The Power of Groundwork: The Key to a Connected, Balanced, and Willing Horse

There is an art to horsemanship that begins long before we place a foot in the stirrup. It’s an art that is often overlooked, brushed aside in favor of riding. But true partnership with a horse isn’t just about what happens in the saddle—it’s about the foundation we build from the ground up.

Groundwork is more than training exercises. It’s the language we develop with our horses, the bridge between understanding and trust, and the gateway to a connected, balanced, and willing partner.

So why do so many riders rush past it? Why do we feel that riding is the real work and groundwork is just a stepping stone?

The truth is, the best riders in the world—the ones who ride with invisible aids, effortless harmony, and true connection—never abandon groundwork. They don’t see it as separate from riding. They see it as the foundation of their riding. And if you want that kind of partnership with your horse, groundwork isn’t optional. It’s essential.

Why Groundwork Matters

Imagine trying to build a house on a weak foundation. No matter how beautiful the structure, if the base isn’t solid, the house will crack, shift, and eventually crumble. The same is true for our horses. Without a solid foundation of balance, communication, and trust, any issues that arise under saddle will always trace back to what’s missing on the ground.

Groundwork teaches:

• Balance – A horse that learns to carry itself correctly on the ground will carry a rider correctly in the saddle.

• Communication – Before we can expect a horse to respond to the subtlest of communication while riding, we must understand that language from the ground first.

• Trust – When we work with a horse on the ground, we earn their confidence. A horse that trusts us on the ground is more likely to trust us in the saddle.

• Body Awareness – Many physical challenges under saddle—crookedness, resistance, stiffness—can be resolved through proper groundwork.

But groundwork isn’t just about the horse—it’s also about the rider.

Groundwork Changes the Rider Too

One of the most overlooked benefits of groundwork is how it refines the rider. Every time we work our horse from the ground, we are training ourselves.

• We develop better timing and feel because we can see the effects of our body language more clearly.

• We refine our ability to read the horse’s body language, which deepens our ability to communicate without force.

• We become more aware of our own energy and balance, which translates directly into how we ride.

Groundwork isn’t just a tool to improve the horse. It’s a practice that improves us. It teaches us patience, clarity, and precision. It makes us better horsemen, better communicators, and more effective riders.

Common Myths About Groundwork

Many riders resist groundwork because of misconceptions about what it is and what it does. Let’s break a few of those down:

• “Groundwork is just for young or problem horses.”
  → No. Groundwork is for every horse. Even the most seasoned horse benefits from revisiting the fundamentals. Even Grand Prix horses still Work In-Hand.

• “Groundwork isn’t real riding.”
  → The best riding starts on the ground. The way a horse learns to move, respond, and balance on the ground directly translates into how they move under saddle.

• “If my horse is good under saddle, I don’t need groundwork.”
  → Groundwork isn’t just about fixing problems; it’s about preventing them. A horse that is connected and balanced on the ground will stay connected and balanced under saddle.

How Groundwork Prepares for Riding

Every single thing we ask of our horse under saddle can—and should—be introduced from the ground first.

• Want a horse that responds lightly to the rein? That starts with how they respond to a feel on the lead rope.

• Want a horse that carries themselves in balance? That begins with how they stand and move on the ground.

• Want a horse that is confident in new environments? That starts with groundwork exercises that build trust.

It’s all connected.

Groundwork allows us to isolate and refine movement, awareness, and balance without the added complexity of a rider’s weight. It’s a way of ensuring that our horses understand what we’re asking before we add the extra challenge of a rider.

The Art of Doing Less

The most powerful groundwork doesn’t look dramatic. It’s not about moving the horse’s feet fast, lunging them until they’re exhausted, or doing endless exercises just for the sake of doing them.

True groundwork is about quality, not quantity.

It’s about subtle communication—the way we breathe, the way we shift our weight, the way we set our intention before we even ask for movement.

The greatest horsemen don’t “train” their horses; they converse with them. They listen. They refine. They do less, but what they do carries deep meaning.

And that is where the real power of groundwork lies.

A New Way to Approach Groundwork

If you’ve always seen groundwork as a chore, I invite you to see it differently.

Try this:

• Instead of drilling exercises, start with an observation session. Just watch your horse—how they move, where they hold tension, how they carry themselves.

• When you ask for something, pause after each request. Let your horse think. Give them time to respond.

• Focus less on getting them to do something and more on how they do it. Are they light? Balanced? Soft?

• Ask yourself: Can I do less? Can I communicate more through feel and intention rather than pressure?

This shift in mindset will change everything.

Conclusion: The Quiet Power of Groundwork

The best riders aren’t just skilled in the saddle—they are skilled in creating a relationship that transcends riding.

Groundwork is that bridge.

It’s not something you “get through” before you ride. It’s something that continues, evolves, and refines your connection over time. It’s not a phase; it’s a lifelong practice.

So, the next time you feel tempted to skip groundwork and jump straight into riding, remember this:

"The quality of what happens in the saddle is only as good as the foundation built on the ground.

And when that foundation is solid, riding becomes effortless, connected, and truly joyful."

Are you ready to deepen your groundwork?

If you’re looking for guidance in building a stronger, more connected foundation with your horse, my Groundwork Essentials course is designed for exactly that. It’s not just about exercises—it’s about understanding the deeper language of connection, trust, and balance.

Because groundwork isn’t just the start of the journey—it is the journey.

Want to learn more? Let’s begin.

Lynley