Q: What is Groundwork Training?
A: Groundwork Training is both a plain old description of working with a horse while you are not mounted, and a descriptive term I've adopted to describe my training techniques. It is designed to develop a communication and trust between horse and handler, while developing the athletic abilities of the horse using classical dressage exercises. It is NOT lungeing. |
Q: Why should I do my own training? I already have a trainer.
A: Everyone who handles a horse is training him, whether they realize it or not. A horse is a creature of habit, and good habits need to be reinforced. Unfortunately, it's easier to develop a bad habit than it is to break it. Even if the horse will do things for the trainer, you want to be able to do them yourself. And paying attention to training will make you and your horse more comfortable together. |
Q: What if I don't want to drive my horse ?
A: Groundwork Training is NOT just for driving horses. It's just that a driving horse needs to be much better trained than for riding only. The techniques for communication and partnership will be appreciated by horses and their people no matter what work they want to do together (see the next question). |
Q: What do you mean by "classical dressage" and why would I want to do that?
A: The Groundwork Training System uses exercises from classical dressage, adapted to work from the ground by ordinary horse owners. Classical dressage is a training process designed to develop the horse's balance and flexibility, no matter what he might be used for. The progressive development is also a good way to keep your horse sound. For more information, see www.classicaldressage.com |
Q: How do I know what kind of training my horse needs?
A: The Groundwork Training System is a technique for communication. Interacting with a horse is a conversation, and it will be more effective if both of you are participating — I know you want to learn to listen to your horse instead of just yelling at him. No matter what you want to do with your horse, you and he will have questions of each other. Training is fun for both of you when you are learning to recognize what he's asking and understand how to explain things to him. And he will be a willing partner when he learns he can trust you. |
Q: Can I bring my horse to you for training?
A: I'm happy to meet new horses and their people for training. However, I'm limited by space and weather (and distance) so I recommend that you organize a week-end or week-long clinic in your area — so up to 8 horses a day can help teach an unlimited number of people. Your clinic will be on my website calendar so others can find you, and I will send you flyers to post for publicity. You can even use one of my clinics for a fund-raiser, as I try to keep my rates reasonable. |