5. Cones, cones, and more cones. There are a zillion patterns you can set up. Play games like "in and out the windows," trying to see how smoothly or accurately you can ride. Ride around obstacles or barrels. See if you can ride forward between two barrels, stop, and then back between them. How about walking around makeshift articles, or through a maze of foam noodles? Be sure to tell your horse "good job" and give him a soothing stroke when he does what you want.
6. Try using different signals than you usually do. If you normally direct rein (riding with a rein in each hand), try neck reining. If you normally neck rein, try using weight or leg cues. If you use voice cues, try using your reins or leg cues. If you usually use leg cues to ask your horse to sidepass, see if you can do it with just rein cues. How about trying to ride circles using just one rein? Make it play-not work-for your horse (and keep in mind that your goal is always to try to use the lightest cue possible).
7. Ride with music. This one is really fun. You can try to match your horse's stride to a particular tune, or work up a dance routine to a favorite song. Pretend you and your horse are preparing for a "gig."
8. Ride with a loose rein. Put your horse into a perfect head position and speed, and then drop the reins. See if he can maintain his performance for a few strides without your reins.
9. Work on rhythm. Think big, relaxed steps. That means you have to focus on letting your seat relax and move with the horse. You might even close your eyes (if it's safe to do that) or have someone lead your horse while you close your eyes. Shrug your shoulders to see if you are holding yourself stiffly. Test yourself to see if you can feel when each of the horse's feet touches the ground.
10. Play with a friend. It doesn't have to be someone who rides the same style as you do. Ride single file, keeping exactly the same two-horse length between the horses. Then see if the lead horse can stop and stand still while the other horse goes on past him. When you ask the stopped horse to walk, don't let him rush to catch up.
Ride side by side. Try to stay shoulder-to-shoulder or stirrup-to-stirrup. Don't get into a position where one horse could kick the other. Work up to a goal like riding around with each of you holding one end of a polo wrap.
When two riders get it down pat, invite a friend and turn yourselves into a mini- drill team. You'll have plenty of laughs and your horse might look forward to the next arena session, too.
Having goals and breaking up the time with small achievements can be fun for both you and your horse, and it helps to build that all-important sense of teamwork. And that's not boring.
