Groundwork... What exactly is it?

Yeah... What is groundwork...

I have a very basic understanding of what it is... I mean, I know it's based around respect and such, and that's it's a crucial part of any horses training, but other than that I've realized that I really do not know anything about it...

So, what is groundwork? I kinda need a step-by-step basis and how to achieve it, because I have a coming 3 year old gelding who's well mannered, but I feel like I've messed up on his groundwork training, and as such as soon as we have a few consecutive weeks of warmer weather, I intend on getting out there and working with him daily.

But in order to do that, I need to know what groundwork is and how to acheive it. I've looked it up, but it just confused me more...

Help...

Thats a big question with lots of answers. It can be as simple as doing flexing exercises, like getting the horse to flex his head left and right and at the poll up and down. Teaching a horse to go forward, back up or move to the side.
It can be done close up on a lead rope or at liberty in a round pen.
It can also be more advanced up to dressage or western pleasure moves
Here is a short introductory video. Watch "the best start for an unbroke horse", its pretty basic on pressure and release. John Lyons : America's Most Trusted Horseman

You could also do parelli lvl 1 which is all based on ground work. You don't have to agree with his methods to do his games and patterns. Very helpful when in saddle.

The basics to all horse riding/training starts with ground work. It then transfers to the saddle. HorsesAreForever is right all horse trainers have a method of ground work. I just put up the John Lyons version because I happened onto it the other day and thought it was good basic stuff. Plus the vid previews are free

If you want to know about ground work I would highly suggest getting into Parelli. You can find the Level 1 pack on Ebay.

Um.. ok. I'll look into the parelli stuff, I've looked it all up before, but it confused me, but I'll check it all out again.

Go to www.parelli.com and look at their 7 Games DVD. You can read about more stuff there :)

What I would suggest, other than reading a book or trying to teach yourself is to work with a trainer. Do you have someone who could show you the basics with your horse? This way you could learn, but also make sure you are working properly with your horse.

There are no trainers in this area that I know of or can reach easily. The only 'trainer' around here is a guy who breeds TWH's and he's getting older and doesn't do much besides make sure his horses know how to walk and stop before selling them... The few horses that he's kept are very disrespectful because he doesn't work much withg them on ground manners.

I'm basically having to go at it by 'trial and error'... There was a horse training specialist out here, but I'm not sure if he's around or even alive anymore...

If you did decide to look into Parelli, you could also see if there is an Instructor in your area who might be able to help you. That can also be found on the Parelli website.