Summer in Australia doesn’t mess around. By mid-morning, the sun’s already cranking up, and both you and your horse are sweating bullets. So how do you stay consistent in training without overheating?
The answer: efficient, effective flatwork sessions that last just 20 minutes.
With the right drills, you can still build strength, improve suppleness, and keep your horse mentally engaged without working them into a sweat-drenched mess. This article will give you a step-by-step 20-minute plan you can tweak daily, plus smart heat safety tips to protect both you and your horse.
**Please make sure your horse is cleared by a vet and physically capable for this type of work.
Pre-Ride Warm-Up: 5 Minutes of Smart Prep
Start with a calm, connected warm-up that gets your horse’s body and mind in gear without rushing.
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Walk on a long rein: Spend 2–3 minutes walking in both directions. Let the horse stretch out.
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Lateral flexion and poll softness: At the halt or slow walk, ask for gentle give to the left and right to start unlocking the poll and neck.
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Leg yields at the walk: Help the ribcage and hind end start loosening up.
This warm-up keeps it light while laying the foundation for the rest of your ride.
Drill 1: Spiral In & Out (Circles for Suppleness)
Start on a 20-metre circle and slowly spiral inward to about 10–12 metres, then back out. Do this at the trot or walk depending on your horse’s level.
Focus On:
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Inside bend without falling in
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Light outside rein connection
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Steady rhythm throughout
Why It Works: This drill encourages the horse to use their body evenly, improves lateral flexion, and tunes up your aids early in the ride.
⏱️ Time: 3 minutes
Drill 2: Transitions Within Gait
Ride trot to medium trot, then come back to working trot. Or try a collected walk to extended walk and back. Don’t go for big flashy moves. Focus on subtle transitions and feel.
Focus On:
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Riding from your seat
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Quick response to the half-halt
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Maintaining balance through changes
This builds hind-end engagement, responsiveness, and muscle tone without requiring lots of space or speed.
⏱️ Time: 3 minutes
Drill 3: Leg Yields Down the Long Side
Ride a straight line down the arena’s long side and ask for gentle leg yields toward the quarter line or centreline.
Focus On:
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Forward motion first, then sideways
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Maintaining straightness and rhythm
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Rider staying centred
Why It Works: Lateral movement builds core strength and responsiveness without overexerting your horse. It’s also great for straightening crooked horses.
⏱️ Time: 3 minutes
Drill 4: Serpentines & Direction Changes
Use three-loop or four-loop serpentines across the arena. Keep it smooth and fluid, using both trot and walk depending on heat and fitness.
Focus On:
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Clean changes of bend
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Relaxation in turns
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Balanced lines and accuracy
Why It Works: This pattern builds suppleness and improves rider feel—plus it keeps your horse from locking into a single bend or mindset.
⏱️ Time: 3 minutes
Drill 5: Halt-to-Trot or Walk-to-Canter
This is your “wake-up” moment. From a halt, ask for trot. Or from a walk, ask for a canter. Keep it light and rewarding, don’t drill it.
Focus On:
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Prompt transitions
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Forward intention
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Rider balance and seat cues
Why It Works: Sharp transitions activate the hindquarters and increase focus - perfect just before your cool-down. If it’s too hot - skip this one!
⏱️ Time: 2–3 minutes
Cooling Down in the Heat
Let your horse walk on a loose rein for 3–5 minutes, or as long as they need, ideally in the shade or under a covered arena. This step is essential, even if they didn’t sweat heavily.
Consider hosing the legs or chest lightly if it’s a very hot day. And if it’s too hot to ride - don’t!
Rider Heat Safety Tips
You matter just as much as your horse. Protect yourself:
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Ride before 9am wherever possible
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Hydrate before and after your ride—electrolytes help
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Wear breathable, UPF-rated riding shirts and ventilated helmets
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Take shade breaks if you're schooling outside for extended periods
When to Say “No” to Riding
If temps are above 35°C (95°F) and humidity is high, it’s safer to skip the ride. Signs your horse isn’t coping:
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Heavy sweating with no recovery
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Reluctance to move
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Excessive puffing
It’s better to do groundwork or groundwork in the shade than risk overheating. Or, no work at all - no need to feel guilty!
Groundwork Alternatives for Hot Days
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In-hand lateral work
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Slow pole work on the lunge
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Target training or desensitising
All great ways to reinforce training without adding saddle sweat.
Flatwork Gear That Works in the Heat
Opt for:
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Lightweight mesh saddle pads (breathable and easy to clean)
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Cooling girths or fleece-lined options
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Moisture-wicking clothing for you (and fly masks for your horse!)
Summer Nutrition & Recovery Support
In Aussie heat, horses lose more than water:
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Add electrolytes to feed or water daily
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Soaked feeds can help hydration
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Provide salt blocks and plenty of clean, cool water
Avoid grain-heavy feeds right before riding in high heat.
Creating a Quick Flatwork Plan for Each Ride
Make a go-to template:
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5-minute warm-up
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Pick 2–3 core drills
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3-minute cool-down
Write them down or save them in a notes app to stay consistent.
How to Measure Progress with Short Sessions
Even 20-minute rides can show:
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Improved responsiveness
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More relaxed transitions
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Cleaner lateral movements
Use videos or a weekly log to see improvement over time.
Mental Benefits for Horse & Rider
Short, focused sessions reduce stress, keep both of you fresh, and promote long-term progress without the burnout.
And in summer? That’s the key to success.
You don’t need to ride for hours to make progress. With smart drills and heat-conscious timing, 20-minute rides can deliver huge benefits, physically and mentally, for both you and your horse.
This summer, let efficiency, safety, and consistency be your motto in the saddle.
FAQs
Can I ride every day in summer?
Yes, but rotate between light, moderate, and rest days.
Is it safe to ride at 30°C+?
Only if humidity is low and you keep sessions short, with proper cool-downs.
What’s the best surface for hot rides?
Early morning rides on damp arenas or shaded paddocks reduce impact and heat.
Do I need fly spray if I ride early?
Yes—flies are often worse at dawn and dusk.
Should I use ice boots after hot rides?
Absolutely—especially after more intense drills or for older horses.
Can groundwork replace riding in summer?
Definitely. It builds trust, body awareness, and gives you both a break from the saddle.
