The groundwork in natural horsemanship is based on the horsing around and dominance challenges that horses play among themselves. Each step is based on a way in which our equine friends horse around in their own herds. The friendly, touch all over, is the first horseplay. However, horses are always determining dominance in this friendly "I scratch you, you scratch me" comradery. Horses are acutely aware of who is the top horse. This is what the first horseplay teaches you: how to be friendly and still be the dominant member of the herd. Horses use steady pressure and rhythmic pressure to get other horses to move first. The horse who moves the other one is the lead or dominate horse. The next two groundwork horseplay games following the friendly play game are steady pressure and rhythmic pressure games. Everything that follows in natural horsemanship is a combination of these first three horseplay games. These foundation horseplay games will give you the language to figure out where your horse is mentally and emotionally each day. Your horse will also know where you are mentally and emotionally through this play. Through this natural horsemanship program, you will learn to offer your horse a feel that allows him to soften and supple. The softer the feel that you can offer your horse the softer the bends and turns you get in return. You will learn the difference between holding for your horse and pulling on your horse. Through this natural horseplay, you will learn to hold the reins allowing for the horse to soften and lighten. All of this starts with the groundwork from the first day. When children learn the natural horsemanship method, they become fair and just leaders for their horses. Being leaders for their horses promotes confidence in young people.
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