The only complete reference explaining classical arena tracks andhow to use them. 

Rider and trainer Christian Baier has been educated in horses andequitation all over the world. In his work to develop an international riderand trainer education and certification system, he realized the equestrianlexicon lacked a practical reference that brought all the classical "arenatracks"--patterns and figures used in training the horse in a schooling area--togetherin a simple way that is easy to understand. The arena tracks guide the rider inhow to safely work the horse within a specific space in an organized way. Theyare also an integral tool in the conscientious trainer's development of thehorse's body and conditioning. For the instructor, arena tracks are animportant tool for communicating with the student. 

Ultimately, these classical tracks are at the foundation of everythingwe do in an arena with a horse, from the beginner rider just off the longeline, learning basic navigation around the ring, to the most experienced riderworking a horse at the highest level of international competition. Even jumpingcourses consist of a combination (or variation) of arena tracks strung togetherfrom start to finish marker! 

In these pages readers not only find handy quick-referencesections on the correct arena tracks for training and riding, but also a uniquecollection of over 50 select exercises for using them in the development of asport horse on the flat and over fences. Putting the arena tracks into practiceis the basis for correct systematic training and education in both dressage andjumping. Baier shows the reader exactly how, with distinct sections devoted to clearillustrations of where to go and fundamental explanations for what to do. Progressionin ability and understanding of both horse and rider is the goal, with tracksfeatured from simple to most complex, and the sections dedicated to cavallettiand jumping moving from the very first time riding over a pole to advancedexercises and courses at a very high level. 

The exercises shared in this book, used in combination with aworking knowledge and understanding of the classical arena tracks, can lead tohuge leaps in the growth and advancement of horse and rider--sometimes evenafter years of feeling "stuck." Arena Tracks is a fabulousreference for all riders to keep in the barn and for any instructor dedicatedto teaching the classical art of riding, as well as being a much-neededlearning tool for equestrian federations, associations, and schoolsworldwide.