I want to discuss today the topic of Groundwork. I am not really sure how or why it has become associated with games, tricks or running a horse in circles. To me, Groundwork is a very useful and beneficial practice. I use it any time that I am around my horses.

***Eric working on driving his mare Sapphire “at liberty”. His movements are very subtle and come across as a suggestion, thus allowing her to think through the exercise.***

It is impossible to interact with horses and not be using some facet of Groundwork. Everything that is done with or around a horse while not being mounted is considered Groundwork. If we are not constantly aware of this we may be teaching bad habits and poor manners to our horses. It goes back to even the most basic things that we do around them.

From the time that I grab my halter to go and catch my horse I am already thinking about how I am going to approach them. I know that I can't just bull up to them with a straightforward approach using quick steps and rough movements. I have to kind of feel my way up to them. Approaching only after mentally asking for permission. Which can only be done after making some sort of connection by being seen as a friend coming up to greet them.

From there I am specific about how I put on the halter. I have everything organized ahead of time so that I can be efficient. I like my horse to help me a little by tipping their nose in my direction. I quickly slip the halter on and tie the knot. Done this way, catching a horse can be smooth and inviting.

After I have my horse caught I gently offer them to come with me so that there is no pulling on the lead rope to get them to go. Once we have set off in the direction of the barn I keep a steady pace. I walk fairly quickly and ask that my horse keeps up. Occasionally a gentle tug on the lead is all that is required to keep my horse on pace.

Sometimes I even like to go into a fast walk or jog to check that my horse transitions upward smoothly into a trot. There may be a time ahead when I need to quickly get my horse up to the barn and saddled. Checking that they are able to rush now will serve me well in the future.

As we approach the gate out of the pasture we prepare for the next technical task. I open the gate and invite my horse to follow me through. Sometimes they are overly excited and want to exit ahead of me. I am sure as to not let that happen. I lead they follow. Tough rules, I know. But they are in place for a reason.

If my horse gets pushy and ahead of me here, there are lots of other areas where they may feel that to be an acceptable practice. Once we get through the gate I lead my horse past me so that I can close it behind us. This maneuver, well practiced, can be very beneficial. There are times when the whole herd is crowding the gate, intent on escaping into the freedom of open spaces. Being able to quickly get the gate closed behind you can save half a day of gathering loose horses.

Next I lead my horse to the tie ring where I ask them to stand patiently while I get them brushed. I am quite particular about the standing patiently. My young horse has a tendency to want to squirm around and not keep still. Any time that she moves her feet without my asking I quietly put her back where I want her. It is here that will reinforce the fact that I am the one who decides when and where to go.

I have been adamant about placing her back on center for quite some time. It is just recently that she has realized that standing still is easier than playing "Simon Says" with me. She is learning, like me, to be patient.

Once saddled I move on to placing the bit into my horses mouth. A task where I like to not have much fussing involved. I want my horse to willingly open their mouth after I gently cue them by placing the tip of my thumb between their lips. I have found it helpful to build up to the actual placement of the bit. Right before I ready the bit, I like to ask them to open their mouth one time. Allowing the horse to lick and moisten their lips. This simple courtesy seems to prepare the horse for bridling. It encourages them to willingly accept the bit. Eliminating some of the delay that sometimes precedes the opening of the mouth.

Now that I have my horse geared up to ride, I like to lead them away from the tie ring a few paces. This allows the saddle to shift into just the right place. Here is when I tighten my cinch fully.

Next, I either lead my horse over to a fence or mounting block for ease of getting on. This is another area where groundwork is key. As I climb up onto the fence, my horse, through previous sessions, knows to shimmy over to me. Coming right up to where I can easily slide on.

The fun of riding can now begin. It took a lot of Groundwork to get me to this point. There were quite a few different areas that could be overlooked. Not being aware of all the subtleties can lead a person to allow some poor habits to form. Everything done around a horse is a chance for them to learn. A well mannered horse is one where the owner has kept this in mind.

Pay attention and don't miss all those opportunities to improve your Groundwork.

Happy Trails!

Eric

Easton Horsemanship