Building Confidence in Nervous Horses on the Ground

Groundwork used to build confidence in a nervous horse through calm, consistent handling

For many anxious or uncertain horses, confidence is best rebuilt on the ground. Without a rider to balance, respond to, or worry about, the horse has more space to think. Groundwork is not about dominance or control. Done well, it is about clarity, predictability, and helping the horse learn that they can cope. This article … Read more

Horse Confidence Explained: Helping Anxious and Uncertain Horses Feel Safe

Horse confidence explained with calm groundwork to help anxious and nervous horses feel safe

Horse confidence gets talked about as if it’s a personality trait. Some horses are “brave”. Others are “sharp”, “nervy”, or “just spooky”. In real life, confidence is not fixed. It’s shaped, slowly, by experience, handling, environment, and the way pressure is applied and released. This pillar is about building genuine confidence without forcing things or … Read more

Groundwork Essentials: Building Respect and Understanding With Your Horse

horse doing groundwork roadwork exercises with cones and poles

Groundwork is often misunderstood. Some riders see it as something you do with young horses, while others think it’s only necessary when problems arise. In reality, good groundwork is one of the most important foundations of horse training, no matter a horse’s age or experience. Groundwork isn’t about dominance or making a horse “respect” you … Read more