Groundwork exercises for horses to build trust

have plenty of space to move. Dont risk them backing into your fence posts.
4 Go whipless
If you have a horse who is extremely nervous of a whip use your hand instead to apply and take away light pressure. This is a good alternative to the whip technique.
More groundwork exercises for horses to build trust
Confidence and familiarity work wonders for a nervy horse which is why putting the time in to bond on the ground and build trust is so worthwhile. It means that in time your horse will fully trust you whatever the situation. Diane who runs Turville Valley Stud alongside her daughters Samantha and Joanna both international dressage riders suggests doing the following groundwork exercises for five minutes on each rein three times a week.
Exercise 1 A simple start
Start by gently laying the whip on your horse teaching them to stand still when its on and to move as required when its taken off.
For more energy in their movement the whip is lightly tapped on the horses side or quarters. Twinned with a vocal command or a click the horse soon learns whats required of them. Be clear in your commands and actions so they understand.
Stand next to your horse so you are just in front of their eye and they can see what youre doing. Gently stroke the whip over their body talking soothingly as you do so. Then
Start with the whip on your horses withers. As you take it away use your voice to ask them to walk forwards. To encourage them to do this give a slight pull on the rein or flick with the whip on their side where your leg would be if you were riding.
As they walk forwards you take a step backwards. Walk at the horses pace neither pulling them nor restricting their pace.
As you gently place the whip back on your horses wither asking them to stand still use hand and voice commands to stop them.
Do this on both reins until your horse understands that a whip placed on their withers is the signal to stop. It normally takes three or four attempts maybe longer especially with a nervous horse. Remember horses learn through repetition so repeating the exercise is key.
Exercise 2 Connect using poles
Adding poles to your groundwork helps your horse lift their legs up and become more aware of distances between poles. It also creates the perfect opportunity for them to learn to be submissive. To start simply get your horse to follow you around the arena on a loose rein and then over the poles. There should be four or five poles in the middle of your arena around 4ft apart. Then
Starting in the middle of the arena walk in front of your horse slightly to one side so that you can see them.
When your horse tries to pass you or stops change direction.
Repeat this three or four times before swapping sides and approaching the poles in the opposite direction.
This exercise is simple but effective for bonding. Your horse will need