Exercise Diagram PDFs

The training collection offered on this website is the most extensive presentation in words and diagrams of this knowledge previously passed on in large part only by “word of mouth”.

These exercises, developed over many years of personal, hands-on experience, provide simplified, subject-specific solutions to training problems and methods to improve particular movements. You will be guided to focus on the indispensable and most influential application of techniques to address these subjects without getting side-tracked by theoretical and impressive sounding explanations that have only limited value in real world situations. Available immediately by electronic download in PDF format, they illustrate objective methods that will benefit both riders and trainers alike. Each pattern is illustrated in detail along with step-by-step written description.

If you would like to learn more about a specific riding issue or technique, use the search at the top of the right column to find the articles and exercises that are related to your subject of interest, then click the title to read a product description or view the “Add to Cart” button to make a purchase.

Watch for new exercise patterns as offerings will be updated on a regular basis.

Now available by popular request: Collections of related articles and exercises are available on our Collections and Packages page.

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Legal Notice

All of the publications on this site, as well as the site’s contents, are ©2013 Karl Mikolka. All rights reserved. You may not copy, reproduce, republish, sell or distribute in any way any of the materials on this web site or the downloadable publications without written permission.

Due to the informational nature of the PDFs for sale on this site, there are no refunds.

Basic Exercises: Lungeing the Young Horse

2012-05-07 18:29:08 karl9532
This chart demonstrates how the circle was introduced to the young stallions that came from Piber to the Spanish Riding School. Part of the Basic Exercises series.

Suitable for Horses Training:
All Levels

Companion Exercises:
Basic Exercises –
The Circle: Only as Good as You Can Envision It!

$4.95.
Downloadable PDF. 4 pages.
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Basic Exercises: Preparation for Flying Changes 'a Tempo' - Chart I

2012-05-07 18:17:12 karl9532
Part one of the three part series on preparing for the flying changes ‘a tempo’, this pattern provides a two in one approach. It shows you how to introduce the horse to the flying change – first with a warm-up exercise followed by the flying change exercise. Part of the Basic Exercises series, Chart I and its companion exercise, Preparation for Flying Changes ‘a Tempo’ – Chart II, provide the perfect foundation for the correct execution of flying changes.

Suitable for Horses Training:
Second, Third, Fourth and FEI Levels

Companion Exercises:
Basic Exercises –
Preparation for Flying Changes ‘a Tempo’ – Chart II

Now available as part of the Preparation for Flying Changes ‘a Tempo’ Collection, which includes Chart I and II, as well as Chart III, which is not yet sold separately.

$12.95.
Downloadable PDF. 5 pages.
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Basic Exercises: Preparation for Flying Changes 'a Tempo' - Chart II

2012-05-07 18:04:02 karl9532
A companion to Chart I, this is the second step in preparation for perfect changes ‘a Tempo’. Part of the Basic Exercises series.

Suitable for Horses Training:
Second, Third, Fourth and FEI Levels

Companion Exercises:
Basic Exercises –
Preparation for Flying Changes ‘a Tempo’ – Chart I

Now available as part of the Preparation for Flying Changes ‘a Tempo’ Collection, which includes Chart I and II, as well as Chart III, which is not yet sold separately.

$12.95.
Downloadable PDF. 4 pages.
Sorry, there are no refunds on this product.

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Basic Exercises: An Introduction to Prepare for Flying Lead Changes

2012-05-07 18:00:35 karl9532
An excellent exercise to teach your horse obedience to both outside and inside legs – the perfect precursor to correct execution of the flying change. Part of Karl’s Basic Exercises series.

Suitable for Horses Training:
All Levels

Companion Exercises:
Smart Use of the Arena –
Obedience Test of the Outside Leg
An Excellent Test of the Inner Leg

$5.95.
Downloadable PDF. 4 pages.
Sorry, there are no refunds on this product.

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Basic Exercises: Turn on the Forehand Method 1

2012-05-07 17:51:55 karl9532
In this exercise Karl illustrates how to introduce your horse to the turn on the forehand in motion. This is the perfect way to teach your horse to relax in the shoulders, hips and belly. Part of his Basic Exercises series.

Karl’s article “The So Important Turn on the Forehand in Motion” includes this exercise and “Turn on the Forehand – Method 2.” If you wish to purchase both “Turn on the Forehand” exercises, save money by purchasing “The So Important Turn on the Forehand in Motion” available here.

Suitable for Horses Training:
First Level to Grand Prix

Companion Exercises:
Basic Exercises –
Turn on the Forehand in Motion –
Method 2

Also available as part of the discounted Turn on the Forehand in Motion Collection.

