Groundwork

Doing groundwork with horses is important on many levels. Groundwork helps horses learn how to move from front quarters and hind quarters, how to move laterally, in an environment that is better suited than mounted for helpful corrections. Groundwork creates a connection between the horses and riders that is immediate, direct, and not possible when mounted. Groundwork helps horses to engage with our partnership and leadership, reducing conflict when riding. Groundwork can be used to exercise horses when riding is not possible due to heat, rain, etc. Groundwork can be part of the rehabilitation of injured horses. Groundwork teaches the trainer how to interact with horses in ways that horses interact with one another.

Groundwork to Yielding: Teaching horses how to yield doing groundwork is a necessary precursor to yielding while riding.