On the Ground Experiences
Experience horses beyond riding
At Paard & Connect, our on-the-ground experiences give you the chance to engage with horses in many different ways, beyond just sitting in the saddle. These lessons are perfect for anyone who loves horses, whether you’re a beginner, don’t own a horse, or want to enjoy a different kind of connection with them.
Who are these experiences for?
– Beginners or those with limited riding experience
– People who don’t own a horse but want to get close to them
– Anyone recovering from injury, pregnancy, or with physical limitations
– Riders who want to develop confidence and skills from the ground
Why Choose On the Ground Experiences?
– Build trust and confidence with horses
– Learn practical, transferable skills for all horse interactions
– Experience close contact with horses even if you don’t ride
– Gain a deeper understanding of horse behavior and care
Have fun in a supportive, structured, and safe environment
What You’ll Do
Obstacle Training
Learn how horses respond to new objects and situations. Practice calmly guiding them through tarps, curtain strips, pools, or other obstacles while building understanding and trust. guiding horses calmly through unfamiliar objects such as tarps, curtain strips, small pools, or other challenges. This helps you understand how horses react to new situations and teaches you how to encourage them to move forward confidently while building mutual trust.
Groundwork
Groundwork forms a core part of the experience. Here you will practice leading, stopping, moving back, and walking alongside the horse. Through these exercises, you will learn how to communicate clearly using your body and timing, building both your confidence and the horse’s understanding of your cues.
Horse Care
Horse care is another essential aspect. You will learn grooming techniques, braiding manes, cleaning hooves, feeding, and performing basic health checks. Seasonal care is also covered, including preparing for winter coats or protecting horses from summer heat. You will gain knowledge on how to spot early signs of discomfort or common health issues, helping you feel more competent and confident around horses.
Behavior
A key part of these experiences is observing and understanding horse behavior and herd dynamics. By learning how horses interact naturally with each other, you gain insight into leadership, social behavior, and communication, which can then be applied in all your interactions to reduce stress and create a calm environment.
Horse Massage
Lunging
Lunging exercises allow you to guide horses at a distance, practicing proper body positioning, timing, and communication. This develops an understanding of balance, movement, and how horses respond to different cues.
Liberty Training & Activities
Liberty and in-hand work further build trust and confidence, teaching horses to follow your pace, perform simple tricks, and respond calmly to handling or veterinary routines.
Horse Agility
Finally, horse agility sessions offer a playful and challenging way to interact with horses. You will navigate courses with slaloms, bridges, tarps, cones, and small jumps, helping both you and the horse to develop focus, problem-solving skills, and enjoyment.
In-Hand Work
A calm and instructive way to work step by step with a horse, practicing exercises like following your pace, moving backward, stopping on command, or turning.
Benefits of Our Groundwork Lessons
These on-the-ground experiences are unique because they offer much more than traditional riding lessons. You will gain practical skills for interacting safely and confidently with horses, build meaningful bonds, and enjoy the horses even without being in the saddle. Whether you are a child, an adult, a beginner, or someone simply looking for a deeper connection with horses, these sessions provide a safe, structured, and enjoyable way to learn, play, and grow alongside them.
