Good groundwork exercises?

What are some good groundwork exercises to teach Lacey? And what are some things I can teach her on the ground that are just good for a horse to know?
I've been going to see her everyday and since she's a little old lady (she could probably handle it but I'd feel bad, yknow?) I don't want to overtire her by riding her everyday (I do free lunge her everyday but she chooses her speed which I feel makes it better) but I do want to keep her mind active.

She won't sidepass on the ground and I have no idea how to teach that one. She does it perfectly to the right but to the left she starts backing up sideways. >.< She knows about shifting her front and back ends over when I poke her, she backs up and stops well, she'll trot in hand... I just want to add to her knowledge.

Any ideas?

I'm sure I sound like a broken record, but oh well! Lol. Parelli 7 Games...one of which being Sideways. It's great because you go from basic to more advanced, which is more fun for both human and horse.

That's totally fine! Lol
I've thought of trying the 7 games just for kicks but I can't find anywhere that explains them in depth/has a video I can watch explaining them (by someone who knows what they're doing), without having to pay something. And I personally don't want to pay to do something for kicks. =)

I've heard some people say something about libraries having DVDs I think.....something to look into if that's the case.

You could always turn around and sell the DVD later if you wanted to. I was going to do that with the Cradle Bridle when it came out if my horse and I didn't like it, but we both loved it so I kept it! Lol.

This is a good link that explains what the games are. YouTube also has videos of students practicing the games, but I'd still recommend the dvds or a trainer to teach you... The Seven (7) Games of Parelli Natural Horsemanship

I was also going to suggest the 7 Games. There are lots of sites that offer explainations of the 7 games with photos & videos, just use google. Also check to see if your library has any videos or dvds. You don't need to become a Parelli junkie in order to benefit from the 7 games.

Lateral flexion - Be able to flex her head around to her shoulder on both sides

Vertical flexion - Be able to flex her nose vertically

Giving to pressure - Be able to bring her head down to the ground using poll pressure from the bridle

Working at liberty - Walk, trot, stop, back up by your side without a halter/bridle

I would defently look and see what kind of streches you could do with her everyday. I would also do "joining up" round pen work, great for building a stronger relationship and trust. I would also look into John Lyons books. He has a lot of good ground work stuff you can do, that will help you out in the saddle as well.

I have posted this to some other ppl who were looking for DVDs, I know you don't want to pay for the info but this at least is a less expensive way to get the info , there is a fee but it may be worth checking into.DVD Rental, Horse Training

I know that they have the dvd Seven games...as to if it is rented already , I think you have to be a member to access that info.

I just had a look at your horse profile - Lacy is 24, correct?

First up - 24 isn't too old at all :) Providing her joints can handle it, and her body and mind are up to being ridden, I don't see anything stopping you keeping her in med even full work. Including some jumping.

The great thing about using ground work with your work is it can help you keep your horse supple, flexable, and changes things up a bit.

Some things you can work on:
- Leading
- Backing up (a true back up)
- Moving hindquaters
- Moving forequaters
- Moving both (side stepping over)
- Desensitizing
- Sensitizing (just as important as desensitizing!)
- Lunging, and long lining
- you can then start asking for more - shoulder in, shoulder out, etc etc

What ever you want to be able to do in the saddle, you should do on the ground first.
After a warm up (think of a lunging session - a proper lunging session (don't let her just run at her own pace, as she could do damage. Horses don't understand the need of warming up and cooling down.
After a lunge session, you can do some stretches (you MUST warm up before stretching - stretch a cold muscle and you're asking for touble lol). This is a good way to help keep your mares muscles moving, and the blood flow going. Also, you can 'train' her to stretch certain muscles (like you would a trick. I.e. Tap her back leg and she'll stretch out).

:) just some ideas. My mare is 20 and I do most of this with her - she's also coming back into jumping as well, and kicking butt!

If you're worried about her joints, a joint suppliment may be a good idea. I like to use a natural suppliment, such as Celery Seed and/or Devils Claw. But there are many suppliments out there.

Good luck !