Gold medalist Ingrid Klimke has long encouraged competitive equestrians to spend time riding outside the arena or typical fenced or covered training area. Klimke learned to love trail riding and working outside the ring from her father, the admired dressage master Reiner Klimke, who insisted it be a regular part of their weekly schedule. While Klimke notes that the most important part of “riding out” is for horse and rider to enjoy it, there are also many training and conditioning benefits for the horse. It: - Promotes relaxation in mind and body. - Provides variety to everyday training. - Boosts motivation when under saddle. - Builds fitness in diverse ways. In these pages, Klimke provides top-level guidance to making riding outside a regular and rewarding experience for you and your horse. She discusses: - Equipment considerations when moving from arena to trail. - Riding with others and best group formations. - How to stay safe on the trail and in open spaces. - Riding through