Transcript: Horsefulness Training podcast-episode 18

Title: Why Groundwork shouldn't come first

Date: [20-06-25]

Host: Karine Vandenborre

Hi and welcome to the Horsefulness Training Podcast.
I’m Karine Vandenborre, horse trainer, horsewomen coach, and founder of Horsefulness Training.

In this episode, I want to talk about something that’s not always obvious…
Something that surprises many horsewomen when they start diving into groundwork:
The fact that groundwork shouldn’t come first.

Let me explain.
When people think of groundwork, they think about teaching the horse basic groundwork exercises like leading, yielding, circling, but also obstacle training, trailer loading, double long lining, and so on.
And yes… those are all wonderful things to do. It’s also part of my Horsefulness Training method.

These things help your horse become more balanced on every level - physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Groundwork is very useful and needed in helping your horse feel more relaxed, safe, and confident in everything that they will encounter in the human world.

But here’s the part that often gets missed:
None of those things will truly work, or feel good for your horse (or for you) if the foundation underneath isn’t strong.

And what is that foundation?
It’s what I call Liberty Connection Work.
In my experience, Liberty Connection Work should come before anything else, before teaching your horse to be led on a rope, in different positions, to be lunged, to go in a trailer, or to stand still at a mounting block.

Because training a horse should not be about techniques in the first place.
It should be about the relationship.
About connection.
About trust.
And it’s about communication that flows both ways, without pressure or confusion.

In my Liberty Connection & Beyond program, I guide horsewomen through this foundational work first.
Not because I want to be strict about it.
But because I’ve seen, over and over again, what happens when people skip this important connection work at liberty.

I’ve worked with many horses who were labeled as “difficult.”
Many of them experienced negative things with humans, or had trauma.
Some just never learned how to be truly at ease around humans.

And what I found is that the moment we shift away from trying to “train” them,
and focus on building calm confidence, natural connection, and clear communication in liberty, everything changes.

Suddenly, these horses can relax. They can soften.
And they choose to engage and connect.

Only then groundwork starts to make sense.
That’s when it becomes easier, and most of all, that’s when it becomes joyful.
Not just a list of exercises to tick off, but a deepening of the bond and relationship you already built in a way that is natural to the horse and meaningful.

So if you’re listening and thinking,
"Wait, so I shouldn’t focus on groundwork first?"
I want to say: no, you can let that go for a while.

Focus on connection and communication at liberty first.
If you are already doing groundwork: don’t worry! It’s okay.
You can take it up again when the time is ready, when the foundation has been built.

You don’t have to do everything at once.
Start with what matters most: your connection.

So be at liberty more often. Spend time with your horse without ropes, halters, or plans. Just be together.
And learn about Liberty Connection Work.
Not training at liberty, but connection work at liberty - that’s a huge difference!

And once that natural connection is there,
once your horse feels safe and calm and curious around you,
and you understand each other at liberty,
then groundwork is the next part.

Then groundwork becomes easy.
It becomes fun.
It becomes something you do together, not something you want your horse to do.

If this way of working speaks to you,
if you're nodding along and thinking, yes, that’s what I want,
then know that I’m here to support you.

Inside my Liberty Connection & Beyond program, I guide you and your horse step by step,
towards the connection and communication you need to make everything else you will do in the future more successful, joyful, and easy.

And that’s not where it ends…
We will also do some basic groundwork together!
You don’t have to figure it out alone.

If you’re interested or curious about this program, you can already join the Inner Circle List (it’s obligation-free!).
As an Inner Circle Member, you’ll be the first to know when the doors open, receive an exclusive invitation, and get access to a special Inner Circle discount and extra bonuses ♡

But whether you join me or not, I hope today’s episode gave you something to think about.
A new perspective. A deeper understanding. A bit of inspiration.

Because groundwork is beautiful, but only when it's rooted in trust and natural connection!

Thanks for listening and till next time!

© Karine Vandenborre - Horsefulness Training.  All Rights Reserved