gets them light, listening and has the benefits of keeping them interested.
 
VioletStripe said:
Hello!

So, am really interested to hear what you all do to make schooling fun :) My 4 year old always looks excited to be going into the school, where we do work on transitions and plenty of changing rein and circling (the latest thing he's been doing is spiraling in and out of circles, which he's been getting good at!) and also introducing a small amount of lateral work - he's progressing very well with the leg yielding, even if it is just a few steps at a time! Very balanced and mature for a young one though, and carries himself beautifully. I was just wondering if anyone had some more ideas. He's schooled for a maximum of 15-20mins, usually less though, and always shows signs of wanting to do more even after we've cooled down haha! Would love to hear more exercises for flatwork, he doesn't need to concentrate on anything in particular, am just keen to hear more ideas for the youngsters! Thanks all, cake if you've read through my essay :p xx
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I've always found that they enjoy weaving in an out of three or five cones down thw long side. I originally introduced it as a bend exercise and hoped it would not be too boring but both horses I've brought on seem to love it! At the same time the cones can be good markers to bend around for serpentines. Enjoy!!
 
Haha transitions are very fun - my youngster always loves switching the paces up!

And ooohhh cone work!! I completely forgot about that! A week or two ago we set up a sort of slalom/pathway with poles which was very fun. Each go we made them more narrow to make it harder! Will have fun zig-zagging round those, also makes a fun way to change the rein! xx
 
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