Groundwork exercises for horses to build trust

There are numerous groundwork exercises for horses to build trust that you can do and spending time doing them can be a very rewarding experience as it does wonders for your bond and relationship. When you stop to think about it how much time do you actually spend working with your horse on the ground? Im not talking about grooming leading to the field and other daytoday yard jobs but an actual training session without you in the saddle. Ill admit that nearly all the exercise my horse gets involves me being on top or with him at the end of a lunge line but groundwork for horses doesnt have to mean lunging a horse.

Finding other ways to work with your horse on the ground is a great way to set solid foundations for riding as well as build trust and confidence in your relationship regardless of the horses age and experience. Watching how your horse moves their feet helps identify any stiffness on one side and how they look when they move. Crucially working together in this way also helps finetune the bond between you and your horse and there are plenty of groundwork exercises for horses that you can use to build trust more on this later.
Things youll learn from groundwork
It builds mutual confidence and trust between horse and owner and you will be more confident when facing new challenges like encountering unusual objects out hacking.
Youll start to understand your horses body language and be able to read what they are thinking.
Its quality time together without pressure perfect for bonding.
Groundwork adds variety to your training. Variety is key to keeping boredom at bay.
If your horse cant be ridden for any reason groundwork is a great way of engaging their brain and keeping them interested.
All horses are capable of doing it with plenty of encouragement.
Your horse moves around in the stable a lot better. Theyll be way more aware of where you are on the ground if you work on your groundwork regularly and less likely to step on your toes!
Groundwork exercises for horses to build trust
Generally groundwork for horses can be done anywhere and that is certainly true of this exercise from an equine behaviourist try it in an indoor school outdoor arena or a fenced off field.
Tack up your horse as usual but dont mount. Take the reins over your horses head and lead them into your chosen work space. Aim to give the horse maximum freedom so that they dont feel held down or controlled by the reins.
All you do now is start walking randomly around your space. At the beginning your horse will need some direction and clear aids to walk on turn and whoa so you should hold the reins reasonably short like you would when leading around a busy lorry park at a competition.
Groundwork for horses be the leader
To guide your horse simply do what you want them to do showing the way and leading by example. To walk on start walking. You may