Before you start, we have some tips to prepare you:
Tip 1: To prevent wet socks, Epplejeck has boots to protect you, Click here to see all
outdoor boots.
Tip 2: To hold the horse by hand, Epplejeck has beautiful
rope halters and in many colors, Click here to see the halters
Tip 3: To reward the horse, Epplejeck has healthy horse treats. These are healthy reward biscuits low in sugar. Click here to see the
healthy treats.
What are ground work exercises good for?
Ground work with your horse improves the bond between you and your horse. Furthermore, it makes the horse more obedient and motivated towards the rider. During the ground work exercises, the horse learns to respond to the aids you give him. It also develops the right muscles. This can bring many advantages during longeing.
The 5 ground work exercises
- 1. Leading from the lead position
During this exercise you walk in front of the horse. This creates space between you and your horse. The horse should stay behind you when you walk. When you stand still, the horse should also stand still and not come into your personal space. The horse learns to respect you here. It is also good for the leadership, because you determine the pace and direction in all lead exercises.
- 2. Backing
In this exercise you let the horse back up by using your own energy and light pressure. You give light pressure on the nose and forehead. Then you ask the horse to back up. When the horse goes back, you let go of the pressure. This exercise is good for the dominance relation.
- 3. Position
With this exercise you ask position from your horse by bending the neck/head area to the left and right. During this exercise the horse should remain still. You ask for a little position to the left or right. When the horse takes the position in a relaxed position, you let go of the pressure.
- 4. Bend
This exercise helps the horse become more flexible by doing the following. You let the horse walk in a circle in walk. Then you ask for position, to stretch the muscles on the outside and tighten the inside. When you do this, you ask the horse to lower its head forward. This is to relax the back muscles and tighten the abdominal muscles.
- 5. Straight with bend
During this exercise you let the horse walk in a circle in walk. You let the horse bend in length, so that it brings its hip to the inside. This makes the horse undertrack its inside hind leg and support its body with it. During this exercise you bring the neck/head in a forward downward position.
Good luck with these exercises!