In yesterday's book study (My Horses, My Teachers, by Alois Podhajsky) the author described his experiences taking his dressage horses out into the countryside. It was a practice he had initiated when working with the remounts that he was responsible to train for Dragoon Squadron No. 2 in Vienna. In addition to formal training in the arena, he took the horses for rides cross-country, and off into the Vienna Woods. According to Podhajsky, these rides were not only highly enjoyable for horse and rider, but he noticed that the horses' training progressed much more rapidly once he began this practice.
When working with the mare Nora, who ultimately became a very successful dressage competitor, he decided that this practice would be effective for her training as well. He noticed that these rides not only improved her balance and impulsion but brought relaxation to her mind and body. It was a practice he applied to many of the successful dressage horses that he trained.
There is definitely something special about riding the countryside on your chosen steed! I have many fond memories of doing just that!