The work should always benefit the horse

Horses should benefit, both physically and emotionally, from the work we do with them. This goes far beyond what we’re doing in the saddle. The most basic interactions (though I would argue these are almost the hardest to master) have an impact on your horses’ mental and physical suppleness and balance.

Basic interactions, from catching and leading, to more intentional work on the ground, to riding, should all benefit the horse and make them more beautiful, more mentally and physically balanced, and they should help horses find increasing joy in the time spent working with us. Too often groundwork is approached from a place that makes horses more crooked and off balance, so that we can feel safer. But, I’ll argue time and time again, horses that are the safest are the ones who are physically and emotionally supple, and who can move forward with confidence. Unfortunately, the problems created on the ground carry into the saddle, but, on the reverse the opposite is true; the beauty that can result from the way your horse is on the ground will also carry into the saddle.

My young mare is built to be tense, not supple. Her short back tightens easily, and it’s my responsibility to help her soften. When I palpate her back before work it’s usually quite tight. I can actually loosen her back during work (either on the ground or riding) through palpating after work. It is the greatest feeling that working together can actually make her feel better.

Ask yourself, does your horse get better from the work you do, or are there perpetual places of tightness and tension? What can you do, and who can you seek support from, to help your horse be the best version of themselves?

Photo of my friend and student Vikki, who has worked so hard to create all of this for her young horse.