Flatwork is the part of horse training performed without jumping. It usually includes work at the walk, trot, and canter, plus transitions, turns, changes of direction, lateral exercises, poles, and other schooling exercises on the flat. Riders use flatwork to improve communication, balance, rhythm, suppleness, straightness, and the horse’s ability to respond calmly to aids.
What does flatwork mean?
The term has two common uses. In the broad sense, flatwork means any riding or training that does not require the horse to jump. In jumping, hunting, and eventing barns, riders may also use “flatwork” more narrowly for the dressage-style schooling they do between jumping sessions. Both uses are normal; the context tells you which meaning is intended.
Flatwork is not a separate discipline in the same way that dressage, show jumping, or eventing is. It is a training foundation used across disciplines. A dressage rider may use flatwork to develop the movements required in a test, while a jumper may use it to improve adjustability, balance, and the horse’s ability to approach a fence in a controlled rhythm.
What exercises are included in flatwork?
- Transitions: walk–halt, walk–trot, trot–canter, and transitions within a gait.
- Figures: circles, serpentines, changes of rein, and accurate corners.
- Steering and straightness: keeping the horse aligned while maintaining a consistent tempo.
- Suppleness: gentle changes of bend and, for appropriately trained horses, lateral work such as leg-yielding.
- Poles and ground rails: when introduced at a suitable level, these can add variety and encourage attention without becoming a jumping session.
- Conditioning: progressive work that develops fitness without asking for more than the horse’s current strength and soundness allow.
The goal is not to force an outline or keep the horse constantly “on the bit.” A useful session prioritizes a steady rhythm, relaxed breathing, responsive aids, and a horse that remains comfortable and willing. If the horse becomes tense, fatigued, uneven, or resistant, reduce the demand and investigate the cause rather than simply adding pressure.
Why is flatwork important for jumping and other disciplines?
Flatwork helps a horse and rider communicate before speed, obstacles, or competition pressure are added. Better rhythm and balance can help a jumper find a more consistent approach; accurate transitions can improve adjustability; and correct steering reduces the chance of drifting toward an obstacle. FEI training guidance also describes basic flatwork and transitions as useful parts of preparing horses for jumping.
For eventers, hunters, endurance riders, and recreational riders, the same foundation supports safe changes of pace, better control in open spaces, and a clearer response to the rider’s aids. It should complement—not replace—discipline-specific coaching and appropriate conditioning.
A simple flatwork session for a healthy horse
- Begin with several minutes of relaxed walking while checking tack, footing, and the horse’s way of going.
- Ride large figures at walk and trot, rewarding a regular rhythm and soft changes of direction.
- Practice a small number of accurate transitions, allowing walk breaks between efforts.
- Add one or two appropriate exercises, such as shallow loops or leg-yielding, only if the horse already understands the aids.
- Finish with relaxed forward movement and a gradual cool-down.
Keep the plan age-, fitness-, experience-, and soundness-appropriate. A qualified instructor can help choose exercises, and a veterinarian or qualified equine professional should assess persistent lameness, pain behaviors, or sudden resistance.
Flatwork FAQs
Is flatwork the same as dressage?
Not exactly. Dressage is a discipline and competitive training system; flatwork is the broader term for non-jumping schooling. Dressage exercises are commonly used in flatwork, including by riders who compete in jumping or eventing.
Can beginners do flatwork?
Yes. Beginner flatwork can be as simple as safe steering, rhythm, transitions, and balanced position under qualified supervision. Exercises should become more difficult gradually.
Does flatwork include poles?
It can. Ground poles are often used during flat schooling, but the exact boundary varies by rider and barn. Once poles are raised or the session focuses on jumping, most riders would describe it as pole work or jumping rather than ordinary flatwork.
How often should a horse do flatwork?
There is no universal schedule. Many horses benefit from varied schooling with rest, turnout, hacking, and discipline-specific work. Base frequency and intensity on the horse’s workload, fitness, age, recovery, and professional advice.
Related Equestrian Guides
- Horse jumping obstacles explained for beginners
- What to wear for show jumping
- Why do dressage horses foam at the mouth?
- Can you show jump in a hackamore?
Sources: US Equestrian: Dressage; British Dressage: What is dressage?; FEI: How flatwork can benefit your jumping.