My favourite (simple) flatwork exercises

Like a lot of people, I get a bit 'stale' in my flatwork. I end up just aimlessly going round in circles and changing the rein without purpose or activity. I have started listening to a few 'ride a long' podcasts (specifically from the wonderful Miri Hackett from Hackett Equine), which have boosted my motivation for a good flatwork session. I find it easier to do flatwork when I have tests or competitions coming up or have regular lessons, but at the moment that's not the case for either so I have to find my own motivation.

I have had a think, and have come up with 3 of my favourite flatwork exercises .Which, may be simple or obvious, but if done properly and with purpose, can be challenging. I am by no means an instructor or know much about schooling - so this is my own personal view of the exercises, and an explanation from your everyday rider. I have also added Youtube video links of Peps and I having a go at each of the exercises which I hope you find useful! These are absolutely not perfect - in fact he was quite tricky this day when filming (amongst the snow), so they are very real life!

1. Shallow and Deep loops along the long side

I think these help with flexibility and they force me to ride accurately. Can be done in any gait!

For a deep loop (10m loop) Turn from the corner marker (e.g H) towards just before X, reaching and riding over X, then after X turn back to the next corner marker (e.g K).

For a shallow loop (5m) instead of aiming for the centre line, aim for the 3/4 line

In my video : I ride these in both trot and canter. We find the canter hard once we turn back to the track past the centre line, as it feels like I am on the incorrect bend. I try to focus on keeping straight.

Sometimes I do not make it all the way to the centre line - not a problem, we can't be perfect every time! Try again untill you get it right! I tried to put a marker on the 3/4 line in the arena surface - but this didnt work as he just spooked at it! Oops!

2. Forward and Back on a circle

This is an exercise I learnt from my Riding Club Dressage trainer - and I am forever grateful. If you struggle with jump, and forwardness in a schooling session, add in a couple of these transitions in quick succession. Ride a 20m circle (or bigger!) in trot, and at certain points push the trot forward into medium for 4 or 5 strides, and back to working for 4 or 5 strides. Repeat! This can also be done in canter. I get caught up with asking for medium or lengthened strides along the diagonal or the long side, so this is good for a bit of variety.

In my video : We found this exercise difficult in this session. Our right rein in particularly better than our left rein. I try to mix up the gaits so I am not just doing all trot in one go.

3. Straight lines!

Sounds very very simple, but try practicing 'centre lines' not in the centre - so on the 3/4 line or anywhere really! We both struggle with straightness, so not having the A or C markers to guide us is challenging. We do this in both trot and canter.

In my video : We start in canter on this occasion. I prefer doing this exercise in canter as I find it trickier than trot.

I hope that you enjoyed coming along on my schooling session! I did all 3 exercises in the same session, however would probably only focus on one or 2 of these around a normal warm up and cool down regime. At the end of the session I mixed a couple of the exercises together - have fun!!