GROUNDWORK
AND
OBSTACLES

Groundwork entails handling a horse on the ground with different types of tack. You can use halters, cavessons, lead ropes, bridles, long lines, feather lines, balance ropes, and lungelines to name a few. But all of the work is done with the handler on the ground with the horse.

Liberty means “the state of being free”. Which means that when we work a horse on the ground at liberty they are free of all tack.

Groundwork done with tack on, or at liberty have many benefits for the both the horse and handler. Different exercises help to build discipline, and trust. Both horse and handler can use groundwork for the opportunity to learn about each other’s energy and temperament. It allows the handler to access the horses movement and knowledge before riding. Many horse trainers say that if your horse cannot do the exercises asked on the ground it will be difficult when riding.

Liberty allows the horse to tell the handler that they are not ready for a task if they leave, or the energy surrounding it was too much. The groundwork allows the handler to easily break down exercises in to very easy segments of learning to create more positive outcomes.

Groundwork also gives us the opportunity to still work with our horses if they cannot be ridden, or to change up training routines that involve mostly ridden work.

There are endless exercises that can be done on the ground with a little creativity!