Why Groundwork is Essential for Your Horse’s Fitness and Mind
Groundwork is a fantastic way of maintaining your horse’s fitness, keeping their joints happy, helping to keep their brain occupied, as well as building on the trust and bond between you and your horse. Groundwork typically includes:
- Lunging
- Long reining
- Free schooling
Lunging: Quick, Effective, and How to Do it Correctly.
Lunging is often the most popular choice; it’s quick and easy and can be of real benefit to your horse. Lunge aids can be used to encourage your horse to use himself properly, however, ensure that you have done research before using a lunge aid for the first time; used incorrectly, these can do more damage than good! Adding in pole work is a fabulous way of encouraging your horse to use different muscles and encouraging them to engage abdominals and hind end without the use of gadgets.
Lunging encourages your horse to focus on their self-balance, which can greatly benefit their performance and stability when ridden. It encourages your horse to engage different muscles, promoting optimal joint movement and stimulating the flow of joint fluid.
It is important to note that lunging can put pressure on your horse’s musculoskeletal system, therefore, a good rule is to lunge your horse for half the time you would normally ride.
Long Reining: Benefits For Your Horse
Long reining is also another great option. It can help improve your horse's balance and be really beneficial for working on their contact. Again, poles can be added in to mix things up and make it more exciting!
Free Schooling: Build Your Horse's Confidence
Free schooling should only be done if you are in an environment which is safe to do so. The ideal situation would be an indoor arena; some horses have been known to jump out when free schooled! Free schooling is useful for encouraging the horse to find their natural shape when jumping and can help them increase in confidence over fences.
Advanced Groundwork Techniques: Liberty, Trick Training, and More
Other methods of groundwork include working at liberty, trick training and training some of the more advanced dressage moves in hand! There are plenty of instructional videos on YouTube so be sure to check some out before you start your session, knowing exactly what you are trying to teach will help to minimise confusion for your horse which will help them to learn quicker.
For all of these groundwork exercises, be sure to wear appropriate PPE (hat, boots, gloves etc.) to ensure you are as protected as possible; horses often get excited when trying something new! You may want to consider kitting your horse out with protective gear as well, boots or bandages are perfect for protecting their legs, and for internal support consider a joint supplement to support your horse’s musculoskeletal system.
For any advice or questions you may have, please don't hestiate to reach out to our expert nutrition team. You can call 0800 585525 Monday-Friday 8:30am-5:00pm. Email [email protected], or send us a DM on social media.