I’ll admit it: I’ve always been a little bit lazy when it comes to groundwork. Not in a my-horses-are-total-nightmares kind of way — I never let the manners and basic training degenerate. But I also don’t really ever swap riding sessions for, say, in-hand pole work sessions or anything like that, because I always feel like I can use my time in more productive ways. More fool me, of course, and this is something I’m really realising while my mare has some forced time off from ridden work, but still wants something she can put her mind towards — and I, too, want something we can do together so we still get that one-on-one bonding time in. Cue groundwork, which doesn’t just improve manners; it also improves strength, suppleness, and balance, which are all things we need in abundance when we finally get back between the boards and out on course. Dressage rider Amelia Newcomb has really nailed the brief with this video primer to three of her favourite basic exercises, which are so quick, simple, and effective that you can do them every. single. day. Even the days when you’re in a rush! I reckon if you make a belated New Year’s resolution to work these into every barn session this month, you’ll feel a noticeable difference by February — especially if your horse tends to be prone to inattention or tension.
