Getting Outside the (Sand)Box The benefits of cross-training outside the arena As I’m writing this in mid-February, I have a bit of a winter allergy going on – to the indoor arena. Now, don’t get me wrong – I LOVE the indoor arena I ride in. I regularly water and salt and drag it. I find new jumps and poles and caveletti blocks to put in it. I take refuge in it during wind and snow and rain. But after spending a quarter of the year doing almost all my dressage and jumping work in it, I start to go a little crazy. 18 Spring 2017 • Haflinger Horse
I think that speaks to how I work with all of the horses I ride, Haflinger or not. The arena is indeed an important part of my riding and groundwork – but it is far from the only place where I train. Even in the winter, I regularly ride outside as much as the Wisconsin winter will allow. During the warm weather, I can be found schooling dressage in nearby farmer’s fields, jumping cross country, hacking on the road, or trail riding through the
farmland. As soon as the young horses I ride know basic steering and stopping, they’re heading out on the trail, too. I am a firm believer in the benefits of cross-training for both riders and horses alike. The Haflinger breed is ready-made for cross-training, too! They are versatile, clever, and athletic, and can excel at many different sports. For the horses I ride, cross-training means spending time doing dressage, jumping, trail riding, and working
