Groundwork - it’s not just about going round in circles!!!
When I mention groundwork to my clients, I often get greeted with a pained expression!!! The thought of chasing their horses around in circles in the arena or in a round pen on the end of the lunge line without understanding exactly why they are doing whatever it is they are doing, doesn’t exactly fill them with enthusiasm!!!! I also get many clients telling me that they don’t actually feel like they have truly worked their horse unless they have ridden them; at this point the expression on my face is shock horror!!!
There are some people that perhaps see groundwork as a way to dominate or chase their horse into submission, usually with a number of different gadgets, sometimes pulling and pushing them into a false outline and unhelpful posture; often drilling compliance into them and hoping that because they do it on the ground then of course they will do the same when ridden.
I see groundwork a lot differently, and when my clients mention it to me, I smile and often get very excited, especially when they ask me to show them the ropes. When I start working with horses, I want to develop a good communication system. I want to prepare the horse for the things that I’m going to ask of them when I ride. I see things going wrong, mostly due to lack of preparation and knowledge, and communication issues. If we don’t give them the right information about what they’ll be doing when ridden, then just like taking an exam, they will fail.
Groundwork can build the horses confidence, balance, coordination, and help them understand what is being asked of them without force or threatening behaviour. What can the horse learn from good groundwork experiences?
Good posture - show the horse what you want by using pressures to create the feel of a shape you want them to make and the direction you want them to go.
They will learn that you will give them time to process the meaning of any pressure and they will have the chance to respond correctly.
They’ll learn that any kind of pressure will be relieved and they will get time to figure it out before any more pressure or change is made.
Your horse will learn to trust that you are consistent and predictable.
This leads to them feeling safe and secure in their own space and around you.
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.
By making a bridge between groundwork and dressage, you are giving the horse the best chance to perform with confidence, balance, coordination and suppleness, and allowing you both to enjoy your ridden work so much more!!
