Flatwork exercises
Flatwork exercises for horses can be ridden by riders of all levels – there are exercises for the complete beginner as well as plenty for the advanced equestrian.
Flatwork is essential for every ridden horse as it’s the foundation for every discipline. It refers to any ridden work without poles or fences, and for the more advanced rider will often include lateral work.
If you need some inspiration for flatwork exercises to try at home, check out the examples from top riders and trainers below.
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Transform your 20m circles into a productive schooling exercise for increased suppleness and focus
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Master your corners with this simple walk transition exercise to improve accuracy and impress the judges
In today’s 20 minute workout you’re going to teach your horse — and yourself — not to cut corners
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Hone your horse’s responsiveness with this super-simple exercise you can practise anywhere
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Develop your horse’s engagement in canter with this quick transition exercise
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Sharpen your transitions using this simple exercise on a circle
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Develop your core strength and balance by practising these positions in the saddle
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Use this 10m loop exercise to build your horse’s strength, balance and suppleness – and test your aids
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Lacking inspiration? Mary King’s three simple exercises on a 20m circle will improve your riding skills – whatever your level
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How to encourage your horse to stretch and relax
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20-minute weekly workout: three ways to perfect your free walk
The ultimate aim of this exercise is to create a regular, four time, purposeful free walk, where your horse is relaxed and soft through his back, poll, jaw and mouth
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20-minute weekly workout: straightening the canter
The exercise should help straighten the horse, so that he travels on two tracks and achieves self-carriage
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The secrets behind riding perfect transitions
Whether you’re under the watchful eye of a dressage judge, or you just want to be able to establish your horse’s work on a day-to-day basis, nailing transitions is something you’re going to need to get right every time
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Riding the perfect circle and perfecting your prelim 1
Welcome to the first Horse & Hound e-Training lesson with grand prix dressage rider Keith Robertson, which focuses on riding accurate circles
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Performing super serpentines and perfecting your prelim 18
Welcome to your eighth e-Training lesson with Keith Robertson. This week Keith explains how to ride super serpentines with a view to improving your prelim test riding — and we focus on prelim 18.
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#SundaySchool: Justine Armstrong-Small on the importance of balance and control
Avoid motorbiking in the show ring with these 10-metre circle and loop exercises, as recommended by top show rider, Justine Armstrong-Small
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Struggling to work your horse correctly over his topline? 4 exercises to help
Having your horse in an outline is a common goal when schooling — take a look at these simple exercises to help you achieve your aims
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How to ride the perfect halt and perfecting prelim 7
Welcome to your second e-Training lesson with Keith Robertson. This week Keith explains how to nail your halt with a view to improving your prelim test riding — and we focus on prelim 7.
