Ground Work Tips

Things to remember:

  1. Be PATIENT. Give the horse time to figure out what you want.
  2. Be CONSISTENT. Do not alter your directions when the horse is confused. You may have to repeat a cue several times. Do not quit until you get a positive outcome.
  3. REMEMBER, the whip is an extension of your hand. Pet your horse with it as well as correct them. Use your index finger to be more direct when pointing the whip for a direct reason.
  4. As soon as you get the result you want to breathe out and relax while still keeping your attention on your horse so that they keep their attention on you.
  5. A horse reads your body language before they hear verbal commands.
  6. Refrain from consoling your horse while they are confused. Praise them when they make an effort to understand your cues.
  7. Always quit on a good note. Even if you have to settle for something less than expected.
  8. Round penning is the preliminary work done to teach the horse how to collect. Groundwork is primarily done to teach and develop the muscles properly to carry weight while moving.
  9. Bodywork and wrapping greatly improve the results of any relationship with your horse.

Dee Howe is not a licensed veterinarian. She does not treat or diagnose illnesses. She is an equine consultant, addressing the present state of the horse being evaluated. Dee is a practitioner of bodywork that is based on Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy. This alternative therapy is not licensed by the state of California. Dee Howe is a traveling consultant and horse trainer/teacher that focuses on the body as a whole to improve overall health and performance of the horse.

We recommend that you consult with your veterinarian before choosing to engage in any type of body work or alternative therapy.