Why In Hand Exercises Are So Valuable for Your Horse

When we think about keeping our horses fit, strong, and supple, ridden work usually takes centre stage. But what if I told you that some of the most effective, transformative training doesn’t involve a saddle at all?

In Hand Exercises are one of the most valuable tools you can add to your horse’s routine — whether you’re working with a youngster, rehabbing after injury, supporting a senior, or keeping a competition horse supple and straight.

These simple yet powerful sessions not only strengthen your horse’s core and posture, but also give you a way to keep training consistent, no matter the season or circumstances.

Why In Hand Work Matters So Much

Rehab-Friendly Support

For horses recovering from conditions such as kissing spine, tendon/ligament injuries, or other back issues, ridden work might not be possible straight away. In hand training bridges the gap, helping your horse rebuild strength, symmetry, and confidence — all without the weight of a rider.

Improving Posture & Crookedness

Every horse has a natural crookedness — just like we’re left or right-handed. Left unchecked, this can lead to stiffness, weakness, or strain. In hand work helps retrain the horse’s body into healthier, straighter movement, teaching correct posture without the rider’s weight or interference.

True Core Engagement

A horse’s posture tells the real story. If the back behind the saddle is dropped, the core isn’t engaged — even if the head is 'tucked in'. In hand exercises target the deeper postural muscles, encouraging natural lift and engagement without force, gadgets, or shortcuts.

A Deeper Connection

Groundwork isn’t just physical. It sharpens your horse’s focus, improves responsiveness to subtle cues, and strengthens your partnership. You’ll gain a clearer eye and feel for how your horse moves, and your horse will gain confidence in working with you.

Winter’s Best Friend

During the winter months, training routines often get disrupted by dark evenings, wet arenas, and muddy fields. That’s when in hand work becomes your best friend. Instead of losing momentum, you can slot in short, focused sessions — even just 10–15 minutes — that keep your horse’s body and mind engaged. Over time, these small sessions add up to big results.

In Hand Work for Every Horse

Senior Horses

Because it’s low impact, in hand work is ideal for keeping senior horses moving comfortably. It gently maintains mobility, balance, and core strength without overloading joints.

Horses in Rehab

For horses coming back from injury or conditions like kissing spine, in hand work is a safe and progressive way to keep them exercising. It helps them rebuild strength and good posture while staying active through the recovery process.

Competition Horses

Even the fittest athletes benefit from foundation work. In hand exercises develop straightness, suppleness, and balance — all of which transfer into better performance under saddle, whether in dressage, jumping, or eventing.

Every Horse

The truth is, every horse benefits from in hand work. Because it’s low impact and adaptable, it gives them the chance to correct natural crookedness, strengthen their posture, and move more freely — without the interference of a rider’s weight.

Small Steps, Big Results

The beauty of in hand work is its flexibility. You don’t need fancy equipment or long sessions — just consistency and the right guidance. Done well, it can transform your horse’s posture, build long-term soundness, and even improve the way they carry you under saddle.

That’s why I created my In Hand Exercises for Your Horse Course — to give horse owners simple, step-by-step tools to build strength, balance, and connection from the ground up.

👉 Right now, you can still grab the course for half price - click here.

It’s a resource you’ll come back to again and again — especially through the winter months — and it will give you the confidence to know you’re always moving your horse’s training in the right direction.

Your horse doesn’t need more pressure. They need consistency, thoughtful movement, and your support. With in hand exercises, you’ll have everything you need to give them just that.