$8.95.
Downloadable PDF. 5 pages.
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Basic Exercises: Turn on the Forehand Method 2

2012-05-07 17:49:23 karl9532
In this exercise Karl presents a pattern that teaches the horse not only the all-so-important turn on the forehand in motion, but respect for corners and for the rider’s influence. Part of his Basic Exercises series.

Karl’s article “The So Important Turn on the Forehand in Motion” includes this exercise and “Turn on the Forehand – Method 1.” If you wish to purchase both “Turn on the Forehand” exercises, save money by purchasing “The So Important Turn on the Forehand in Motion” available here.

Suitable for Horses Training:
All Levels

Companion Exercises:
Basic Exercises –
Turn on the Forehand in Motion –
Method 1

Also available as part of the discounted Turn on the Forehand in Motion Collection.

$8.95.
Downloadable PDF. 4 pages.
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Conditioning Exercises: A Conditioning Exercise in the Rising Trot

2012-05-07 17:44:16 karl9532
Use this exercise as a warm-up or companion to other exercises. Not only is this an excellent method of bringing the horse into good working shape, but it also teaches him to become the master of turning and skilled in transitions. Part of the Basic Exercises series.

Suitable for Horses Training:
All Levels

Companion Exercises:
Basic Exercises –
Turn on the Forehand in Motion –
Method 1
Turn on the Forehand in Motion –
Method 2

Also available as part of the discounted Conditioning Work Package.

$12.95.
Downloadable PDF. 5 pages.
Sorry, there are no refunds on this product.

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Smart Use of the Arena: Bending in Motion

2012-05-07 17:36:58 karl9532
In this exercise Karl outlines how to perfect bending in motion – considered by the Spanish Riding School more important than bending while standing still. This is an excellent exercise to use as a warm-up for the shoulder-in. Part of his Smart Use of the Arena series.

Suitable for Horses Training:
First to Fourth Levels

Companion Exercises:
Smart Use of the Arena –
Enlarging and Diminishing the Circle:
One Tangent, Three Different Size Circles
Left Rein – Half School
Figure 8s
The Figure 8 Within a 20-Meter Circle

$8.95.
Downloadable PDF. 4 pages.
Sorry, there are no refunds on this product.

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Smart Use of the Arena: Diminishing the Circle the Correct Way

2012-05-07 17:30:20 karl9532
One of the most difficult exercises to execute is diminishing the circle – correctly that is. With this diagram Karl outlines how you can accomplish this with precision. One word of caution – do not attempt this with your horse until he has shown a thorough understanding of single voltes. Part of the Smart Use of the Arena series.

Suitable for Horses Training:
All Levels

Companion Exercises:
Basic Exercises –
Turn on the Forehand – Methods 1 & 2
Perfecting the Circle
Smart Use of the Arena –
Touching the Same Tangent While Maintaining the Same Diameter
Figure 8s
The Arena – The Right Tool
for the Trade –
The Volte – Proper Execution of the Volte – Chart I

$5.95.
Downloadable PDF. 5 pages.
Sorry, there are no refunds on this product.

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Smart Use of the Arena: Enlarging and Diminishing the Circle - One Tangent, Three Different Size Circles

2012-05-07 17:27:44 karl9532
This is an excellent exercise to teach the horse to transition smoothly between different degrees of bend. It’s a great companion to the Smart Use of the Arena – Touching the Same Tangent while Maintaining the Same Diameter exercise. Part of Karl’s Smart Use of the Arena series.

Suitable for Horses Training:
EVERY Second and Third level horse should be able to perform this exercise

Companion Exercises:
Smart Use of the Arena –
Touching the Same Tangent While Maintaining the Same Diameter

Also available as part of the discounted Gymnastics Patterns Collection.

$5.95.
Downloadable PDF. 4 pages.
Sorry, there are no refunds on this product.

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Smart Use of the Arena: Figure 8s

2012-05-07 16:09:43 karl9532
Considered the foundation of suppleness and flexibility, the figure8 leads to fluid transitions and provides excellent preparation for flying changes. This particular pattern outlines an excellent practice sequence of figure 8s. Part of Karl’s Smart Use of the Arena series.

Suitable for Horses Training:
All Levels

Companion Exercises:
Smart Use of the Arena –
Left Rein – Half School
The Figure 8 Within a 20-Meter Circle

Also available as part of the discounted Gymnastics Patterns Collection.

$8.95.
Downloadable PDF. 4 pages.
Sorry, there are no refunds on this product.

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Smart Use of the Arena: Left Rein Half-School

2012-05-07 16:07:05 karl9532
A particularly good exercise for those horses training the shoulder-in, in this pattern the horse must execute corners at close distances, a turn on the forehand in motion and be prepared for frequent bends and turns at the rider’s will. It also will confirm inner and outside leg obedience. Part of Karl’s Smart Use of the Arena series.

