Getting into groundwork

[chickflick1066]

I wasn't sure if this was the right place for this but here we go...Is groundwork NH stuff?

I was hoping to get into a course or ideas so I can have the best bond with my pony as possible. You all probably know I have Stumpy, 14.2hh cob mare and she is quite strong and bolshy.

Basically, I was wondering if G.work is a way I can boost my bond with her, and gain a bit more authority on my side. (If that makes sense..)

Are there any 'beginner' styles which I can do with a minimum of resources, and alone?

Thanks :)

[Jacquie]

Hi chickflick1066

You may find these links useful. :)

http://parelli.parellinet.net/info_page.php?page=article&lit_num=26&title=What%20are%20the%20Parelli%20Seven%20Games?&t=lit

http://www.naturalhorse.co.uk/training/7games.htm

edit:
Just found this page on the above link - some more good ideas once you and your horse are confident with the seven games. :)

http://www.naturalhorse.co.uk/training/tools.htm

[LindaAd]

I did a lot of work with my bargy cob - no Parelli, read some Michael Peace, Richard Maxwell, Kelly Marks etc, as well as lots of stuff on here. Bought a rope halter (no pressure) and long leadrope, and practised teaching what I wanted through pressure/release, leading, turning, backing, yielding hindquarters, front etc.

I was very proud of him when I took him to the equine hospital for X-rays on his stifle, and when they said Do you think you could get him to move his quarters over there? I just pointed, and he moved ...

Linda

[Morwenstow Stud]

There is a fantastic book called 'Groundwork Training' by Lesley Bailey. It covers so much stuff from basic handling techniques and preparation for groundwork through to in hand work and there are sections on all the NH/groundwork methods and even covers advanced in hand work such as piaffe and spanish walk. I've found it very useful.

[Yann]

I'd go with Micheal Peace, Richard Maxwell and Kelly Marks too, all you need for any of that is a headcollar and leadrope, though some kind of training halter might be useful with bolshier horses.

It's all about teaching the horse that you control where its feet go and can have a very positive effect on your relationship with them. It should achieve what you're looking for and this type of groundwork is unlikely to make anything worse if you don't quite get it right first time.

[chickflick1066]

Thanks all :)