Arena Tracks

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

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

Ultimately, these classical tracks are at the foundation of everything
we do in an arena with a horse, from the beginner rider just off the longe
line, learning basic navigation around the ring, to the most experienced rider
working a horse at the highest level of international competition. Even jumping
courses consist of a combination (or variation) of arena tracks strung together
from start to finish marker!

In these pages readers not only find handy quick-reference
sections on the correct arena tracks for training and riding, but also a unique
collection of over 50 select exercises for using them in the development of a
sport horse on the flat and over fences. Putting the arena tracks into practice
is the basis for correct systematic training and education in both dressage and
jumping. Baier shows the reader exactly how, with distinct sections devoted to clear
illustrations of where to go and fundamental explanations for what to do. Progression
in ability and understanding of both horse and rider is the goal, with tracks
featured from simple to most complex, and the sections dedicated to cavalletti
and jumping moving from the very first time riding over a pole to advanced
exercises and courses at a very high level.

The exercises shared in this book, used in combination with a
working knowledge and understanding of the classical arena tracks, can lead to
huge leaps in the growth and advancement of horse and rider--sometimes even
after years of feeling ＂stuck.＂ Arena Tracks is a fabulous
reference for all riders to keep in the barn and for any instructor dedicated
to teaching the classical art of riding, as well as being a much-needed
learning tool for equestrian federations, associations, and schools
worldwide.

Christian Baier is German but was born and grew
up in Sweden. He attended the University of Agriculture in Flyinge and
Stromsholm where he earned a diploma in Equine Studies under the tutelage of
such dressage masters as Kyra Kyrklund, Bo Jena, and EvaKarin Oscarsson; show
jumping greats Peter Eriksson, Jens Fredricson, and Sylve Soderstrand; and
showing in-hand specialist William McDonald. He completed course design
programs in both Sweden and Germany and is now a Diplomaed Riding Instructor
SvRf and Internationally Certified Level III Instructor. He teaches in Europe,
the United States, and is currently developing educational structures in Asia. He resides in Collierville, Tennessee.