Benefits of Schooling on the Flat

Why Jumper Riders Should Focus on Flatwork with Performance Horses

Oct 20, 2009

Jumping is lots of fun, but flatwork is just as important for jumper riders. There are numerous benefits to schooling on the flat two or three days per week.

Flatwork means working on lead changes, transitions, lateral movements, responsiveness and a host of other issues jumper riders face on a daily basis. These are the foundation of all riding, from dressage to jumping, and neglecting them will result in slower progress.

Schooling on the Flat Provides a Mental Break

Jumping requires extraordinary focus, strength and coordination. Jumper horse training should involve one or two days a week of jumping practice, but the other days should be devoted to other pursuits. This gives both the rider and the horse a mental (not to mention physical) reprieve.

It is entirely possible for horses to burn out completely. They shut down and refuse to work further because they are overloaded. If jumper riders switch gears to lateral movements and other types of flatwork, their horses are less likely to reach the breaking point.

Flatwork is Used for Jumping

The time spent actually jumping a fence or other obstacle is infinitesimal when compared to the amount of time spent warming up, cooling down and navigating between jumps. One of the main benefits of flatwork is that it prepares jumper riders for the myriad movements not involving the actual jump from one side of the fence to the other.

For example, a horse that is balanced and round on a circle will be able to jump a course much more tightly because he translates his ability to circle in balance to navigating a jumper course. Other movements to work on include:

All of these things will make horses better jumpers and riders better guides. Once a horse and rider can communicate effectively during flatwork, they will become an unstoppable force in the jumper arena.

Jumper Riders Need Schooling

Schooling on the flat is not just an opportunity to train a horse, but also a chance to improve the rider's ability in the saddle. No rider is perfect, and flatwork will illuminate any deficiencies in the rider's form and technique while helping him or her to communicate better with the horse.

There are numerous occasions where riders identify some problem or error during flatwork that greatly improves their performance in the jumper ring. From posture to rein manipulation, to leg position, it never hurts to get back to basics.

Endurance and Strength are Developed Through Flatwork

Some riders hate schooling on the flat, but horses need to work on strength and endurance if they are to survive in jumper competitions. A typical schooling day over fences might take only fifteen or twenty minutes, and activity occurs in short bursts (either courses or single fences).

Schooling on the flat, however, might consist of a full hour of work, and this helps the horse strengthen his heart, lungs and muscles. He will find it easier to complete jumper courses if he is fit, and lots of trot work is the only way to get a horse in shape.

Taking Advantage of Flatwork

If schooling on the flat becomes a regular part of jumper horse training routine, it will significantly improve the performance of both horse and rider. This means that it should be approached as an integral part of jumper horse training, and should not be considered an afterthought or something to occupy horse and rider when they are not jumping.

For some jumper riders, it is helpful to reserve flatwork for certain days, while other riders like to mix it up from week to week. The formula does not matter as long as schooling on the flat becomes a priority.

The copyright of the article Benefits of Schooling on the Flat in Horse Training is owned by Laura Thompson. Permission to republish Benefits of Schooling on the Flat in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.