How to Successfully Gymnastize Your Horse! - Exercises, Insights and Tips from Professionals

The great thing about gymnastics is that we can all do it. Regardless of whether you are a dressage or show jumping rider, prefer to work with your horse from the ground or like to go out into the countryside - you can incorporate exercises everywhere. You don't believe that? Then let us inspire you.

Why is gymnastics important for horses?

What is all this good for anyway? Why should I gymnasticize my horse?
Apart from the fact that it is definitely a lot of fun to sit on a loose and permeable horse, it is essential for its health.
We strengthen the horse's body, make sure that everything is well supplied with blood and thus promote its well-being and general condition. People who do sport are fitter, less susceptible to illness and also to issues that unfortunately occur more frequently in old age, such as osteoarthritis. arthrosis can be prevented.

At the end of the day, we all have the same goal: we want our horses to be healthy and fit, to have fun with us and to be by our side for a long time. There are certainly many ways to support them, from feed to training to physio and co.
All of these have their justification, but one component rarely leads to a complete result.
The food cannot muscle building without proper and optimal training, and treatment by a physiotherapist has never made an Olympic champion.
But if we combine and coordinate everything, then we should be well on the way to giving our horse a great, long life! 

The importance of gymnastics for horses

But before we go into detail, let’s consider what we want to achieve with gymnastic training. We aim for a horse that moves freely and relaxed, arches its back, swings elastically, uses its hindquarters effectively, steps underneath itself, "carries" itself, and enjoys the work.
The muscles should engage and relax, allowing the horse to move easily, making riding effortless. None of us want our horse to be stiff, tense, or to become rigid during the session, whether from the ground or in the saddle.

However, we must not forget that working "with the horse" involves two participants—the horse and ourselves. If we are tense and stiff, we cannot expect the opposite from our horse. So, we need to be relaxed, open, focused on our horse, blocking out the surroundings, and concentrating entirely on the work between us both. This is precisely what we ask of our horse.

Correct warm-up before gymnastic exercises

We can start with gymnastic training even during the relaxation phase. There is walking and actual walking. I can sit on my horse with the reins in one hand, my phone in the other, looking at posts and stories on Instagram, while also checking a few emails and responding to my friends' voice messages on WhatsApp.

However, I can also consciously sit on my horse or lead it at a walk and focus on how it feels today, whether it appears relaxed and attentive to me, or if it seems more nervous and distracted. 

Regardless of the impression, I try to engage it and maintain or gain its attention. So I can ride in walk on a long rein, keeping a light connection, and drive each step alternately. As in further work, I already start here with various figures of movement, letting my horse step over, encouraging it to walk more actively, and bringing it back to a collected state. I occasionally include a transition to halt ride a bit of shoulder-in, allow for leg yielding, and want it to be soft to my aids. 

➡️ Video tip: Gymnasticizingeager horses - get riding!
‍Propergymnasticization is the key to making even eager horses relaxed and permeable. In this video, we join Mirjam Wittmann and Britta Rasche-Merkt as they train to find the balance between energy and control. Find out how targeted exercises can help prepare your horse for working equitation!

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These are all ways of warming up your horse optimally and using its muscles. The more I work and gymnasticize my horse in walk, the less "work" I have to do in the other gaits. 

The more transitions I ride, both between gaits and within the gaits themselves—meaning tempo transitions -the more my horse must use its hindquarters, step underneath itself, arch its back, and lower its neck. 

Additionally, while riding, you can regularly incorporate the "giving the reins" exercise to help the horse lengthen, stretch, and maintain its relaxation.

For all pole jugglers and those who want "more".

Those who are ambitious jumpers or enjoy working with poles can also integrate poles or smaller jumps into their work.

Basics of pole work

• Trotting and cantering poles on straight and curved lines (e.g. circles or serpentines) help to strengthen the muscles and make the horse more supple.
• If you want to focus more on jumping, you can start with cavaletti and small crosses.
• Slightly raised poles increase the horse's concentration and promote muscle development.
• In-and-outs, gymnastic rows and small crosses on a curved line improve rhythm and permeability.
  

Combined exercise to promote concentration and coordination

An effective exercise combines trotting poles, jumps with jumping poles and canter sections. A possible structure:

1. Trotting poles on the diagonal
   • With one or two kicks between the poles.
   • Promotes rhythm and coordination.
2. Small cross with lead bar at the trot
   • After the trotting poles, trot lightly so that the horse can relax briefly.
   • The rider takes his seat again, turns straight and purposefully towards the center of the cross.
   • The horse should listen to the rider and jump powerfully from the hindquarters.
3. Jump with canter pole on the long side
   • After the jump, gallop straight on and take the momentum with you.
   • Ride calmly and balanced over the lead bar.
   • After the jump, canter by hand and let the horse relax on the long rein.

