By: Sara

Sara — Sun, 27 Feb 2011 22:35:33 +0000

As usual, Ms. Hale provides great advice here. One thing to consider is: How does the rider feel about flatwork? If she becomes bored or impatient while riding on the flat, the horse may be reflecting this attitude by “misbehaving.” I would suggest that the rider ask her trainer about doing some cavalletti work to provide some spice to her usual flatwork regimen. While cavalletti are not jumps, they provide a similar physical and mental challenge: The horse needs to be forward in order to negotiate the cavalletti. Meanwhile, the rider must work on her balance, equitation and communication with the horse to help relax and encourage her mare to successfully negotiate these obstacles. If boredom is an issue for either of them during flatwork, cavalletti exercises will reinforce the need to maintain even stride and cadence while approaching each obstacle without jumping any of the poles.

By: Shelby

Shelby — Sun, 27 Feb 2011 08:06:41 +0000

Me and my mare have the same problem! Thanks for the answer!

By: Horselover

Horselover — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 19:33:05 +0000

Great information.

By: Cindy

Cindy — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 03:21:07 +0000

This was a timely article: my gelding is developing the same attitude toward flatwork. Thank you for the suggestions!

Comments on: Question of the Week: Fighting the Flatwork

By: Sara

By: Shelby

By: Horselover

By: Cindy