Heading back to the ground with your advanced horse.

Ground Work is often considered part of the 'basics' that we should be moving on from.

In my colt starting program, I definitely have a skill set that is purely to help me, help the horse be confident in the starting process.  And this skill set is something that I expect the horse will 'step up' from and no longer need in order to be comfortable being ridden.

But what about the rest of it ?  
What about beyond the basics of keeping you and him safe ?

 I believe that 'moving beyond' ground exercises is a terrible dis-service to you and your horse.

I use my ground exercises to help my horse in all aspects of his training;

Balance
Collection
Engagement
Forward
Confidence
Accuracy
Responsiveness
Just to name a few.

I use my ground exercises to develop my skills in;

Feel
Timing
Clarity
Ask
Soft Feel
Communication
Body Language

I also use my ground exercises to teach my horse specific skills that I will ask of him under saddle

Rollbacks
Canter departs
Correct leads
Shoulder in
Half Pass
Quarters in
Lateral bend

I can truly develop a horse in all aspects - physical, mental and our communication by investing in my ground exercises.

Tanja