07/11/2026
Many riders don’t seem to give much thought to warming up, or they follow the same routine every day without reflecting on whether this is really the best possible structure of the training session.
In my youth, we were taught a basic structure of a training session that consisted of 10 minutes walk on a long rein, followed by 20 minutes rising trot forward-downward, then 20 minutes sitting trot, perhaps 10 minutes canter work, and at the end cool down on a long rein at the walk.
This can work for some horses, but there are many horses for whom this structure is ineffective or even counter productive. For each individual horse, there is a unique structure that is most suitable so that he can develop and blossom. The rider should try to find this structure by experimenting with different formats.
Many horses respond very well to a longer warmup at the walk with curved lines and lateral movements. Especially older horses and those suffering from arthritis or old tendon injuries can be prepared gently for the actual workout.
Once horses have started to learn the piaffe, you can use half steps during the warmup to good effect because it is a gentle movement.
Some horses warmup especially well with trot - canter transitions, especially in combination with curved lines and many changes of direction. Some horses respond very well to long, calm trot reprises on an interesting variety of curved lines.
Transitions between walk, trot, and halt into the four legs are also very well suited to balance the horse and lead to relaxation.
Stirrup stepping sequences in the trot and canter can also enhance balance and relaxation.
In addition, you can include cavaletti work or a short trail ride.
An old prejudice that you can still encounter sometimes is that many riders believe that you should trot and canter on a single track and on large lines only until the horse has become relaxed, before you begin with lateral work. The reality is that most horses become supple and relaxed much faster with lateral work whereas trotting and cantering straight ahead on a stiff horse for long periods of time has a similar effect as when you cook an egg for a long time. Both the egg and the horse tend to become harder rather than softer.
The optimal warmup is very individual and depends on the horse's training level, conformation, and temperament, and how he is feeling on any given day.
