Groundwork, including lunging and general ground exercises, is often overlooked in English riding disciplines. While some may lunge horses for exercise or before a ride, practical experience with these techniques is not always widespread. This article delves into the transformative power of groundwork in building a stronger, more trusting relationship between horse and handler, drawing from personal experience and professional insights.
When the author acquired their first pony, Ferrous, they eagerly embarked on learning groundwork independently through online videos and books. This hands-on approach, while initially a learning curve, fostered a unique communication channel with Ferrous, allowing them to discover effective methods and refine their ground aids. This journey not only improved their two-way communication but significantly boosted the author’s confidence in their partnership with Ferrous, as they learned to anticipate and manage his reactions to stimuli.
The experience with Delight, a horse with a more dominant temperament, highlighted the critical importance of professional guidance and structured groundwork. Delight exhibited challenging behaviors, including sudden nips and aggressive charging, stemming from learned intimidation. Seeking help from a professional Western horsemanship trainer proved to be an eye-opening experience, revealing fundamental aspects of horse handling.
Key Learnings in Equine Groundwork
Professional training emphasized that the horse’s respect for human space and authority begins the moment they are retrieved from their stall or paddock. Unlike the more forgiving Ferrous, Delight required consistent and subtle reminders of boundaries. The training provided a clear set of principles for establishing this respect:
- Patient Haltering: Horses must wait patiently to be haltered and only move through gates when invited. They should also stop walking when the handler stops.
- Consistent Connection: Using a halter and lead rope is crucial in the initial stages. Freedom should only be granted once earned through consistent positive behavior.
- Essential Tools: A rope halter and a flag are identified as highly effective tools, alongside patience and a calm demeanor.
- Mutual Focus: The handler must concentrate on the horse, and in turn, expect the horse’s focused attention.
- Clear Communication: Frustration in horses often indicates unclear or ineffective cues from the handler. Ensuring requests are clear and positive reinforcement is used for correct behavior is paramount.
- Gradual Progression: All groundwork should initially be performed at a walk. Once mastered, progressing to a trot can be introduced.
- Confidence Building: Practicing these techniques has demonstrably improved the author’s confidence in handling both Delight and Ferrous. Even for a horse like Ferrous, who doesn’t “need” intensive groundwork, the practice has deepened their relationship.
- Energy Dynamics: The principle of “Energy In = Energy Out” is fundamental. A handler’s energetic requests elicit an energetic response from the horse. Conversely, a calm and relaxed approach from the handler results in a calmer response from the horse. This mindful approach, particularly important for sensitive horses, allows handlers to reset themselves and their horses effectively.
Practical Groundwork Exercises and Notes
The author shares detailed notes from their training sessions, offering practical exercises that have yielded significant results:
- “Check-in First”: This exercise involves standing in front of the horse with a neutral lead rope and a flag angled outward. The handler uses the flag to gently scratch the horse’s shoulder and hip, rewarding relaxation and non-reaction. If the horse becomes confused or moves, the exercise is reset. The goal is to desensitize the horse to the flag, making it an extension of the handler’s hand.
- “Circle”: The handler stands in front, indicating the direction for the horse to move with their hand. If the horse doesn’t move off, the flag can be used at the shoulder with a fluid motion. The author notes that the horse’s speed should be regulated at a walk. If the horse is too slow, a flick of the flag toward the hindquarters can encourage movement. If too fast, the horse needs time to slow down. Respecting personal space is emphasized, with the handler stepping into the horse’s bubble if necessary to maintain it.
- “Hindquarter Yield”: This involves taking gentle contact on the lead rope, asking the horse’s head to turn inward, and walking towards the hindquarters until the hind legs cross. This exercise, performed slowly and steadily, teaches flexion, develops a “hand brake,” and can eventually serve as an emergency brake under saddle. The lead rope hand controls the head and shoulders, while the flag hand influences the hindquarters.
- “Walking and Talking”: The horse must follow the handler’s lead with a slack rope, regardless of whether they are on the left or right side. The flag is used on the opposite side of the horse and behind to encourage them to stay with the handler, never between the handler and the horse. This is particularly useful when encountering new or potentially spooky situations, as the handler can position themselves between the horse and the object to guide the horse away.
- “Backing”: Horses should not invade the handler’s personal space. If a horse moves toward the handler, they should be asked to back up a step or two. This is a crucial exercise when removing horses from paddocks or returning them, especially for those prone to running off when the halter is removed.
Implementing these groundwork principles for nearly a year has yielded remarkable results. Even after a few weeks off for hoof care, Delight, who was initially unfocused and agitated, became calm and attentive after only a few minutes of these exercises. This success instills confidence for future challenges, such as taking him off-property. The sensitivity of horses like Delight also serves as a mirror, reflecting the handler’s clarity and energy levels, providing opportunities for self-correction and improvement.
The author expresses a commitment to continued learning through lessons with Delight and their trainer’s horse, aiming to refine their aids. Inspiration is also drawn from encounters with renowned figures in the equine world, such as Monty Roberts and Shawna Karrash. This ongoing journey in horsemanship is enhancing communication and trust with their horses, solidifying the profound impact of dedicated groundwork.
