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Classical In-Hand Work for Horses

Name: Classical In-Hand Work for Horses
Rating: 5.0 (18 reviews)

Classical horse training for dressage: balance, strength and lightness through in-hand work

Highest Rated

Created byIsa Avendaño

Last updated 4/2026

English

English [Auto],

What you'll learn

Introduction to Classical In-Hand Training, Groundwork, and Lunging
Practical Exercises: Build your horse’s flexibility, mobility, and strength from the ground up.
Theory Classes: Gain deep insights into your horse’s anatomy and spirit—and how both shape the way we train.
Build a strong and authentic connection by helping your horse feel better in their body.
Discover the beauty of BALANCE and LIGHTNESS—and create the bond with your horse you’ve always longed for.

Course content

10 sections • 39 lectures • 4h 1m total length

Promo Video1:47
Explore classical in-hand work to build a horse's strength and balance, beginning with slow-motion walk and trot to introduce controlled forward movement.
Meet Isa Avendaño: Philosophy & Passion for Classical Horsemanship5:32
In this video, I share my story, my path with horses, and the philosophy that guides my work.
How to use this course?5:10
Build a foundation with theory, observe your horse, and start practical exercises using body language and breath; follow a flexible, stepwise in hand program for all ages and levels.

Understanding the Tools22:52
In this video, we’ll explore the essential tools used in this training approach—what they are, how to use them with purpose and mindfulness, and most importantly, why we choose them.

We’ll also discuss tools we intentionally avoid, and the philosophy behind those decisions.
The Spirit of the Horse20:42
Let’s go on a journey to meet the horse’s spirit.
Anatomy24:00
What Anatomy and Spirit Teach Us About Training Horses
Horses Spirit and Anatomy
Observe Foals in Natural Movement
Introduce the Whip1:01

Before we Start...8:43
Begin with essential groundwork to unlock your horse's mobility and transform performance through consistent, daily in-hand exercises that build strength and balance.
Slow Mo Walk8:52
In this video, I explain why we move our horses slowly and what school gaits are. You’ll learn how to use this to help your horse gain balance, strength, and focus.
Corners3:32
Learn how to guide your horse correctly through corners and why they are essential for balance, alignment, and preparation. Corners become key tools for gymnastic, focused movement.
Transitions8:07
In this video, I show you how to do smooth transitions between walk and backing using body language, breath, and soft aids.
Turn0:41
Here we have a look on how to make a meaningful turn, keeping or lines and positions.
Exercise Flow: Turns, Corners & Transitions3:11
Explore exercise flow in classical in-hand work, linking turns, corners, and transitions to walk and back the horse, stop, and build strength and balance through coordinated movements.
Soft Crossover5:45
Learn the soft crossover warm-up that builds a soft hip and stifle using a gentle bitless start, energy cues, and positive rewards to improve balance.
Soft Crossover 2_01:14
Develop strength and balance through soft crossover in-hand work and mobilization, keeping the rider soft to prevent tension transfer. Progress from slow walks to a full circle.
Square Volte4:06
The square volte is a focused exercise where the horse moves in a small square shape instead of a circle. This helps improve balance, precision, and flexibility as it incooperated many corners and straight lines. It builds strength and coordination while encouraging the horse to stay attentive and connected.
Transition to Bit1:23
Transition to the snaffle bit or bitless bridle after the horse carries the bridle, then explain the bit's purpose for the mouth and tongue to help the horse understand.

Square Volte Intro2:08
Learn to balance the horse in a square setup with a one-handed lead and two reins, teaching self-balance through soft rein aids and gentle, coordinated walk and stop.
Square Volte Exercise3:54
Learn the square volte exercise in classical in-hand work, guiding through corners with soft contact, bridle and one-handed leading, using cones for short laps that build strength and balance.

Volte - Straight Intro2:27
Volte - Straight Inside Lead3:08
Volte - Straight Outside Lead3:17
Serpentine - Intro0:45
Practice serpentines to develop the horse's mobility and flexibility by coordinating left rotation and croup rotation, then straightening, then right rotation and straightening in one direction.
Serpentine Exercise3:45
Master the serpentine exercise to improve execution of straight lines, corners, and half-volt turns, guided with a one-handed leading position.