Suitable for Horses Training:
All horses starting shoulder-in

Companion Exercises:
Basic Exercises –
Turn on the Forehand in Motion –
Methods 1 & 2
Smart Use of the Arena –
Figure 8s
The Figure 8 Within a 20-Meter Circle
Bending in Motion
An Excellent Test of the Inner Leg
Obedience Test of the Outside Leg

$8.95.
Downloadable PDF. 6 pages.
Sorry, there are no refunds on this product.

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Smart Use of the Arena: Off-the-Wall Training of the Shoulder-In

2012-05-07 15:07:19 karl9532
This exercise pattern offers a unique approach to confirm shoulder-in in the forward, side-ways movement by controlling the line of the haunches. It will improve your feel for line and tempo by balancing your horse between both inner and outside aids. Part of Karl’s Smart Use of the Arena series.

Suitable for Horses Training:
Second Level through Grand Prix

Companion Exercise:
Smart Use of the Arena –
Training for Shoulder-In
Working the Horse Off the Wall

Also available as part of the discounted Shoulder-In Collection.

$8.95.
Downloadable PDF. 4 pages.
Sorry, there are no refunds on this product.

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Smart Use of the Arena: The Figure 8 within a 20-Meter Circle

2012-05-07 15:04:57 karl9532
In this diagram, Karl describes how to ride the figure 8 to perfection within a defined 20M circle. Used as a companion with his other Smart Use of the Arena figure 8 and circle exercises, this pattern not only provides excellent preparation for those horses training the flying change, but also will enhance the horse’s flexibility and agility. Part of his Smart Use of the Arena series.

Suitable for Horses Training:
Flying Changes

Companion Exercises:
Smart Use of the Arena –
Enlarging and Diminishing the Circle – One Tangent, Three Different Size Circles
Touching the Same Tangent While Maintaining the Same Diameter
Figure 8s
Diminishing the Circle: The Correct Way

Also available as part of the discounted Flying Changes Collection.

$8.95.
Downloadable PDF. 5 pages.
Sorry, there are no refunds on this product.

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Smart Use of the Arena: Touching the Same Tangent While Maintaining the Same Diameter

2012-05-07 15:02:43 karl9532
Part of Smart Use of the Arena series, this exercise will perfect both horse’s and rider’s understanding of correct execution of the circle – a skill that lower level riders must exhibit before moving to a higher level of riding.

Suitable for Horses Training:
Training to First Levels

Companion Exercises:
Smart Use of the Arena –
Enlarging and Diminishing the Circle – One Tangent, Three Different Size Circles

$8.95.
Downloadable PDF. 4 pages.
Sorry, there are no refunds on this product.

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Smart Use of the Arena: Training for Shoulder-In

2012-05-07 15:00:02 karl9532
Use this pattern from First to Third Levels to confirm your horse in basics. On a higher level, this exercise will refine the horse’s skill and performance by creating better balance and engagement, providing more elevation, lightness and a much higher level of flexibility and suppleness. Part of Karl’s Smart Use of the Arena series.

Suitable for Horses Training:
All horses training shoulder in

Also available as part of the discounted Shoulder-In Collection.

$8.95.
Downloadable PDF. 5 pages.
Sorry, there are no refunds on this product.

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Smart Use of the Arena: Training Half-Pass Left in Trot and Canter

2012-05-07 14:56:34 karl9532
Part of the Smart Use of the Arena series, there is no better combination than this pattern for teaching super half passes.

Karl’s article “A Few Thoughts on Half Passes” includes this exercise and “Training the Half-Pass Left from the Figure 8.” If you wish to purchase both of these half pass exercises, save money by purchasing “A Few Thoughts on Half Passes” available here.

Suitable for Horses Training:
Second Level through Grand Prix

Companion Exercises:
Smart Use of the Arena –
Training Half Pass Left from the Figure 8

$12.95.
Downloadable PDF. 4 pages.
Sorry, there are no refunds on this product.

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Smart Use of the Arena: Training Half-Pass Left from the Figure 8

2012-05-07 14:53:42 karl9532
A perfect companion exercise to Karl’s Smart Use of the Arena – Training for Half Pass Left in Trot and Canter, this pattern may be ridden in either the trot or canter. When ridden in the canter, flying changes will be required thus making it a perfect exercise for those horses training Fourth through FEI Levels. Part of the Smart Use of the Arena series.

Karl’s article “A Few Thoughts on Half Passes” includes this exercise and “Training Half-Pass Left in Trot and Canter.” If you wish to purchase both of these half pass exercises, save money by purchasing “A Few Thoughts on Half Passes” available here.

