Training from the ground – a more natural approach

Last year I wrote a series of articles for Luso News which I' thought to share with you here. They offer a truly holistic approach, to help you build skills of liberty schooling, lungeing (no side reins) and working in hand (with or without tack).

So how do you view ground work? Is it a valuable part of a training programme? For instance, do you frequently begin by jumping in the saddle or would you consider lunging for a few minutes? Do you lunge in small circles only,  maybe just to loosen up or de-fizz your horse?

I will explain how ground work can become a fundamental part of a training programme.

Over the years I have learnt the true value of time spent with our horses from the ground. I began training with Antonio Borba Monteiro (who was then Chief Instructor of the Portuguese School of Equestrian Art in Lisbon) nearly 25 years ago when I travelled across to Lisbon. He remarked that he always enjoyed working his stallions at liberty but he was also fascinated by my depth of interest in the loose work. Delfin had revealed the potent connection of breath-heart-energy which over the years, I have explored to gain an energy connection within our training.

Loose work can be about allowing our horse to warm up at liberty with no tack whilst also gaining a listening ear and deep connection between us.

We can progress Classical Training not only under saddle but as we introduce transitions and exercises from the ground, our horse can show his maximum pride and joy whilst being totally unencumbered by a saddle, a bit or a rider.

I love to watch horses become more supple and athletic through this education which nurtures their natural spirit. This is also a path to more harmonious riding as horses will tune into our power of intention, and breathing which will transmit into more subtle aids once in the saddle.