Everyone says groundwork matters. Fewer people explain why — or how to make it actually show up under saddle.
The truth is, most groundwork becomes busywork. Lunging in circles. Going through the motions. Checking a box before you ride.
But when groundwork is intentional, it changes everything. It builds communication, balance, and body awareness that your horse carries into ridden work. Here are five exercises that actually translate — and how to use them.
1. Yielding the Hindquarters (With Intent)
You’ve probably done this a thousand times. But are you doing it well?
The goal isn’t just to move the hind legs over. It’s to get your horse stepping under themselves — the inside hind crossing in front of the outside hind, weight shifting back, shoulders staying still.
Why it matters under saddle: This is the foundation of every lateral movement. A horse that can’t yield their hindquarters cleanly from the ground won’t suddenly figure it out with a rider on their back.
The test: Can your horse do this from the lightest cue — just your body position and maybe a pointed finger? If you need to push, shove, or tap repeatedly, there’s more work to do.
2. Backing With Straightness
Most horses back crooked. They drift one direction, brace through the poll, or hollow their back to escape the pressure.
Clean backing requires the horse to:
- Stay straight (no drifting)
- Step diagonally (not dragging feet)
- Stay soft through the poll
- Engage their core
Why it matters under saddle: A horse that backs correctly has learned to shift weight to the hindquarters and engage their topline. This is the same engagement you need for collected work, transitions, and half-halts.
How to improve it: Use a fence line or wall to help with straightness. Ask for one step at a time. Reward immediately when they step correctly. Quality over quantity.
3. Shoulder Control (Moving the Forehand)
Can you move your horse’s shoulders independently from their hindquarters?
This is harder than it sounds. Many horses pivot on the forehand easily but struggle to keep their hind legs still while the shoulders move around them.
Why it matters under saddle: Shoulder control is everything. Straightness problems are almost always shoulder problems. A horse that falls in or out through their shoulder on a circle isn’t disobedient — they lack body awareness.
The exercise: Stand at your horse’s shoulder. Ask the hindquarters to stay planted while the front end steps around. This is essentially turn on the haunches from the ground.
4. Transitions Within Groundwork
This is where most people miss the opportunity.
Instead of just walking your horse around, ask for transitions. Walk to halt. Halt to walk. Walk to trot. Trot to walk. The crispness of these transitions tells you everything about your horse’s attention and balance.
Why it matters under saddle: Sloppy transitions on the ground = sloppy transitions under saddle. A horse that takes three steps to halt on the lunge will take three steps to halt when you’re riding. Train it now.
What to look for: Does your horse anticipate? Do they lean forward into the downward transition or sit back? Do they respond to your body language or do you need to escalate cues?
5. Lateral Flexion and Softness
Before you ask for bend under saddle, can you get it from the ground?
Stand at your horse’s shoulder, ask them to bring their nose toward you. Look for:
- Softness through the poll (no bracing)
- Relaxation in the jaw
- The ability to hold the position without constant pressure
Why it matters under saddle: If your horse braces against lateral flexion on the ground, they’ll brace against your rein. This is where you teach softness — without the complication of your weight and leg aids.
The progression: Start with just a tip of the nose. Then ask for more bend. Then ask them to hold it while you count to three, then five. Eventually, the slightest suggestion should produce soft, willing flexion.
The Real Point
Good groundwork isn’t about wearing your horse out before you ride. It’s about building a language.
Every exercise on this list teaches your horse to be more responsive, more balanced, and more aware of their body. These skills don’t disappear when you get in the saddle — they’re the foundation everything else is built on.
The question isn’t whether you do groundwork. It’s whether your groundwork is actually making your horse better.
Want a structured approach to building suppleness and balance? Check out From Stiff to Supple in 28 Days — a complete system for transforming how your horse moves.
