Work in Hand

Work in hand is an intimate ground school positioning that develops self-carriage and self-confidence in both horse and rider. It has been used for centuries in the great riding schools to supple and collect or gather the

horse in preparation for such movements as piaffe, passage, and high school maneuvers.

First, to accomplish a dance in this intimate position with your horse, with grace and finesse, is a beautiful and spiritual experience. Second, it is wonderful preparation for skills you will be requesting on-board. Third, often times work in hand is not easy to accomplish for either horse or human, and therefore it helps to develop a positive attitude, in good posture when achieved. The sense of accomplishment is the reward! Finally, work in hand provides opportunity to learn ‘feel’, through establishing the ‘feel’ or ‘suggestion’ in the outside rein, the ‘feel’ of moving in balance, and the‘feel’ of effortless communication.

Video: Work in Hand – Part I

Video: Work in Hand – Part II – Five Exercises

Video: Work in Hand – The Stop Sign Pattern

• It All Starts on the Ground
• Ground Skill Maneuvers
• Combining Skills – Developing the Dance
• Importance of Ground Work
• Beginning the Dance
• Relating Ground School to Riding – Developing Muscle Memory

Here are videos on Basic Ground Work:

• Sensitizing the Horse – The No Smoking Sign Exercise
• Supple & Relax – Bolero Stretch and Flex
• Lunging – Rhythm, Timing, Balance
• Ground Riding with Use of the Lariat – Part I
• Use of the Lariat Skills Applied Under Saddle – Part II