I only trail ride, do I really need flatwork?

Flatwork or having your horse work in self carriage is the most basic and foundational prerequisite to any style of riding you want to do with your horse.

It develops a language. Your flatwork training is where you introduce and teach your horse aids and cues so that your horse knows what you want and can ask of you support and help.

It develops balance. The exercises that you use to develop self carriage are very basically developing balance and ensuring your horse is sure footed.

It creates functional movement. Movement is medicine. Flatwork done correctly enhances your horses movement and without other trauma or injury helps them have a long and healthy riding career.

It fosters learning. Done correctly, your flatwork training is a great place to show up for your horse as a leader and help them look for answers. It teaches them how to respond to pressure and you can use it to instil confidence and curiousity in your horse that will be of benefit on the trails

Flatwork doesn’t have to be in the arena. It can be done in the paddock, on the trails, through the hills, on the beach. It is just basically develop a positive relationship under saddle and with movement.