In-hand work, also known as training from the ground, is a fundamental component of any comprehensive horse training program. This method involves guiding your horse using a head collar and a lunge line or lead rope, rather than from the saddle. It offers a unique opportunity to introduce new exercises without the added pressure of a rider’s weight, allowing horses to move more freely through their back and core. This approach is particularly beneficial for horses returning to work after a break or injury, or for those unable to be ridden for any reason. Furthermore, in-hand work provides a valuable ground-level perspective, offering a clearer view of your horse’s movement and form during each exercise.
In-hand exercises are instrumental in developing a horse’s strength, suppleness, and balance. They can also be tailored to train for specific equestrian disciplines like dressage and jumping. This guide will explore some of the most effective in-hand exercises for horses, along with essential tips for their successful implementation.
Preparing for In-Hand Work
Safety remains paramount, even when training from the ground. Always wear a riding hat and gloves. A long lead rope or lunge line, ideally at least six meters, is crucial for maintaining a safe distance should your horse spook.
Before commencing any in-hand exercises, ensure your horse is relaxed and responsive to basic commands. A calm demeanor facilitates faster learning compared to an anxious state. In-hand training necessitates relying on voice commands and pressure from the lead rope, as rider-specific body cues are unavailable. The ability to ask your horse to halt and walk with precision is key.
Teaching Your Horse to Halt
Teaching a horse to halt precisely on command can be challenging, as some horses tend to take a step forward. To address this, stand at a distance, turn towards your horse, and as they step forward, gently wiggle the lead rope side-to-side to encourage them to step backward. Reward correct responses. Once proficient, incorporate voice commands until a simple cluck elicits a halt. Consistent practice of halting and walking transitions is vital for minimal effort.
In-Hand Exercises for Suppleness
Suppleness is crucial for all riding styles, as flexibility in your horse’s joints aids balance and straightness. Stiffness in one side of the body is natural, but addressing imbalances through targeted exercises is important. Several in-hand exercises can enhance your horse’s suppleness.
Lateral Work
Lateral work is a fundamental in-hand exercise that encourages the horse to step its hind legs underneath its body, thereby improving strength, suppleness, and collection. To begin, stand near the horse’s head on their side. Gently tap their flank with a whip while stepping towards them, applying slight pressure on the lead rope to prevent forward movement.
After a few steps, halt and repeat on the other side. It’s important not to overdo the number of steps initially; start small until your horse gains confidence.
Carrot Stretches
Carrot stretches, performed from a halt, utilize the horse’s natural movements to enhance muscle flexibility and core strength. These can be performed upwards, downwards, and side-to-side, aiding in rounding, stretching, and lateral movement. A carrot or treat is used to entice the horse to move its head in specific directions.
Before starting, ensure your horse is standing squarely on a flat surface, adjusting their legs if necessary.
The bowing stretch targets the poll, neck base, and back muscles. Hold a carrot between the horse’s front legs, encouraging them to stretch their neck towards their chest and down towards their knee. Hold each stretch for 10 seconds before releasing. As flexibility improves, the stretch can extend towards the fetlocks.
To stretch the neck sideways, stand by the horse’s shoulder and use the carrot to guide their head towards their girth. Hold for 10 seconds, then relax and repeat on the other side.
The extension exercise involves facing the horse and holding the carrot upwards, encouraging them to extend their neck. Hold for 10 seconds before releasing.
In-Hand Exercises for Balance and Strength
Horses that tend to drift outwards on circles or struggle with the center line may need to improve their strength and balance. Strength training is generally more effective at a walk, as it relies purely on muscular effort rather than the momentum of a trot.
Backing Up
Backing up is a simple yet effective in-hand exercise that strengthens hindquarter and sacroiliac muscles. This skill also forms the basis of good horsemanship for various situations, from entering a stable to preparing for a dressage test.
To practice, halt your horse and apply light pressure to the chest and head collar to encourage backward movement. Keeping the head low properly engages the hind muscles. Avoid rushing; 10-20 slow, steady steps are sufficient.
Turning on the Forehand
Once your horse is comfortable with lateral movement, you can teach them to turn on the forehand by engaging the shoulders. This exercise requires concentration and balance as the horse crosses its front legs, and it also improves shoulder flexibility.
To teach this, stand in front of your horse and ask them to walk, staying ahead of them to prevent forward motion. They should begin to step their foreleg under, crossing their legs. This exercise may take time; start with a few small steps and gradually build to a full circle as confidence grows.
Raised Pole Exercises
Raised pole exercises enhance strength training by requiring the horse to engage its hindquarters and lengthen its stride to step over the poles. Higher poles demand greater hindquarter engagement, making this a beneficial exercise for horses that lean on the bit while ridden. For guidance on performing raised pole exercises effectively and discovering optimal patterns, refer to comprehensive guides on pole work.
In-Hand Exercises for Obstacles
Horses can often be spooked by obstacles like jumps or ditches. In-hand exercises can help build their confidence in these situations, proving valuable for cross-country training or simply acclimatizing them to various obstacles during hacks.
For training young horses to become accustomed to cross-country obstacles such as jumps, ditches, and water, an exclusive masterclass with top US rider Lauren Nicholson offers essential in-hand exercises. Ditches can be particularly challenging; specific advice is available to help horses tackle them more confidently.
In-hand work serves as an excellent addition to your horse’s training regimen, offering a strong foundation for teaching new skills. For more essential horsemanship advice, explore exclusive series and shows featuring top training masterclasses. Consider becoming a member to access a wealth of training content.
