Interval tranining in an arena?

[Walrus]

Looking for ways to increase fitness (and shed weight) for my WB x mare. She's a chunky lady and could benefit from losing a few lbs and increasing her stamina. Our hacking does not lend itself to lots of trotting or cantering so I tend to use it as a brain break not for fitness.

Does anyone do some form of interval training in the arena (20x60m)? If so what do you do? How do you stop it ruining technique when you're schooling? How do you sto it turning into just another schooling session?

 

[be positive]

In spring we often do some as we have wet land so cannot always get onto it early enough, sometimes when the ground is hard we use the arena rather than grass for some canter work, we either do it when you get back from a hack, ideal for helping with getting some weight off by extending riding time, or at the end of a schooling/ jumping session, the horse knows the difference because stirrups go up, rider goes into 2 point and the tempo is increased so it has no effect on their schooling, it can actually help if they are a bit lazy by getting them more interested.

We often do a little in a normal warm up just to get them lifting their backs, going forward and loosening up without the rider sitting on their back, just ensure it is controlled because they do have to turn fairly tightly, a medium canter with them pushing into the bridle is ideal, shortening a little on the short sides and bowling on a bit more on the long sides is what I aim for.

 

[sportsmansB]

I do it sometimes too
Though lucky enough to have a huge arena.
The 2 point seat is what changes it for my horse from schooling.
I have been known to do a bit in the middle of a schooling session to liven things up (if there are no poles around to use instead)

 

[Walrus]

Thanks guys. I think I might give it a go. We can go for a 20 minute hack as warm up and then do some canter work in the school, will put my stirrups up too (as much as possible in my dressage saddle 😂).

 

[Carrottom]

Yes, I used to hack to my friends arena, only 20 x 40 and canter round, as said above in 2 point seat. Good for rider fitness too.