Ground work

Ground work can be seen as a vague description as anything done with a horse when you are not on its back, and generally is dismissed as something to be done only when you can not ride. BUT! Groundwork is an incredibly useful tool to have at your disposal and takes many different forms.

Lunging is one of the most commonly used method of training from the ground and can be useful in rehabilitation, schooling of young horses and general exercise. but we believe it is BY FAR more useful if undertaken with 2 lines!

Double lunging is not something you come across very often but is an incredibly satisfying activity for you and is far more interesting and gives much clearer instruction to the horse. Horses like to know what is being asked of them and double lunging is a far more engaging activity for them to take part in. We offer instruction on this enjoyable technique, and also on single line lunging as a starting point for both handler and horse.

Natural Horsemanship is a term beginning to gain credibility in the equestrian world, but more importantly gives us another avenue to pursue when interacting with and training our horses.

Many ideologies profess to be ‘the only way’ or ‘the true way’. At Shushannahblue we do not subscribe to a single methodology, but see each equine as an individual and take the appropriate methods which we expect to work in each individual situation. The overall aim being to communicate the required message to the horse or pony in question, be it to gain trust, build respect and therefore manners or simply overcome a particular fear or issue.

We are happy to work with your horse ourselves to overcome an issue and them move onto tutoring yourselves in the methods required, or simply provide coaching to yourselves in dealing with your own horse.

Play is another important part of spending time with our equine pals, but unfortunately is more often than not overlooked as a frivolous exercise, when in reality it helps our horses relax around us, let their hair down and see us as a fun member of their extended herd rather than a task master 24-7.

It really is incredible how much many horses appreciate us taking  just 15 minutes out of our busy day to have a bit of fun, and smile with them! We can demonstrate & teach you how to do this at your place or ours.

Natural Horesmanship and Play can be rolled into one in school sessions, using obstacles, poles, small jumps and other things normally left for the ridden session.  This not only helps the trust between human and equine, but stimulates the fun element, develops an incredible bond between the horse and its owner, and also gives you and your horse a physical workout better than any gym!  We even dance with a couple of our own horses during these sessions. I kid you not!

All these activities can be undertaken from £20 per hour if we travel to you (additional mileage charge may apply dependant on area) and £20 per hour if you travel to our facilities.