I am ashamed to say I have let our groundwork go a little awry, especially in the standing still to mount department. So I have re-introduced one session of groundwork into our weekly schedule. I do so much groundwork in winter but when it’s light the draw to go for a nice ride often supersedes a session in the school. I like to do something a bit different every time but the foundation of the session is much the same.
I love using poles, just because it gives me some sort of target and objective measure. I find it much easier to do the drills with some form of direction and guidance from poles. I usually do a 5min warm up in hand walking back and forward over some raised poles. Then a bit of weaving along a line, then halt and stands and backing up in a box or between two poles. I usually set up two at 90 degrees so I have a corner to practice turning on the forehand or moving the shoulders and then I’ll have some sort of obstacle or training objective, like standing on tarpaulin, walking around with an umbrella, mounting practice etc.
I am by no means very knowledgeable in the groundwork department and I am just doing the best I can with the information and skills I have. But it’s certainly something I’d like to progress. I feel that any horse but especially Estrid, who’s so nervous in new places, will really benefit from it and my hope is that it will make vet gates much easier next year.
Beth Endurance 