Recommendations for groundwork resources/books

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Waxwing

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Hi now I am back to spending more time with the horse, and she will be coming off rehab livery, I am looking for some ideas about groundwork exercises that will help and maintain and improve her core strength. Her physio is recommending a mixture of ground and ridden work and I would love some recommendations of books or other resources to help with this.
 
I know ElphickEventPonies does a lot of work with her horses over poles and 'hacking' when long reining. I believe she has them in full work walking and trotting but starts exclusively long reining them and working over varying heights of poles to improve their core strength.

www.instagram.com

Megan Elphick - Equestrian vlogger on Instagram: "Groundwork day for all the ponies today. The benefits of this really are endless, but it’s also so nice for me to see how they’re looking, rather than just knowing how they’re feeling. I’m intrigued i

16K likes, 146 comments - elphick.event.ponies on January 18, 2025: "Groundwork day for all the ponies today. The benefits of this really are endless, but it’s also so nice for me to see how they’re looking, rather than just knowing how they’re feeling. I’m intrigued if there would be any...
www.instagram.com www.instagram.com

This is an example and I'm sure there are other videos on her YouTube.
 
Bayley, Groundwork Training for Your Horse. is an anthology of ideas from a number of different trainers. One can then select the ones that best suit you and your horse and buy a book by that particular trainer.
 
Slow Walk Work is a great place to start. I think for most of us learning the observation skills and the understanding of correct movement and balance is the priority. Connection is also key. Adding load, eg poles, hillwork, backing up etc, to a horse that isn't moving correctly simply strengthens the dysfunction.

SWW does this, even if it's not ground breaking, it's a lovely (free) introduction to all this, of ensuring the horse moves in balance all the time as a priority, and then you can assess where you're at and whether more athletic work is appropriate, or more connection/postural/balance work is.

I would say Jec's work leans more to the postural but I'd still direct to SWW first
 
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smolmaus said:
Her website seems mostly focused on online courses, do you have a rec for a specific resource?

This book? 33 Strength and Fitness Workouts

I watched a recent free webinar with Slow Walk Work and found it really interesting. I balked at $400 for her full online course though 😂
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Yeah some courses are pricey, though remember it's NZ dollars so a lot less than US. What you do get, over a book, is feedback and community. Very valuable.
 
My vet recommended this one for my ex racer that needed to build up his core…

https://amzn.eu/d/hfhI24f

I follow them on facebook and they are actually doing UK clinics this year if you live local enough! https://www.facebook.com/share/1DjzHWaWyJ/?mibextid=wwXIfr

You can also buy the exercises etc online they have videos you can purchase if books aren’t your thing.

You can have my copy if you just pay the postage? I have no need for it as I’ve sold him now x
 
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smolmaus said:
Her website seems mostly focused on online courses, do you have a rec for a specific resource?

This book? 33 Strength and Fitness Workouts
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That and 55 Corrective Exercises.

I like them because she’s quite clear about what you’re targeting with each exercise (so you can make an informed decision about whether they’ll benefit your horse at their current stage) and they’re also all easy to do in-hand or ridden even with a greener horse. Definitely the best books I can think of for someone who’s not quite sure where to start with groundwork or just wants a few exercises to change things up a bit.
 
sbloom said:
Yeah some courses are pricey, though remember it's NZ dollars so a lot less than US. What you do get, over a book, is feedback and community. Very valuable.
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Not questioning the value at all! A lot of work has gone in to the program and she deserves to be paid for her efforts. It was just a very large number! Though yeah the NZ exchange rate takes the sting out of it.

Waxwing said:
Hi now I am back to spending more time with the horse, and she will be coming off rehab livery, I am looking for some ideas about groundwork exercises that will help and maintain and improve her core strength. Her physio is recommending a mixture of ground and ridden work and I would love some recommendations of books or other resources to help with this.
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To reply to OP and not hijack! - My physio gave me a program for groundwork, stretches etc with specific exercises for rehab/ "prehab". Could you ask them for a "lesson" or what they would recommend for your horse where he is right now? I have a trainer I trust now but the reason I am back looking at rehab groundwork is I didn't have someone with experienced eyes on the horse often enough the first time.
 
smolmaus said:
Not questioning the value at all! A lot of work has gone in to the program and she deserves to be paid for her efforts. It was just a very large number! Though yeah the NZ exchange rate takes the sting out of it.


To reply to OP and not hijack! - My physio gave me a program for groundwork, stretches etc with specific exercises for rehab/ "prehab". Could you ask them for a "lesson" or what they would recommend for your horse where he is right now? I have a trainer I trust now but the reason I am back looking at rehab groundwork is I didn't have someone with experienced eyes on the horse often enough the first time.
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I agree actually, try and get a programme from your Physio...although I've had 2 in the past 6 months and neither was forthcoming with a programme specifically!
 
Hi

Thank you for your responses; the physio has given some exercises but doesn't offer taught groundwork sessions, I asked that question yesterday before posting. I just wanted some other ideas so I could expand what I do. I have also asked the physio for recommendation of a local groundwork trainer.

BobtheCob15 if your book was available that would be amazing.
 
Waxwing said:
Hi

Thank you for your responses; the physio has given some exercises but doesn't offer taught groundwork sessions, I asked that question yesterday before posting. I just wanted some other ideas so I could expand what I do. I have also asked the physio for recommendation of a local groundwork trainer.

BobtheCob15 if your book was available that would be amazing.
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Sure just drop me a PM
 
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