Develop balance
Improve coordination
Build flexibility
Groundwork
From stiffness to suppleness by addressing natural asymmetry
Why groundwork matters
Many problems under saddle don’t start in the saddle.
They start in the foundation.
If your horse lacks balance, coordination, or understanding, these issues will show up later in riding, transitions, and collection.
Groundwork allows you to develop your horse step by step, in a way that is clear, calm, and horse-friendly.
What is groundwork
Groundwork means training your horse from the ground using a cavesson and a line.
It is the first step in Straightness Training, where you help your horse:
- create balance and coordination
- develop forward-down relaxation and flexibility
- build flexibility and strength without the weight of a rider
This creates a solid foundation for all further training.
Why groundwork works
Every horse is naturally asymmetrical.
This means:
- one side is more supple, the other side is stiff
- the center of mass shifts towards the dominant front leg (red dot)
- one hind leg pushes more
Because of this, most horses:
- carry too much weight on the front legs
- avoid bending equally to both sides
- don’t use both hind legs the same
If we don’t address this, the horse develops imbalance, stiffness, and resistance.
Groundwork allows you to correct this before it becomes a problem under saddle.
So the real reason why grondwork works, is because
- it helps you address your horse's natural asymmetry
- you can improve suppleness without the weight of the rider
- your horse can develop balance and coordination first, before carrying you
What you develop in groundwork
By working from the ground, you help your horse develop and improve:
- Forward-down relaxation
- Suppleness and flexibility in the body
- Stepping under the center of mass on the hind legs
- Coordination in the hind legs
- Balance
- Understanding
- Communication
- Straightness
This is why groundwork is not just preparation.
It's where real change begins.
How groundwork fits into Straightness Training
Groundwork is one of the five training pillars of Straightness Training. Together, the pillars create a logical system that help you develop your horse step by step.
Groundwork
Longeing
Work in Hand
Riding
Liberty
Each pillar builds on the previous one. Groundwork prepares your horse for longeing, work in hand, riding and liberty training. Without groundwork, everything that follows becomes harder.
What changes when you do groundwork
Before:
Before:
- Horse feels stiff
- Front legs carry most weight
- Training feels inconsistent
After:
- Your horse is flexible in body and mind
- Hind legs support the body
- A strong foundation for all further training
Basic groundwork
Groundwork starts with simple but essential gymnastic exercises:
- Forward down at a standstill
- Lateral bending at a standstill
- Stepping under the center of mass on the circle
- Lateral bending, forward down, and stepping under on a straight line
- Asking the outside hind leg to step under the center of mass
These exercises help your horse develop symmetrically in body and limbs.
Even short training sessions can create powerful changes over time.
Advanced groundwork
Once your horse can do the basic exercises, you can start introducing gymnastic exercises such as:
- Shoulder-in
- Haunches-in
- Renvers
- Half pass
- Pirouette
These exercises are done in a sequence, both in walk, trot and canter.
How to start
You don’t need to do everything at once.
Start simple.
Just take it one step at a time.
Even short sessions can create powerful changes over time.
Check the video's below to see what it looks like in action.
See groundwork in practice
Groundwork follows a clear sequence. Each exercise builds on the previous one.
The routine you'll see in this video forms the foundation for all further training.
When you follow the right sequence, everything becomes easier for you and your horse.
This is what becomes possible when you follow a structured system.
FAQ about groundwork
1. What is groundwork?
Groundwork is training your horse from the ground with a cavesson and a line. It helps you develop your horse symmetrically in body and limbs and build balance and understanding.
2. Is groundwork only for young or problem horses?
No. Groundwork is valuable for every horse, regardless of age or level. It addresses natural symmetry and builds a strong foundation that improves all other training.
3. Why should I start with groundwork?
Because many problems under saddle start in the foundation. If your horse lacks balance or understanding, these issues will show up later.
4. How often should I do groundwork?
You can include groundwork regularly in your training, or use it as a warm up. Even short sessions can make a big difference when done consistently.
5. Will groundwork improve my riding?
Yes. When your horse becomes more balanced, supple, relaxed, and responsive, everything under saddle becomes easier.
Finally understand why your horse struggles
What most riders completely miss, and how it's affecting your horse.
In this free guide, you’ll discover:
- The strategies that never work - yet riders keep trying them.
- Three things you can start doing right away to turn things around.
- Why making your horse "listen" isn't working, and what to do instead.
- How to end your struggle and make it possible with your horse