Connected Groundwork

Connected Groundwork

Caterpillar - Helps horse telescope neck into contact

Shoulder Press - Promotes release of base of neck & shoulder

What Does Connected Groundwork® Have To Do With Riding?
Excerpt from Introduction to Connected Groundwork® I published 2004 by Peggy Cummings

The purpose of Connected Groundwork® is to develop the muscular, postural and movement patterns of self-carriage. For horses to be in self-carriage, they must be able to lift their musculoskeletal system from down to up, allowing them to shift their weight from side to side and from forehand to haunches while consistently releasing the poll the base of the neck , and lifting the back while moving forward. It is beneficial for horses to begin learning about these patterns of self-carriage before supporting the weight of a rider.

Tightness, bracing patterns, crookedness and on-the-forehand tendencies exist in all horses. Some have these patterns from birth. Others begin acquiring them as soon as halters are put on their heads, bits go in their mouths and riders get on their backs. The groundwork exercises, which form the foundation of Connected Riding®, have restored movement, function and elasticity to hundreds of horses. The exercises help you:
• Understand your horse’s behavior and movement patterns
• Use your body more efficiently to facilitate response and change in your horse
• See and feel how you can help your horse develop his lifting and pushing muscles rather than his bracing and ‘on the forehand’ muscles
• Assess what your horse needs today.

Connected Groundwork® will help your horse:
• Release tension and allow relaxation
• Enhance his focus, willingness and participation
• Prepare his muscles before being ridden
• Maintain his core muscle use when ridden and at rest
• Keep his back lifting and his engagement coming, and develop his “pushing power”
• Overcome bracing patterns and reduce stress that inhibit performance and learning
• Use both sides of his body with equal freedom
• Shift his weight in movement in three dimensions: front to back, side to side, down to up
• Reciprocate by taking connection and responsibility for carrying himself
• Achieve his full potential in freedom of movement

Connected Groundwork® exercises not only loosen, reeducate and strengthen your horse’s body; they give you keen assessment tools that tell you a great deal about the state of your horse’s mind and body – and how he is likely to respond under saddle each day.