Softening of the neck - Liberty5:48
Horizontal Flexion to soften and strech the lower neck.
Lateral Flexions - Liberty6:34
Streching the Neck to the side to soften the muscles on the side of the horse.
Softening of the Neck - Navajo6:20
The same exercise with a different horse to share more examples.
Lateral Flexion - Navajo4:52
Soft Crossover with Bridle7:38
Bring mobility and flexibility to your horses hip and stiffle.
Student Lesson - Flexions and Crossover15:55
Observe how Lucy, one of my students, performs the softening of the horse’s neck and the soft crossover. Together with my horse Heredero, we examine common pitfalls and key points to be aware of.

Lunging - Intro6:42
We take a look into lunging and how to use it to improve our horses strength.
Send the horse on a cirlce4:08
Move the horse onto a long circle from both directions by stabilizing your position, then push the shoulder out with the stick while guiding with the lead and halter feel.
Trot - Canter - Transitions6:01
Master trot-canter transitions with calm cues, breath, and a short rope to build forward energy, balance, and willingness, while gradually introducing distractions like flapping stirrups.
Half Circle - Straight Lines4:45

Trot - Intro2:24
Begin the trot in in-hand work by guiding the rhythm change from walk to trot and rewarding each tiny forward step to encourage baby steps toward the new rhythm.
Straight Line5:34
Practice backing and trotting on the straight line with a soft, bitless setup, using both reins and a gentle crossover to keep the horse straight.
On Small Volte5:53
Perform a tiny volte trot with a soft crossover in a corner to lift the shoulders and withers, and progress slowly through trot signals with counter bend.

Requirements

No previous experience in classical in-hand work is necessary – this course is beginner-friendly!
This course works for horses in rehabilitation, young horses, or generally healthy horses, offering flexibility for different needs.
You’ll need a halter, lead rope and a dressage whip. A cavesson is a plus. We then transfer to simple snaffle bridle—though you can also follow the course using a bitless bridle.
An open mind, a willingness to slow down and observe small details—and an open heart to see things from a new perspective. This course offers a different path than modern dressage, inviting you to rediscover horsemanship through softness, connection, and classical principles.

Description

Build strength, balance and lightness in your horse through classical in-hand training—without force or tension.

This course shows you how to improve your horse’s posture, movement and overall well-being using proven principles of classical horsemanship and biomechanically correct groundwork.

This course is designed for horse lovers, riders, and trainers who want to support their horse’s physical and mental development through thoughtful, correct work from the ground. You’ll learn how to guide your horse with precision and softness, using clear body language, correct positioning, and an understanding of movement.

But this course goes beyond technique.

You’ll understand how the horse’s body and mind are connected, and why respecting the horse’s nature is the foundation of all training. Recognizing your horse’s emotional state, rhythm, and individual structure is key to developing a sound, willing and confident partner.

You will work with classical exercises inspired by masters such as Baucher, designed to release tension, improve mobility, and develop a supple, functional body. These exercises are simple, but highly effective when applied correctly.

Throughout this course, you will:

• Understand correct posture and movement in the horse
• Learn how front and hind legs function—and why it matters
• Apply classical exercises for suppleness, straightness and engagement
• Develop your timing, feel and precision on the ground
• Support long-term soundness, confidence and lightness

Whether your horse is young, in training, or in rehabilitation, this course gives you a clear and effective system to improve your horse without force, pressure or complex equipment.

Start building a stronger, healthier and more confident horse—step by step.

Disclaimer: This course is for educational purposes only. Horse training involves risks, and students are responsible for their own safety and their horse’s well-being. Always consult a professional trainer or veterinarian when needed.

Who this course is for:

Riders and horse lovers of all disciplines are welcome! No matter if you do dressage, western, or are a happy hacker, this course is designed to help your horse.
Riders and horse owners who want to establish a solid foundation for their horse’s training.
Beginners looking for a structured introduction to health providing classical groundwork.
Experienced riders seeking to find the key to progress and health.

Classical In-Hand Work for Horses

What you'll learn

Explore related topics

Course content

Classical In-Hand Work - Introduction Online Course3 lectures • 12min

Fundamental Studies in Classical Horsemanship: Tools and Theory4 lectures • 1hr 9min

Intentional Movement, Clear Communication10 lectures • 46min

Balance Between the Reins1 lecture • 5min

Square Volte - Balance between Reins2 lectures • 6min

Cones and Serpentines - Between the Reins5 lectures • 13min

Flexibilty and Mobility Exercises6 lectures • 47min

Lunging4 lectures • 22min

Start Trot In-Hand3 lectures • 14min

Outro - Thank You1 lecture • 8min

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: