Ground Manners

 Horses boarding at AEA receive individualized attention when being handled on the ground to ensure a safe, positive, and respectful atmosphere for all equine and human participants.  

Lunging / Ground Work

Lunging is a wonderful tool for many reasons...

• It strengthens the bond and communication between horse and rider 
• Enables the rider to visually analyze the horse's movements
• Helps the horse develop strength, balance and confidence

Work In Hand

Work in hand marks the beginning of communication between a rider's hands and the horse's mouth. Working from the ground enables the rider to have a more direct line of influence and see the effect their hands have on the mouth. 

Work in hand is a continuation of teaching the horse the language of the aids through flexions, lateral work, and transitions. 

Here the rider can learn the necessity of creating a dynamic animated contact, one which allows the horse to speak and enables the hands to listen, as well as act.

A rider will learn the finesse of contact which acts as an effective, expressive line of communication, rather than one of strength and a means of control.

Under Saddle

Finally, what is taught on the lunge and in-hand continues through gymnastic exercises under saddle.

This includes learning good contact, developing balance within the gaits, lateral work, leg aids, etc. By gaining this proprioception,* the horse will gain balance, straightness and collection with confidence. 

*proprioception(n): the ability to sense stimuli arising within the body regarding position, motion, and equilibrium