The Foundation of Horse Training: Why Groundwork is Essential
Imagine this: You swing into the saddle, ask your horse to move forward… and suddenly, you feel tension rippling through their body. Their ears flick back, their head rises, and in an instant, you realize—you’re sitting on a ticking time bomb.
Maybe you’ve been here before. At that moment when you’re not sure if your horse will listen or explode. It’s frustrating, nerve-wracking, and worst of all, it shakes your confidence.
But what if I told you that the problem didn’t start in the saddle? It started on the ground.
Why Groundwork is the Key to Everything
Horse training isn’t just about what happens when you ride—it’s about the relationship you build before you even set foot in the stirrup. Groundwork is the foundation of a well-trained, willing, and safe horse. Without it, you’re gambling every time you saddle up.
I know this because I’ve been there. When I first started training horses, I was eager to ride. I wanted to feel that connection, that partnership. But I learned the hard way that skipping groundwork leads to frustration, miscommunication, and even danger.
Once I committed to groundwork, everything changed. My horses trusted me more, respected my cues, and became safer and more responsive. They weren’t just "broke"—they were willing.
What Happens When You Focus on Groundwork?
1️ You Build a Language of Trust
Horses don’t speak English, and we don’t speak “horse.” Groundwork teaches your horse to understand your cues before you ever get on their back. That means no more guessing, no more hoping they’ll listen—just clear, consistent communication.
2️ You Establish Leadership (Not Fear)
A horse that respects you on the ground will respect you under saddle. Too many people mistake dominance for leadership, using force instead of fairness. True leadership comes from setting boundaries, staying consistent, and being the kind of rider your horse wants to follow.
3️ You Prevent Problems Before They Happen
Most riding issues—spooking, bolting, bucking—are actually groundwork issues. A horse that learns confidence, patience, and respect on the ground will carry that mindset into the saddle. When groundwork is solid, rides become smoother, safer, and more enjoyable.
How I Learned This the Hard Way
When I got my first young horse, Cody, I had big dreams—but no real experience. I thought if I just got on and rode enough, he’d figure it out. Instead, I found myself on a horse that didn’t listen, didn’t respect my space, and sometimes made me question if I even knew what I was doing.
It wasn’t until I committed to groundwork that everything changed. I stopped making excuses and started putting in the work on the ground before every ride. And guess what? The fights stopped. The miscommunication disappeared. I finally had a horse that wanted to work with me.
Your Next Step: Start Before You Saddle Up
If you’re struggling with a horse that doesn’t listen, won’t stand still, or ignore your cues, don’t wait until you’re already in the saddle to fix it. Start on the ground.
Groundwork isn’t just a warm-up—it’s the foundation of everything you do with your horse. And when you get it right, riding becomes effortless.
👉 Want to learn how to build trust, respect, and communication with your horse? Join my 8-week coaching program, where I’ll guide you through the exact groundwork techniques that create willing, responsive horses—so you can ride with confidence.