Lunging & Groundwork: Equipment for working your horse from the ground

Lunging & Groundwork: training from the ground

Not all training happens in the saddle. With lunging & groundwork you can exercise your horse with purpose, build muscle and encourage trust and attention. Lunging is ideal for loosening up before riding, for young horses and for bringing a horse back into work after a break. Groundwork improves communication and makes your horse calmer in everyday handling.

Equipment for lunging

For lunging you need a lunge line with a good grip, a lunging roller with a pad and, depending on your horse's level of training, training aids or a lunging coupler. For more advanced work, the double lunge line lets you position and bend your horse much as you would with reins. Always wear gloves and sturdy boots and work on a large circle. Cones and poles that you send your horse over on the lunge add variety.

Equipment for groundwork

Groundwork is all about subtle signals. A rope halter passes them on precisely, while a groundwork rope gives you distance and weight for clear cues. A carrot stick extends your arm. Cones let you mark out tracks and slaloms, which adds variety and keeps your horse focused. Work in short sessions, praise small steps forward and stay calm and consistent.

Frequently asked questions

How often should I do groundwork with my horse?
Even two or three short sessions a week make a difference. Ten to twenty minutes with clear goals often achieves more than long training days. Groundwork also fits in well before or after riding.

Is lunging bad for the joints?
On a circle that is too small or for too long at a time, it can put one-sided strain on the joints. With a large circle, regular changes of rein and a sensible duration, lunging is a useful addition to training. If your horse is lame, call your vet.

What do I need to get started with groundwork?
A well fitting rope halter and a groundwork rope are enough to begin with. Add a pair of gloves and a calm, safe space. Many people start with a course to learn the basics properly.