What is groundwork?
For many, groundwork is an integral part of the training plan with the horse. On the one hand, groundwork can be deliberately practised as a training session in the riding arena, but basically the entire interaction with the horse from the ground can be described as groundwork. This also includes the daily routines in the stable – fetching the horse from the field, leading the horse or standing still while the farrier is taking a look at your horse.
The fundamental rules of behaviour, which are trained with great diligence for a smooth interaction between human and horse, are the first steps in groundwork.
Why should these basics be recalled again and again and why is it so important to include groundwork as an essential part of working with the horse?
- Trustful development of the rider-horse relationship
- Acceptance training aids
- With young horses: preparation for breaking in
- Gymnastic training
- Muscle development and loosening without additional rider weight
- Increasing the willingness to learn through motivation
- Learning new lessons without additional rider weight
- Variety in your training plan
- Decrease fears of horse and rider
- Decrease the risk of injury
Groundwork stands for communication on eye level. Both horse and rider benefit from the change of perspective – working from the ground promotes mutual trust and builds respect. The horse and rider can actively follow each other’s actions and behaviour, and the body language of the other person is also understood. These basic requirements for a healthy relationship between horse and rider are the basis for a motivated cooperation of the horse and the sensitive acceptance and reaction to the aids – whether from the ground or from the saddle.
Besides the emotional aspects, groundwork is a welcome change for training. The horse can be exercised without additional rider weight, the musculature is loosened and can be built up in a targeted manner, and horses often find it easier to learn new lessons from the ground. Carrying the rider, balancing his movements from the saddle and riding an unknown lesson at the same time are a great challenge – especially for horses that are still at the beginning of their riding training.
In addition, fears can also be reduced in riders and horses through consistent training in composure. With targeted fright training, it is possible to train the horses‘ nervous strength and to reduce the natural flight instinct in unfamiliar situations with many stimuli. A positive side effect: with the help of regular calmness training, accidents that often occur due to frightening the horse can also be avoided.
