Types of Ground Work

Horses are creatures of flight, which in no way intimates that they are timid. Quite to the contrary, they are of an independent nature to one degree or another.

Since they are naturally "born free", meaning without knowledge of the physical and mental restraints necessarily imposed by man, they must be taught to understand and accept these restraints, becoming obedient through co-operation rather than submissive from fear, gaining respect for their handler.

Physically restraining the body without educating the mind can result in long term damage, both physical and mental, which often jeopardizes the whole future of many a talented horse's career. Physical strength and restraints should never be resorted to, for they generally lead to the horse quickly learning how to use his own weight and strength as methods of evasion from what is to him, unacceptable.

Groundwork is the un-mounted preparation for mounted work. It should begin from the very earliest age and can be resorted to throughout a horse's education. Groundwork should result in understanding, willingness, obedience, forwardness and straightness. It can be divided into 4 basic categories :

1. Work in Hand
   - Foundation education beginning in the stable for standing quietly
     for grooming, vet and farrier.
   - Ensures a continuous transition from primary education to dressage   proper, by proceeding from the familiar to the unfamiliar.
   - Brings the horse to an advanced stage of readiness for mounted
      work by avoiding the effects of surprise from lack of understanding,
      root cause of many resistances.
   - Helps the horse to understand the rider's body language and
      vice-versa.
   - An indispensable tool for corrective work.
   
   
2. Free Work on the flat
   Can be used throughout any horse's training career. It is mainly a tool for psychological communication with a number of physiological advantages [such as an aid to catch a wary horse]. Through judicious use of Free Work, the horse learns understanding, balance, submission and to remain forward whilst acquiring new skills.
   
   It also helps the rider to gain a better understanding of his horse's instinctive responses and "body language", allowing him to adapt this knowledge to guiding the horse more judiciously once mounted.
   
   "Round Pen" not a new concept. Used for Centuries.
   
3. Free Work over fences
   Because unhampered by the restraints from a rider's contact, weight and motion, appropriately conducted free work over fences should improve the horse's calm and self confidence and enhance his/her dexterity and style.
   
   
4. Work on the Longe
   The purpose of Longe work is to promote the gymnastic development of the basic gaits. It is useful when there is no enclosure for free longing. It can be used in initial schooling [sparingly], for corrective work, jumping or simple exercise. It must always have the effect of mobilizing the horse into the bit, the longe line remaining taut at all times giving the trainer a light but constant contact with the head, the horse maintaining steady paces and balance of any chosen line of travel, including over fences.
   
5. Long Reins
   Long reining is a practical manner for obtaining collection, which it helps to achieve better than any other method. The presence of the trainer behind the horse induces him to move resolutely forward to the bit, to go into the reins. It can be used to teach the balance required for advanced movements, such as piaffe, passage and pirouettes. It is a skill that requires long practice and experience to perfect.