So much is heard about Natural Horsemanship in today’s horse community along with ground work, round pen training and its benefits. With Ground Work and Round Pen Training, you can: Increase your horse’s respect and be treated by your horse with the deference that he offers to his more-dominant herd mates. Have a more responsive horse that is easier to work with and safer to be around Assess your horse’s attitude (and fix an uncooperative or disrespectful attitude) before mounting

Q. What is ground work and round pen training?

A. Ground work is generally done using a halter and lead rope. The rider controls the horse's movements and asks the horse to move in a specific direction at a specific gait, or move a specific part of the horse (like a hip or shoulder).

Round pen training is generally done "at liberty" - meaning that the horse is not wearing a halter and lead rope in the round pen. The rider controls the horse's movements and gaits in specific directions by using natural pressure points - sending the horse forward, back, turn, and stop.

Q. Why is ground work and round pen training effective in gaining a horse's respect?

A. In a natural horse herd, the horse that controls the space and movement of the other horses establishes itself as the herd leader. Each horse in the herd establishes it's placement within the herd using the same behavior.

When the rider uses techniques that control the horse's space and movement, most horses understand the process and intent. When the horse defers his space and movement, he also is providing you the same respect that he would to the horses higher in the herd hierarchy.

Through ground work and round pen training, you are not only controlling your horse's behavior, but it's mind also. Your horse's deference will extend to other behaviors and situations, making him or her more responsive, easier to work with, and safer to be around.

To learn more, read my articles:

• A Horse’s View of Natural Horsemanship
• New Year’s Resolutions: What Your Horse Would Like You To Know
• Horse’s Instinct: Safety from the Ground

Thanks for the fantastic lesson yesterday. I keep saying after every lesson..."That was the best lesson ever!!!" How much better can they get? I can hardly wait to for the next one. You make it so much fun! --Annie Anderson

Does it seem that men and women initially handle horses differently? Read my article, Men, Women, and Horses. Riders can learn to adjust their individual styles to be more effective.

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For a horse that would benefit from daily, consistent, on-site training, “Manners for Horses” is available on a monthly, on-site training basis. Call for fees and arrangements.