Expect success from each training session, but be prepared to deal with problems. Visualize exactly what you will do if things go wrong. When you actually start the session, however, approach things positively, have a plan in mind, wear appropriate attire, and use safe, strong equipment. No matter what the level of a horse's training, the type of work that is performed in each portion of a session should follow fairly standard guidelines. All training session should start with and contain a large amount of forward work.
Forward work is energetic work with minimal constraint.
Forward work is always suitable for a warm up and warm down and in the very early stages of training might be the only type of work in the main part of the training session as well. Gymnastics include forward figure work with increased contact, bending and changes of rein. Even though there is increased bending with gymnastic work, there still is no lateral element. Gymnastics are appropriate for the last part of a warm up, for review, and with the young horse, for the new work portion of the lesson. Lateral Work includes figures that have a sideways component to them.