Having a horse respond and understand pressure on the ground is crucial for several reasons when transitioning to under saddle:
Safety: Groundwork allows you to establish a safe and respectful relationship with the horse. When a horse understands pressure on the ground, it is more likely to respond calmly and predictably under saddle, reducing the risk of accidents.
Communication: Groundwork builds a common language between you and your horse. Horses learn to respond to cues and pressure, which are essential for effective communication when riding. This foundation makes it easier for the horse to understand what you are asking of them when you are on their back.
Desensitization: Handling pressure on the ground helps desensitize horses to various stimuli. This makes them less likely to spook or react negatively to new experiences under saddle, such as the feel of a rider's legs, the movement of reins, or the presence of saddle and tack.
Muscle Development: Groundwork helps build the horse's muscles and balance in a controlled manner. This physical preparation ensures that the horse is strong and balanced enough to carry a rider comfortably, reducing the risk of injury.
Trust and Respect: Establishing leadership through groundwork fosters trust and respect. When a horse respects you on the ground, it is more likely to follow your lead and remain attentive under saddle, leading to a more harmonious riding experience.
Problem-Solving Skills: Groundwork teaches horses how to think and respond to various situations. These problem-solving skills are transferable to riding, where horses need to navigate different terrains, obstacles, and commands.
Overall, groundwork sets the stage for a smoother, safer, and more enjoyable riding experience by ensuring the horse is mentally and physically prepared to understand and respond to the rider's cues.
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When coming into our program, your horse is working hard for us improving everyday which means making sure they are comfortable so they can give us their all is one of our top priorities 💪🏼
