The McNickle Horsemanship Training Pathway

The starting point, suitable for horses from around two years old onwards, provided they are reasonably sound. Think of it as primary school for the horse.

We work on personal space, communication and basic body control, including the shoulders, hindquarters, head, neck and forward movement. Your horse learns how to understand and respond to pressure without becoming tense, while you learn how body position, stance, intention, timing and pressure-and-release affect the conversation.

The natural follow-on from the Groundwork Series. It establishes the basics on which any ridden discipline can be built: forward movement, balance, softness, body control and throughness.

We identify braces, improve responsiveness and help the horse move more freely through its body. Horses can be at almost any stage of their ridden career. Groundwork is not essential, but it is strongly recommended because the same ideas and communication carry into the ridden work.

A systematic approach to leg yield, shoulder-in, travers, renvers, half-pass and pirouette, developing strength, balance, coordination, flexibility and overall body control.

Horses must be sound and already started under saddle. Good respect for personal space is important. If your horse is pushy or leans into you, the Groundwork Series is the better place to begin. A bridle, cavesson, roller, side reins and schooling whip are required. The side reins provide support and straightness, not a forced frame.

The later stage for horses and riders who already have the foundations in place. The focus moves towards more advanced body control, lateral work, collection, responsiveness and the practical application of those skills.