Important aspects for successful training

• Calmness and overview: The lines should be deliberate and correct.
• Steady rhythm: No rushed jumping, but a calm, controlled start.
• Encourage the horse's concentration: It should not rush at the jump, but learn to carry itself.
• Correct seat of the rider: Soft connection to the horse's mouth, balanced seat, no disturbing influences.

➡️ Video tip: Control and communication - achieving your goal with jumping gymnastics!
‍Improvecontrol over the canter rhythm and refine communication between rider and horse withcavaletti and pole training! Rob Ehrens shows how targeted exercises help to promote safe jumping - and why it's worth leaving your comfort zone!

However, one should not forget to take breaks to breathe and relax both oneself and the horse, gradually introducing the horse to the tasks at hand and not repeating the exercises excessively, but rather listening to the horse and stopping when it has performed well. It is better to incorporate exercises into the daily routine more often than to do them once for what feels like an eternity.

Gymnastics from the ground and in hand

There are numerous ways to gymnasticize a horse from the ground - be it on the lunge, with the double lunge or through targeted ground work in hand.

Gymnastic training on the lunge

• Incorporate transitions : Just like in riding, transitions between walk, trot and canter help to keep the horse supple and improve its carrying capacity.
• Working with the double lunge: This method specifically promotes bending, stepping under and the ability to collect.
• Reduce and enlarge the circle: The horse should maintain rhythm and speed and bend evenly instead of tipping into the bend.
• Pole work at the Lunge:
  • Trotting poles in a row improve coordination and body awareness.
  • Individual poles at 12, 3, 6 and 9 o'clock force the horse to be more attentive and walk more precisely.

➡️ Video tip: Holistic work - collection exercises on the lunge
‍Collectiondoesn't just start under saddle! Lunging guide Lars Hansen shows how you can support your horse with targeted exercises from the ground to improve musculature, balance and permeability. Find out what is important in collection exercises on the lunge line and how to activate your horse's hindquarters in a targeted manner!

Gymnastic training through ground work by hand

• Differences in tempo at the walk: Promotes suppleness and fine communication.
• Volts and turns: Can also be integrated around the rider at the trot.
• Transitions between walk, trot, halt and backing: Support balance and coordination.
• Lateral striding: Promotes active under-stepping of the hindquarters and improves suppleness.

📖 Reading tip : Groundwork with the horse - trust, communication & gymnastics
‍Groundwork strengthens the bond between humans and horses, improves communication and is a valuable addition to riding. Find out which exercises are particularly effective, how to gymnasticize your horse and why ground work is an important part of training - Read now!

‍Off into nature- for all those who enjoy trail riding

But there are also many variations in the field, on horseback or on foot - uphill is a very good exercise for the hindquarters, it strengthens the muscles and promotes body awareness.
Riding over a few branches lying on the ground in the forest? The horse is concentrated, has to lift its feet and works on its abdominal and back muscles.
And for all the water rats? How about a trip to the aquatrainer? Similar to us humans, it is easy on the joints, the body awareness is trained, walking is more strenuous and the muscles start to work. Not to be compared one to one, but also very helpful is the work on the treadmill where you can take different increments.

5 gymnastic exercises for horses:

Exercising the horse is essential for its mobility, strength and balance. Here are five effective exercises that you can integrate into your training.

Lunge work - strengthening the back and abdominal muscles

Lunging makes it possible to train the muscles in a targeted manner without the additional weight of the rider. There are numerous variations to make lunging training varied and to give the horse the best possible gymnastics.

➡️ Video tip: Gymnastics for back and abdominal muscles
‍Lunge workis an effective way to build up muscles without the influence of the rider. Watch this video to find out which exercises are particularly suitable for strengthening the back and abdominal muscles and giving your horse a healthy workout!

Step work - the supreme discipline of gymnastics

The walk is the most versatile gait when it comes to gymnastics . Numerous exercises can be incorporated here to mobilize and test fitness levels. In our video, we show you the best exercises to improve your horse's mobility.

➡️ Video tip: Walk work - specifically improving flexibility and permeability‍
Good walk work is essential, especially in working equitation! Britta Rasche-Merkt shows how to specifically improve the walk in order to promote the horse's permeability and gymnasticity. Find out why correct walk work is the basis for all further training!

Ground work - gymnastics without rider weight

You can effectively gymnasticize your horse not only in the saddle, but also from the ground. Every rider - whether amateur or professional - should regularly work with their horse from the ground, as this not only contributes to physical fitness, but also strengthens the bond between rider and horse. Bernadette Brune shows you which exercises are particularly effective in our video.

