Handy groundwork

This issue we’re examining what you can do to improve your horse’s ridden work from the ground. It’s an often-underestimated method of training, yet it’s likely you spend as much time on your horse’s level as you do on his back, if not more. Instilling good manners isn’t reserved just for youngsters – it benefits horses no matter their age. Better still, it’ll give your bond and training a big boost at the same time. 

Hold your horses

A horse who wanders off while you mount is not only frustrating, but can be dangerous, too. But have you ever wondered why he’s so eager to walk away? It’s not necessarily a reflection of his feelings towards riding – although you should get him checked over to make sure he isn’t uncomfortable under saddle – it could just be he doesn’t understand that he needs to.

In the earliest stages of a horse’s education, he’s often forgiven for taking a step forward while his rider gets on – after all, he’s doing something wholly unnatural by letting someone climb on board, and a step or two forward seems a measured response. However, if this isn’t corrected, he won’t have learned he’s expected to stand still by the mounting block.

The underlying message through training must be to remain calm. Recruit a friend on the ground to help, then…

1. Start by bringing your horse to stand next to the mounting block for a few quiet minutes, without his saddle. Praise him and make it a pleasant place for him to be, before allowing him to walk away, return and repeat.
2. Recruit your helper on the ground to hold your horse while you stand on the mounting block. Continue to make a fuss using your voice and asking the handler to give him a scratch.
3. Once he’s happy with you standing next to him on the block, give him a quick scratch on his neck and keep chatting to him while he stands still. Offer him a treat, too. Bend his neck away from the block slightly by taking up a contact with your outside rein – this has the added benefit of shifting his weight towards it – a great help if he tends to swing his quarters away in avoidance.
4. Repeat steps 1–3, but this time with your horse tacked up. Be prepared for him to revert back a few steps but keep your cool and continue keeping it a positive experience for him.
5. When he’s comfortable with the above steps, get on and, with the help of your handler on the ground, keep him standing still. Reward him for his behaviour and, after a few minutes, dismount again. Walk him away from the mounting block before returning and repeating.

Find out more fun and useful groundwork you can do with your horse in July Horse&Rider, on sale 27 May 2021.