So, here we are, back into another lockdown. Although it is not as strict as the first one, sadly all grassroots equestrian events and competitions have, once again, been put on hold. What are your plans for your horses whilst we wait to see what happens next? The lockdown might be restrictive and boring, but it does give us extra time at the yard to rethink our ways of working and I am looking forward to using groundwork techniques more regularly to help me develop certain aspects of my horses.
The idea to work my horses from the ground stems from a session I had with Ian Woodhead in late October. I am so lucky to have a network of local coaches and expertise like Ian in the area to help me work out the best pathway for the horses in my yard.
My groundwork session with Ian focused on how the ground can be an excellent place to fix small communication errors with horses, particularly those who have reached a level where advanced training means cues from the rider come close together. In those horses, a small breakdown in communication can lead to frustration and confusion quite quickly. Establishing effective control and communication from the ground, coupled with the same pressure/release cues as we give when in the saddle, can have a transformative effect on flatwork movements you might have been struggling with. I know I was astonished when I got back in the saddle after this session with Ian and found that some issues, which had foxed me for weeks, were simply gone.
I probably shouldn’t have been so surprised - we start extensive programmes of groundwork with young horses, teaching them respect and personal space before introducing them to tack and aids. However, bar the occasional spin on the lunge to warm them up or long reining for exercise on a dark winter's evening, not many riders use groundwork as an ongoing element of the training programme. Groundwork can help teach horses the most basic elements of a dressage test, such as a square halt or a rein back, and help perfect the higher school movements too. Why not do some research and have a go at groundwork this lockdown and see how you get on?