Equestrian Network Magazine



	The Elements Of Effective Ground Work

	The critical building blocks supporting the foundation of a soft, quiet, and confident horse or mule is effective ground work. The human must master the essential elements of successful ground work: awareness, timing and feel! The horse or mule will develop solid, correct, respectful behavior when supported by the human during ground work exercises. This well-established foundation is the key to success for both the animal and the human.

	As the human develops their skills and awareness doing productive ground work, it makes handling situations while mounted much more natural and obvious (as I mentioned in last month's column). The animal can softly and quietly complete the human's request because the human has built the solid foundation that allows correct behavior, every time. I find that problems on the halter rope predict problems under saddle or in a harness.

	These steps consist of proven techniques that create safe, reliable behavior. They are the essentials of my training program. They require the commitment of the
	human who desires the skills of a true horseman. (Practice these steps until you become effective.)

	GROUND WORK
	The 6 Steps to Safety

	1) Backup
	2) Shoulder Yield
	3) Forward Circle
	4) Hindquarter Control
	5) Stop
	6) Stand (like a statue)

	Ground work is made up of these six exercises. Using these steps to build a forward circle provides direction for your horse or mule, while establishing a "connection". Changing the direction of your circle is accomplished by using the shoulder yield and disengagement of the hindquarters. Practicing faithfully produces valuable opportunities for *success* for both the horse and the human!Here are brief descriptions of each step:

	BACKUP – There are four ways to request the backup.

	1) Wither - Stand at the animal's shoulder, raise the halter rope and simply "bump" the nose by pulsating the halter rope.
	2) Halter Rope - While facing your horse or mule, send energy down the rope toward the animal by gently "sending" the rope under his lower jaw.
	3) Neck Muscle - Face your animal, place your inside-hand on the chest muscle below the neck and above the front legs. Cup your fingers against the muscle and press back.
	4) Bridge of the Nose – Facing the animal, cup your hand over the bridge of the nose. Gently squeeze your hand together and push back slightly.

	Your initial request should begin softly, up the "feel" or energy of the requests until the horse moves his makes an effort by moving his feet or even rocking his body).

	SHOULDER YIELD – Ask your horse to move his should away from you by directing energy toward his nose then the shoulder. He should move his shoulder away by stepping over, one front foot in front of the other. The hindquarters should remain quiet.

	FORWARD CIRCLE – Progress to forward movement while creating a soft circle with some "float" in the halter rope. Create an arch in the body by slightly flexing (bending) the neck. Movement should be with purpose and consistent. Work the center-line of the horse's body.

	HINDQUARTER CONTROL – Builds correct placement of the body and feet while encouraging softness, and also builds a better and more effective stop. Direct energy to the inside hinds while softly bending the animal's neck toward you. Slow or stop the front feet (you can even pivot in the inside front) while asking the hinds to step away. This will cause the inside hind foot to step under the horse's belly.

	STOP – Ask your horse or mule to stop his feet by gently bumping his nose with the halter rope.


	STAND – On a loose rope, ask your animal to stop his feet. You must "direct him to stand still with his head centered, facing forward. Softly direct all movement to cease.He must stand quietly until you ask for movement.




	Use only as much energy as is necessary to receive the requested response in each of these steps above. Always RELEASE even the slightest try, then request again for a more complete execution of the exercise. In my upcoming columns, I will tie these steps together to create a fluid series of exercises resulting in soft, flexed circles, changing directions by utilizing the shoulder yield and the hindquarter disengagement with a float in the halter rope at each gait. I will describe the relationship between these ground work exercises and your riding experiences.


	A horseman must have control without being controlling.


	Whether on the ground or in the saddle, control of the feet is essential. Standing still (stopping the feet) most often requires moving the feet! Creating forward movement is absolutely necessary when developing flexion and confidence. The human must always direct this movement (or lack of it), even when the animal is standing still. Through the halter rope, a connection between the two is established. Communication is soft, subtle while being extremely accurate.


	Problems in the saddle reflect problems you see every day while caring for your horse or mule on the ground. Shying, pushiness, running off, resistance, panicking – all of these and other common problems can be safely and thoroughly worked out through halter work on the ground.


	In next month's column, I will describe in depth, Step #1, the Backup. The role of the backup and the proper ways to "ask" for it will be covered. What does a correct backup look like? What does it feel like? It will be my pleasure to show you!






	Meet Jerry Tindell, Teacher and Trainer of Horses, Mules and Humans :

Through JERRY TINDELL HORSEMANSHIP CLINICS, hundreds of horsemen and women have significantly improved their skills. A comprehensive knowledge of equine behavior and the human skills for top performance make Jerry Tindell a one-of-a-kind clinician.

Jerry has a unique ability - and willingness - to effectively teach people of all skill levels and disciplines. He seems to know just exactly what a student is ready to learn at any given time. His timing, commitment, and plain old-fashioned good manners make his clinics successful, educational, and fun � for everyone, whether the rank beginner or accomplished veteran. He is dedicated to the success of his students and his progressive training program.


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