➡️ Video tipThe ABC for every horse - calmness and gymnastic training
‍BernadetteBrune shows 5 essential exercises that every horse should be able to do. The focus is on body language, respect and trust. Whether leisure or sport horse, these exercises help every horse to go through everyday life safely and calmly!

Basic exercises for strength and coordination

Coordination is a decisive factor for gymnastic training. A horse with good coordination can use its body better, is more agile, more attentive and more balanced. You can strengthen your horse and improve its coordination with simple pole and cavaletti exercises. But how do you build up these exercises sensibly? Watch our instructional video to find out how to optimize your coordination training.

➡️ Video tip: Strength & coordination - basic exercises for young and old!
‍Gymnasticswith Olympic champion Ludger Beerbaum - this is all about strength, coordination and targeted muscle training. The exercises are easy to integrate into everyday life and help horses to become more alert and flexible. Particularly exciting: Ludger comments on his own work in the saddle and gives valuable tips for effective training!

Transitions, lateral movements and hoof beats - Versatile gymnastic training

Transitions, lateral movements and hoof beats not only help to loosen up the horse, but also to gymnasticize it in a targeted manner. One well-known exercise is serpentines, which you can vary creatively. For example, you can ride three bends at trot, stop at X, back up and then trot on again. There are countless ways to incorporate gymnastics into your daily training. We have summarized some of these methods for you together with Christoph Hess.

➡️ Video tip: Correct gymnastics - more willingness to collect in canter!
With targeted transitions, lateral movements and bending work, this 7-year-old mare becomes more supple and more willing to collect. Particularly exciting: Rider Anni shares her impressions from the saddle and describes how the exercises have a direct effect on the horse's feeling!

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Gymnasticizing horses: Summarized

Gymnastic training  is an essential component of horse training that is accessible to every rider, regardless of the riding discipline or training approach. It significantly contributes to the horse's health and fitness by strengthening muscles, improving mobility, and enhancing overall well-being. Whether focusing on groundwork, incorporating dressage or jumping exercises, or encouraging the horse in nature, gymnastic training can be integrated into everyday training routines.

A well-gymnastized horse runs loose and relaxed, shows active hindquarters and carries itself with ease. This state is not only comfortable for the rider but also essential for the long-term health of the horse. Through targeted training, varied exercises, and regular breaks during sessions, the horse remains motivated and ready to perform.

It is important that the rider is also relaxed and focused to ensure clear communication with the horse. Effective gymnastic training begins during the warm-up when the rider makes the horse aware and prepares its body for the work ahead. With the right combination of lunge work, walk work, groundwork and transitions, every rider can adapt the gymnastic training to the individual needs of their horse.

Ultimately, balanced gymnastic training, combined with other components such as feed and targeted care, leads to a healthy, efficient and happy horse. This creates the best conditions for a long, active and harmonious life alongside your horse.

Horse gymnastics: The most important questions and answers

How can I gymnasticize my horse?

To gymnasticize your horse, it is important to carry out regular and targeted training. This can be achieved through various exercises that promote both the physical and mental fitness of the horse. Effective gymnastic exercises include, for example, lateral movements such as shoulder-in or traversals to improve the horse's mobility and balance. In addition, figures such as circles and voltes are helpful to train suppleness and coordination. Another important aspect is working on the lunge line or on the ground to promote the horse's gymnastics even without the rider's weight. Targeted exercises can strengthen the back muscles and improve your horse's suppleness. Always ensure that the exercises are carried out correctly and that the load on your horse is appropriate. Regular training in combination with variety and patience will help your horse to become gymnastic and progress in its development.

How do I activate the horse's hindquarters?

In order to activate the horse's hindquarters, the horse must stand correctly on the rider's aids. A targeted shift of weight to the inner seat bone and active leg aids can encourage the horse to activate its hindquarters more. Exercises such as leg yields, traversals and holding can also help to strengthen the hindquarters and make them more supple. Regular work on the lunge or on the ground can also help to strengthen the muscles of the hindquarters and improve the horse's overall gymnastics. It is important to be patient and consistent, as activating the hindquarters takes time and practice. A good balance between forward impulsion and collection is crucial to use the hindquarters effectively and teach the horse a healthy movement pattern.

What is meant by gymnastic riding?

Gymnastic riding aims to train a horse so that it can carry its rider without the horse's musculoskeletal system suffering any deficits as a result. This requires an even load on the hind legs, which alternately carry the joint centre of gravity of the horse and rider.