Safe In-Hand Exercises for Everyday Strength

When it comes to keeping horses strong, supple, and balanced — especially in winter or during rehab — it’s easy to think that riding is the only way. But some of the most transformative work can happen on the ground, in-hand.

Why In-Hand Work Matters

In-hand exercises allow you to:

• Warm up and mobilise joints before riding, reducing the risk of stiffness or injury.

• Activate the core and back muscles safely, even in short sessions.

• Observe subtle signs of tension, stiffness, or imbalance that can be missed under saddle.

• Improve coordination, rhythm, and straightness gradually and safely.

• Provide structured exercise on non-ridden days, keeping your horse active, engaged, and building strength even when they’re not under saddle.

For horses returning from injury, with long-term issues like osteoarthritis, or just in need of more structured work, in-hand exercises provide a safe, low-impact way to build strength.

My Journey with Azuro

I truly discovered the power of in-hand work during Azuro’s rehab after his kissing spine surgery.
By slowing everything down and committing to structured ground work, I could literally feel where his body was blocked, where he lacked flexibility, and where he was struggling to engage his core. Every step became a lesson — not just in movement, but in listening to the horse and understanding their body.

This process was amazing — not just for his recovery, but for my learning. And it’s why I now teach these principles in my In-Hand Exercises Course — a complete system to build flexibility, core strength, and lateral work from the ground.

Simple In-Hand Exercises You Can Do

Before introducing more advanced lateral work like shoulder-in, haunches-in, leg-yield, or turn on the forehand (covered step-by-step in my In-Hand Exercises Course), you can start with these safe, practical warm-ups suitable for every horse:

1. Walking over poles

   • Encourages coordination, rhythm, and proprioception.

   • Start with just a few minutes per session, increasing gradually.

2. Simple lateral steps

   • Helps improve flexibility, balance, and straightness.

   • Great for addressing stiffness along the spine and shoulders.

3. Backing up in straight lines

   • Activates the hindquarters and core, improves proprioception, balance and engagement.

4. Circles and serpentines in-hand

   • Mobilises the spine, encourages even weight distribution, and strengthens core engagement.

Tip: Start slowly and observe your horse after each exercise — notice where they feel supple and where they’re still tight. This awareness is as valuable as the exercise itself.

Bringing It All Together

Even 5–10 minutes a day can make a big difference, especially when combined with your regular riding and turnout. Structured in-hand work improves flexibility, engages the core, and helps your horse stay strong and balanced all year round.

If you want a complete, step-by-step system for safe in-hand exercises that build strength, flexibility, and core engagement, check out my courses:

• Core Exercises – foundational programme (£9) => click here

• Exercise Bundle – polework + lunging (£29) => click here

• In-Hand Exercises – full system for lateral work and core engagement (£49.50) => click here

By committing to structured, mindful ground work, you’re not just strengthening your horse — you’re creating a happier, more balanced, and resilient partner.