One of the most common problems I meet in my day-to-day lessons, is riders who are fixated on pulling the horse in at the front, often complaining that the horse is very strong.

We have always got to remember that the energy in the horse starts in the hind legs, moving over the back and then being received by the riders’ hands. But the receiving part must not be too strong or in fact too giving either.

When I mention groundwork to my clients, I often get greeted with a pained expression!!! Groundwork gives you the chance to build the most amazing partnership with your horse before you even get on board, and so when you do eventually get into the saddle and start riding, you are both already working in harmony with each other.

In the early stages of discomfort most horses will show signs of pain from a subtle eye movement and tension through the neck as you place the saddle on their back, to ears pinned back and a reluctance to canter or jump. As a horse owner you should constantly be on the lookout for signs.