Horse Groundwork Training
Groundwork is a great way to introduce new tasks to horses. Groundwork is a group of exercises you carry out with your horse while you’re leading them on the ground. Groundwork is a useful way of establishing communication and connection with horses of any age.
Groundwork Exercises for Horses
6 Tips To Get Yourself and Your Horse In The Correct Mindset to Work:
- Have a plan
- Execute the plan
- Know the difference between effort, and no effort
- Know if it’s a question or an act of defiance
- Know when to back off or add more (timing is key)
- You are the leader, and they are the team member
- If you don’t know any of the above you may need help, and we’re here for you. Contact us.
- Lunging control their feet in all directions, not to wear them out
- Build their confidence by doing it over and over
- Teach them to handle stress/pressure
- Time to ride
- Lots of trotting and loping on a loose rain
- Get them soft in the face
- Remember, this is an exercise, you don’t want to make them feel like it’s a punishment. If you need help with any of these tips and making you and your horse a better team, reach out to us, we can help!
Groundwork with horses is one of the most important foundations of training. Before a horse can become confident under saddle, they first need to learn respect, trust, and communication on the ground. Horse groundwork training builds that connection by teaching a horse to respond to cues, move with softness, and develop focus without a rider. Whether you’re working with a young horse, refreshing an older partner, or overcoming behavior challenges, groundwork lays the path for success.
How to Train a Horse Groundwork
Why Groundwork Matters
Why Groundwork With Horses Is Essential
- Establish respect and trust between horse and handler.
- Improve responsiveness to voice and body cues.
- Teach safe leading, lunging, and tying.
- Build confidence before introducing new environments or riding.
- Help correct problem behaviors in a controlled, safe way.
Core Groundwork Exercises
Horse Groundwork Training Exercises
- Leading With Respect – teaching the horse to follow calmly at your shoulder without crowding.
- Backing Up on Cue – creating space and establishing respect for personal boundaries.
- Yielding the Hindquarters & Forequarters – building softness and responsiveness.
- Lunging for Focus – using circles to improve listening and body control, not just burning energy.
- Desensitizing & Confidence Training – introducing ropes, tarps, and obstacles in a safe way.
- Standing Quietly – tying, grooming, and standing for the farrier.
Groundwork Tools & Equipment
Essential Tools for Groundwork With Horses
- Rope halter and lead rope.
- Training stick or flag.
- Cones or barrels for obstacles.
- Gloves and proper boots for handler safety.
Training Tips & Common Mistakes
Tips for Effective Horse Groundwork Training
- Keep sessions short to avoid frustration.
- Reward try, not perfection.
- Be consistent with cues.
- Always end on a positive note.
- Avoid jerking, pulling, or “fighting” — groundwork builds partnership, not fear.
Ready to Improve Your Partnership?
If you’re looking for professional support with groundwork in Michigan, Beechy Horsemanship offers personalized training programs and clinics. Whether you need help starting a young horse, improving manners, or building confidence, our approach focuses on trust, communication, and lasting results.
👉 Contact us today to learn more about training options.