A “Decade of Learning” Complete Guide – My Top 5 Groundwork Exercises From The Past 10 Years

This truly is an ultimate guide! “A Decade Of Learning: My Top 5 Groundwork Exercises From The Past 10 Years” is a compilation of educational articles and training exercises, primarily drawn from the Intelligent Horsemanship (IH) Magazine archives. What makes it even more valuable is that it’s all re-examined from a veterinary physiotherapy perspective by Abi Pass.

And here’s the best part: I’ve gone through and found all the articles referenced in this guide and brought them together into one concise, easy-to-read, 31-page document. So, you’re getting a decade’s worth of wisdom, all in one place!

The guide’s core message revolves around the critical importance of groundwork for horses. It explains why groundwork is absolutely fundamental for establishing correct movement patterns and clear communication before you even introduce a rider’s weight, which, as you know, significantly alters a horse’s balance. Proper groundwork helps prevent strain and potential injuries when an unprepared horse starts ridden work.

The guide details five key groundwork exercises:

• 1. The Art of Leading: This section highlights why correct leading is crucial for your horse’s balance, accurate veterinary diagnosis, and effective rehabilitation. It features core leading exercises like “Walk As You Walk” and “Stop As You Stop” from IH Trainer Sandra Williams.
• 2. The Beauty of Backing Up: Discover how backing up can engage your horse’s brain, fine-tune communication, and improve responsiveness. Physiotherapy benefits are also explored, showing how it strengthens crucial muscles, mobilises the spine, and improves balance.
• 3. Obstacles & Opportunity: Learn how navigating obstacles can prepare young horses, build trust, introduce new experiences, and teach safe reactions. It also details the unique physical benefits of varied movements without the rider’s weight.
• 4. The Path to Better Balance (Proprioception): Understand proprioception – your horse’s ability to sense its body in space – and how to train it for improved coordination, balance, and injury prevention. Activities like walking over varied terrains and using poles are discussed.
• 5. A Love for Long Lining: This section presents long lining as a highly versatile skill for preparing horses for backing, providing therapy for unrideable horses, or simply adding variety. It covers its physiotherapy benefits, including muscle building, developing collection, and improving limb health.

In essence, this guide strongly advocates for groundwork as the fundamental building block for a healthy, confident, and well-balanced horse, crucial for both general well-being and successful ridden work, no matter your equestrian goals.