The goal of groundwork is to achieve nuanced, harmonious interaction with the horse, where the horse solves all challenges with an attentive, willing, and trusting attitude, and he is centered around his own inner balance and content with his tasks. This learned behavior of the horse is also referred to as good manners.Photo by Gudrun BraunWhat we often forget is that we humans send a wide range of signals to the horse with our body language. Body language is the interplay of posture, movement, direction of the gaze, and gestures, in combination with facial expressions. We are often not aware of these nonverbal cues and tend to give them unknowingly.During groundwork, you must learn to use these cues deliberately. Thats the only way youll be able to apply your aids in a manner precise enough for the horse to understand your request and respond willingly.You shouldnt underestimate the fact that your moods can be easily detected by your horse. Tone of voice and body language are strongly influenced by stress, unhappiness, restlessness, anger, agitation, and fear. Naturally, these emotions can be mirrored by the horse, with obvious tension or insecurity in response to the aids, and this often results in poor performance of the task at hand.Therefore, its essential that we as equestrians learn to practice self-awareness and self-reflection. When handling a horse, you must remain calm and mentally balanced, and must act controlled and level-headed, even in stressful situations.PostureWalk naturally and give a competent, self-assured impression that the horse is drawn to and which he follows respectfully and trustingly. Photo by Pauline von Hardenberg During groundwork, you should walk naturally upright and with light tension through your body. A deliberately straight, tense posture is as bad as a lax, sluggish one. Your head should be carried upright, with eyes forward. Your shoulders should be set parallel to the direction of travel. Most of the time, your body should be positioned at a right angle to the horse. The horse should always maintain a distance of about half an arms length from you. You should walk naturally, with self-confidence, and give a competent, self-assured impression that the horse is drawn to and which he follows respectfully and trustingly.Keep your body at a right angle to your horse. Keep your head up and your shoulders square to the direction of travel, with the horse about half an arms length away. Photo by Pauline von HardenbergMovement Your movements should be smooth and uniform, not hesitant or faltering. Your pace should clearly match the rhythm of the horses gait. There shouldnt be any rushing in the movement of your arms or legs. Especially while youre walking, your arms need to be kept still; otherwise, they become driving aids. Your overall appearance to horse and observers alike should radiate self-assuredness and confidence in handling equines.The Direction of the Gaze Your eyes should be looking ahead in the direction of travel, not at the ground. Even on bending lines or over obstacles, always look where you want to go. Try to avoid looking directly at your horse. Particularly in tense situations, this can make him feel threatened. Only in relaxed situations do horses appreciate direct eye contact.Look ahead in the direction you want to go. Avoid looking at your horse, as this increases tension. Photo by Gudrun BraunGestures You should avoid unintentional movement of your arms and hands; it unsettles the horse. Your leading hand should be relaxed and slightly open. Closing it into a fist gives the horse an impression of tension. The guidance of the lead rope or the whip should always be applied in a controlled manner and slowly increase in intensity. The horse can tell which direction hes supposed to go based on your body language. He must be able to understand the application of the aids. The aids should not suddenly startle the horse, and they should always be given with soft pressure at first. You should only apply specific cues, not create continuous noise. You should always apply touch preciselyin front of the shoulder joint, on the shoulder, on the back, or on the hindquarters, but never around the head. You should move only as much as you need to in order to act clearly and consistently, with the necessary inner calm.The guidance of the lead rope or the whip should always be applied in a controlled manner. Photo by Gudrun BraunTarp & Slalom GameNow youre ready to try your first ground game! This sample exercise is executed at the walk.Equipment: 5 cones 1 tarp 3 ground poles for the walk pole section 1 ground pole for the halt 11 ground poles for the U-shaped maze 30 ground pole anchorsSetup: Weaving section: cones 23 feet (7 meters) apart U-shaped maze: sides 45 feet (1.21.5 meters) apart Walk poles: about 2.5 feet (0.8 meters) apartHow-to:1. Enter at a walk, leading with the right hand on the left side of the horse.2. Walk, tracking left, weaving through the cones on the long side.3. Halt over the pole, and then walk off.4. Proceed through the U-shaped maze of poles.5. Change direction across the long diagonal, and then lead the horse over the walk poles.6. Walk across the tarp.7. Halt and end the exerciseThis excerpt from Ground Games for Horses by Waltraud Bhmke is reprinted with permission from Trafalgar Square Booksand originally appeared in the March/April 2025 issue of Horse Illustratedmagazine.Click here to subscribe!The post Ground Equitation for Equestrians appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.