Horse Training: Classical In-Hand Work for Strength &Balance
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.
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
Are you looking to build a stronger, more balanced, and healthier horse—without force or tension? Welcome to Classical In-Hand Work for Horse Strength & Mobility, a step-by-step introduction to the time-honored art of classical groundwork.
This course is designed for horse lovers, riders, and trainers who want to understand how to support their horse’s physical and mental development through thoughtful, biomechanically sound exercises done from the ground. You’ll learn how to guide your horse with precision and softness, using clear body language, proper positioning, and a focus on correct movement.
But this course goes beyond technique.
You’ll discover how the horse’s body and spirit are deeply connected, and why we take the nature of the horse as the foundation of all training. Understanding your horse’s emotional state, rhythm, and individual structure is key to building a sound, willing partner—one who feels safe, proud, and free in their body.
We’ll introduce flexibility and softening exercises first taught by masters like Baucher over a century ago, which are still used today to help horses release tension and develop a supple neck and spine. These exercises are gentle but powerful tools to improve your horse’s mobility—and with it, their overall well-being.
Throughout this course, you will:
Learn what correct posture and movement really look like in the horse
Understand how the front and hind legs function differently—and why it matters
Practice classical exercises that support suppleness, straightness, and engagement
Develop your timing, feel, and awareness on the ground
Support your horse’s long-term soundness, confidence, and pride
Whether your horse is young, older, in training, or in rehab—this course will give you a calm, effective way to support their body and mind without the need for advanced equipment or a fancy arena.
Let’s begin this journey toward a healthier, stronger horse—one thoughtful step at a time.
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.
Instructor
- 5.0 Instructor Rating
- 11 Reviews
- 35 Students
- 1 Course
Isa Avendaño is a lifelong horsewoman with over 25 years of experience, known for her deep empathy and dedication to classical horsemanship. After beginning with modern dressage and show jumping, she found her calling in the art of riding—rehabilitating damaged horses with lightness, compassion, and respect. Isa passionately guides riders to build trust-based partnerships through timeless principles that prioritize the horse’s well-being, balance, and pride. She leads international students at her retreat center in Costa Rica, where she shares her belief that true mastery comes from listening to the horse and honoring its nature.