Suitable for Horses Training:
Fourth through FEI Levels and all horses training half pass

Companion Exercises:
Smart Use of the Arena –
Training Half Pass Left in Trot and Canter

$12.95.
Downloadable PDF. 4 pages.
Sorry, there are no refunds on this product.

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Smart Use of the Arena: Working the Horse off the Wall

2012-05-07 14:50:02 karl9532
An invaluable diagram for training the shoulder-in, horses learn to be independent of the wall, and the rider develops a good feeling for the line of travel. Part of Karl’s Smart Use of the Arena series.

Suitable for Horses Training:
Second through Fourth Levels

Companion Exercise:
Smart Use of the Arena –
Training for Shoulder-In
Off-the-Wall Training of the Shoulder-In

Also available as part of the discounted Shoulder-In Collection.

$8.95.
Downloadable PDF. 4 pages.
Sorry, there are no refunds on this product.

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The Arena: The Correct Execution of the Diagonal

2012-05-07 14:47:05 karl9532
Long considered the hallmark of an expert rider, this diagram illustrates the proper set up required to execute the perfect diagonal. Included as an added bonus is a short story from Karl’s Personal Reflections as he relates the importance of drawing accurate lines in the sand during one of his “nighttime capers” at the Spanish Riding School. Part of The Arena – The Right Tool for the Trade series.

Suitable for Horses Training:
Training Level to Grand Prix

$5.95
Downloadable PDF. 9 pages.
Sorry, there are no refunds on this product.

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The Arena: The Entry: Practicing the Entry within an Arena - Chart II

2012-05-07 14:18:48 karl9532
The entry, the halt, the salute, the move off and the turn at C – all influence the score. Impress the judge with brilliance and correctness. This diagram illustrates common mistakes made at this crucial part of riding any dressage test. Part of The Arena – The Right Tool for the Trade series.

Suitable for Horses Training:
All Levels

Companion Exercises:
The Arena –
The Right Tool for the Trade –
The Entry: Practicing the Entry Within an Arena – Chart III
Smart Use of the Arena –
Left-Rein Half School
Obedience Test of the Outside Leg

Also available as part of the discounted Practicing the Entry Collection.

$8.95
Downloadable PDF. 5 pages.
Sorry, there are no refunds on this product.

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The Arena: The Entry: Practicing the Entry within an Arena - Chart III

2012-05-07 13:43:45 karl9532
Part of The Arena – The Right Tool for the Trade series, this exercise diagram, along with it’s companion pattern Chart II, illustrate common errors many competition riders make when entering the arena. Read “Nighttime Hazards,” a Personal Reflections story included with this diagram, that reveals how Karl discovered an important lesson about taking shortcuts in the training of the horse.

Suitable for Horses Training:
Training through First Levels

Companion Exercises:
The Arena-
The Right Tool for the Trade –
The Entry: Practicing the Entry Within an Arena – Chart II

Also available as part of the discounted Practicing the Entry Collection.

$2.95.
Downloadable PDF. 6 pages.
Sorry, there are no refunds on this product.

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The Arena: The Volte: The Correct Bend In the Shoulder-In & Haunches-In

2012-05-04 19:36:55 karl9532
Part of The Arena – The Right Tool for the Trade series, careful study of this diagram guarantees a classical bending based upon your horse’s agility and willingness to allow the curved line of the circle to flex his entire body.

Suitable for Horses Training:
Horses training shoulder-in, haunches-in and renvers

Companion Exercises:
The Arena – The Right Tool for the Trade –
The Volte: Proper Execution of the Volte – Chart I
The Volte: Proper Execution of the Volte – Chart II
The Correct Bend in Renvers

$12.95.
Downloadable PDF. 4 pages.
Sorry, there are no refunds on this product.

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The Arena: The Volte: Proper Execution of the Volte, Chart I

2012-05-04 19:31:53 karl9532
Part of The Arena – The Right Tool for the Trade series, this exercise diagram illustrates how to properly bend your horse and how to create the Classical Stretch – the hallmark of the Equine Expert. Perfecting this diagram will take a life long commitment.

Suitable for Horses Training:
All Levels

Also available as part of the Proper Execution of the Volte Collection which includes Chart II (not currently available separately).

$12.95.
Downloadable PDF. 4 pages.
Sorry, there are no refunds on this product.

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Legal Notice

All of the publications on this site, as well as the site’s contents, are ©2013 Karl Mikolka. All rights reserved. You may not copy, reproduce, republish, sell or distribute in any way any of the materials on this web site or the downloadable publications without written permission.

Due to the informational nature of the PDFs for sale on this site, there are no refunds.