Master Groundwork Exercises for a Strong Foundation

Build a solid foundation with your horse through a variety of groundwork exercises. Discover a comprehensive range of exercises to enhance trust, communication, respect, and responsiveness between you and your equine partner. From leading exercises to lunging techniques and obstacle work, our articles provide step-by-step instructions, tips, and insights to help you establish a strong connection and prepare for successful riding.

Unlocking Equestrian Wisdom: The Horsemanship Journal Library

Building a Strong Connection: Groundwork Exercises for Better Communication with Your Horse

Building a connection with your horse through groundwork is not just about physical exercises; it is about developing an emotional bond. Spending quality time together on the ground creates an atmosphere of trust and companionship that will carry over into every aspect of your equestrian journey.

Groundwork Exercises for Horses to Building Trust

Groundwork exercises are an essential component when it comes to building trust and creating a solid bond between you and your horse. By working with your horse from the ground, you can establish a foundation of mutual respect and communication that will translate into the saddle.

Groundwork Exercises to Calm Down a Spooky Horse

Are you struggling with a spooky horse? Whether you're a new horse owner or a seasoned rider, dealing with a horse that spooks can be frustrating and even dangerous. In this article, we'll explore some innovative groundwork exercises and positive reinforcement techniques that can help calm down a spooky horse and build their confidence. If you're looking for practical, actionable advice for working with a spooky horse, this article is for you! Groundwork Exercises to Calm Down a Spooky Horse

Groundwork Exercises to do in a Small Space

These exercises are aimed at improving your communication with your horse and keeping him soft and responsive while you’re not riding. You can start in the stable and move outside when you feel the need for more space; you just need a safe enclosed area with good footing.

How to help your horse to overcome spooking with groundwork

There are two main things that a horse will innately do to alleviate any pressure. They will either do what they think you are asking them to do, or what they feel they need to do to survive.

The Rope Halter: an invaluable groundwork training aid

Tied correctly, a simple rope halter can be an invaluable groundwork training aid. I think of a rope halter as a training aid. It allows you to apply enough pressure on a horse’s face to get his attention and/or gain control.

It is a far superior tool, in my opinion, and experience, than using a stud chain on a horse for control because you can finesse the pressure with a rope halter. A stud chain will put constant pressure on the horse - you can make the pressure worse but you can never totally release it.