Riding in an indoor arena for the first time can be both exciting and slightly intimidating. The enclosed space, different footing, and new environment can affect both you and your horse. To help you make the most of your first indoor arena experience, here are some top tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable ride.
Step 1: Acclimate your horse
- Allow your horse time to get used to the new environment. Walk them around the arena on a lead line before mounting. This lets them see and smell their surroundings, reducing potential anxiety.
Step 2: Ask for help
- If possible, have an instructor or experienced rider with you. They can offer valuable tips and support, making the experience easier.
Step 3: Adjust to the environment
- Indoor lighting can be different from natural light. Give your horse’s eyes time to adjust remembering that our horse’s eyes adjust a lot more slowly than ours to differences in light. In line with this, ride in a lower gait at first, especially if there are shadows or bright spots.
- Sound often echoes in an indoor arena (especially rain!). Be aware that your horse might react to unexpected noises differently. Speak softly and calmly to help them stay relaxed. Similarly, don’t use loud verbal cues as you may upset both your own horse and other horses around you.
- If you are jumping, give your horse time to adjust to the appearance of the obstacles and the sound of his landing after the jump.
Top tip
Most indoor arenas feel small (simply because of the sides) so make sure you ride your corners!
Step 4: Follow normal arena etiquette
- As always, follow normal arena etiquette, such as passing left shoulder to left shoulder, stopping if there is a fall, and calling out your intentions (e.g. ‘door’ when entering or exiting the arena).
Dogs
There have been accidents with dogs in indoor arenas. In most cases, this is because they were shut in with the horses and either were hurt themselves by the horses or caused falls. If you’ve ever heard a dog bark in an indoor arena, you’ll know that it sounds a LOT bigger than it is! Keep dogs on leads and out of the arena, or ideally out of indoor arena spaces altogether.
Step 5: Warm up and cool down as normal
- Whilst it can feel warmer (or colder) to us in an indoor arena, you should do your usual warm-up or cool-down when exercising your horse in these spaces.
Step 6: Enjoy it
- Your horse will pick up on your emotions, so try and stay relaxed and enjoy your time riding in this new setting. If you can stay calm and confident, your horse will feel more secure too. If you’re nervous, practice deep breathing and maintain a relaxed posture.
- Reward your horse for good behaviour and for calmly adjusting to the new environment. Treats and scratches go a long way in building confidence.
Top tip for jumpers
The jumps tend to ‘come faster’ in an indoor arena, so practice jumping in smaller spaces at home before attempting a track in an indoor.
Conclusion
Riding in an indoor arena for the first time can be a rewarding experience with the right preparation and mindset. By acclimating your horse, understanding the environment, following etiquette, and staying calm, you can create a positive and productive riding session. Remember, patience and practice are key to building confidence and enjoyment in a new riding space. Happy riding!