We asked, you delivered. Over here at the MD office, we thought it could be inspiring to let you share your best riding exercises with us – and you guys did not disappoint. 

The exercise we have chosen to publish here in MD Magazine was sent in by Olivia Haxton from Oregon, USA. Olivia has a background in dressage and vaulting, and she shared an exercise in which you make small circles from a larger circle (every other time outwards, every other time inwards). 

"I love this exercise because it is wonderful for setting myself up for the ride as well as getting my horse limber, relaxed and listening."

– Olivia Haxton

Let’s get into it – we’ll let Olivia explain in her own words. 

This is how you do it: 

“Especially in the warm-up under saddle, when both the horse and I are preparing for serious work, I like to have little cones set up in about a 15 to 20-meter circle. I often use 6-8 cones. They can be spaced evenly or randomly depending on what you prefer.  

To start, I hold my reins on the buckle. This ensures I use my leg and spine to steer, and my seat to balance. It also promotes a quiet hand from the start. As I begin in the walk, I weave in and out of the cones while following the edge of the circle. Once I reach a cone, I make a complete circle around it. The further I am into the warmup, the tighter the circle becomes.  

After about five minutes, I will progress to the trot and slowly begin to pick up my reins as I feel I am best able to. I don't want to use them for my turning aids! I find the cones to be a fantastic way to practice the free walk, stretchy trot, and collections. Don't forget to maintain forwardness, with your horse stretching towards the bit. 

But it doesn't have to end there! You will find there are many more variations you can add, like leg yielding to each cone instead of marching along a straight line to it. Get creative! There are many interesting challenges you can give yourself. Components of this simple setup can be used during the rest of the ride. It is certainly not a one-trick pony!”  

Thank you sm Olivia, we’re definitely going to try this one. Until we get to practice, we’ll be dreaming about Olivia’s favs from the MD collection (spoiler alert: her taste is flawless 🤌 ).