There is no doubt that a good surface builds confidence and inflicts less cumulative damage to horse’s legs. What is a good surface? It is consistent, flat, cushioned, not deep, not too hard, not dusty, not flooded or frozen.
Size? A larger area encourages forwardness and you can always rope off a smaller area should you deem it necessary. A smaller area encourages balance but you will inevitably ride many more corners. A “closed” indoor arena can help with concentration but reduce forwardsness. Working outdoors can test concentration but improves forwardsness (unless the weather gets in the way).
What about an area for lunging? Over the years I have lunged in indoor and outdoor riding arenas, in lunge rings and in fields. They all have different advantages and disadvantages. Other than maintaining concentration, the main problem with using a field is the damage to the surface that lunging creates. This can be minimised by never lunging in the same place but some damage is still inevitable. A fenced circular lunge ring defines the limit of the circle and therefore acts as an ‘outside aid’. However, it is difficult in a lunge ring to create straight lines or to move the circle. My preference is to lunge in an arena. In that way it is possible to use an end of the arena for control (only one open side), or to move the circle to the centre (completely open) when I have the horse’s attention.
Kit affects comfort and our ability to relax, but it is not the whole solution. The wrong kit can block improvement but it certainly can’t provide a constant means of acceleration towards your goals, only you can do that. Certain items of kit can help to achieve “results” more quickly but what are the side effects? Quick fixes tend not to work in the long term. There is no place for gadgets in this regime. Gadgets require great self control. They are often used to force submission rather than to encourage acceptance.
Equine companies have jumped on the marketing bandwagon. We now have potions and gadgets for every equine problem and bad habit. Just take a look in the latest horsey magazines:
He’s too up – get him a calmer;
He’s too slow – get him a different feed;
He won’t go on the bit – get him a new bit;
These companies make their profit from our desire to do our best by our horse. But what is best for your horse? What affects his anxiety? What affects his energy? What affects his ability to go on the bit? Go on – do the thinking. It’s easier to buy the product and feel that you’ve done your best and believe that, only you know you haven’t. But you have to live with yourself – you know that deep inside. It’s a cop out to avoid having to consider other options. I know this because I’ve done it. We all have.
Theresa Sandin shares her thoughts on tack and it’s impact on dressage training on www.sustainabledressage.net. Take a look. Do you agree with her views? I don’t agree with all her views. But it is wonderful to see such a full and detailed exposition of a rider’s mental models.
Others who are outspoken on tack and equipment in their books are Heather Moffett (11) and Udo Burger (3).
Things to remember
Make conscious choices about the tack you use – don’t simply follow the latest fashion.
Learn how to use your tack well.
Comfort is very important. If you or your horse is uncomfortable your attention is likely to be on that and you will feel less able to relax.
No relaxation, no quality riding.