01/03/2026
Ok so I'm a broken record about this but please can we all prioritize ground work with our horses, particularly when we are bringing them back into work.
You wouldn't go to the gym and start working out with extra weights before you had built yourself up to that point right?
so why do we expect our horses to do that?
Particularly over their backs their muscles already have a job stabilizing the spine and pelvis and carrying the huge weight that is their internal organs and that's just the surface of it. So if we start inappropriately loading muscles that are not ready we are already starting on the back foot and will most likely build compensation rather than true strength.
But let's not overlook the wonderful opportunity to bond and build communication with our horse. To be able to observe and open up the space for a conversation with them, to listen and see how they are feeling and moving. This is so valuable and can tell you so much important information.
Making the time to work on ground work will also give you the opportunity to work on yourself and notice how you move and interact with your horse. It takes the pressure off the body while you can work to build your own fitness and stability to be able to help your horse.
There is so much we can do from the ground!
• Ground work patterns
• long lining
• Free lunging
• walk work
• pole work
• Liberty
• Dynamic mobilization stretches (carrot stretches)
• mobilization and activation
The list goes on! And these can be 10 minutes or an hour, they are so flexible and do soooooo much good for the body.
These are what truly build the foundation of stability and strength for our horses and in doing so aid in balance, suppleness, coordination, comfort and longevity.
Lets just slow down, prioritize ground work and listen.
