How to Move Your Horse’s Hind Quarter Yield on the Ground | Ground Work Series 2/6 Exercise #1 HQ

Exercise #1 of this Ground Work Series isolates the hindquarters. Whether you are teaching a horse to lead, re-establishing a foundation, furthering your ground work skills or whatever the case may be- this is a MUST have in your tool box.
The Hind Quarters is the horse's engine, and we need to be able to influence the department as we continue progressing. You'll notice this is all done, ideally, on a loose rein. Now if you need to pick up on your horse, definitely do so. At times they'll need guidance so they can find what we are looking for. That doesnt mean baby them and do it for them, it just means if you see they're struggling to find the answer, wait, give them a chance then help if needed. The strength in a foundation really comes from the horse having a strong understanding for what their job is and how they are expected to do it.
Be sure you've got the free PDF guide to assist you with each video! This PDF is a great check list of reminders to have in the barn as you're working through these exercises.
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[@laurenhayes1381]

Hi thank you for these videos I’ve been watching your groundwork series. My horse has been too sensitive to the hind to the point where he gives his hind even if I go to mount. I’ve been doing standing exercises but I’m curious if you have any groundwork tips to help with his confusion. He’s been like this since purchase and asking him to stand to mount takes 3-5 mins sometimes. There have been days where he will stand, but I’d love to see if there are any other tips. I have been keeping my foot in the stirrup and hopping until he stops and removing my foot until he will stand when I put my foot in the stirrup and then mount. Also been halting with rein from the ground, with my other hand on his hind end. I pet him when he stands still.

[@SarahScelestic]

Currently my horse is doing OK when I ask him to do this on his left side, but when I go to ask on his right side he tries to also walk forward and gets very confused. Its been difficult to try and get him to GET OUT OF MY SPACE bc he'll walk right into me and get him to not ignore the whip. He's been trying to just continue to walk forward.

[@Coltonwoodshorsemanship]

Hey Sarah, not to worry! You're definitely not alone in this situation. When this is the case I will then begin teaching my horse to back from a distance (exercise #3 in this series) and I'll post the link to the video below. The principle I keep in mind is, when I go to make a request, if my horse starts to do something different than I asked, I halt my initial request and redirect my horse's energy typically in the opposite direction that they chose to travel. So for example if your asking for the Hindquarters or even shoulders to yield, if the horse walks forward, I will then stop my initial request and then ask the horse to back up from where I am at. Once the horse has done so and settle, I'll then ask my initial request again. Teaching a horse to Back from a Distance: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gYvTdHV_h6p8abs

[@SarahScelestic]

@@Coltonwoodshorsemanship exactly! I decided last night, after I left, I was going to start with being able to keep distance with him as I noticed he tries to stay closer than I would like. I used to not think much of it when he was out of work but now I'm a lot more aware of how attached to my hip he is.

[@SarahScelestic]

I am also starting to realize I need to be more aware of my own energy and movement when I'm asking these things because the more inconsistent I am, the more frustrated we both get over time. Its not just him who's learning. Its both of us

[@Coltonwoodshorsemanship]

You’re on a good path :) Keep up the good work. If we can ever be of further assistance let us know

[@kblank9393]

@@SarahScelestic YES! this is EXACTLY what I just learned when doing these exercises with Colton! I really didn't realize just how I was moving and how that was telegraphing to my horse. We are both learning...