Classical In-Hand Work For Strength And Mobility

Train with purpose: Build a healthy, balanced, and strong horse through classical in-hand work for beginners.

What you'll learn

Introduction to Classical In-Hand Training, Groundwork, and Lunging

Practical Exercises: Build your horse’s flexibility, mobility, and strength from the ground up.

Theory Classes: Gain deep insights into your horse’s anatomy and spirit—and how both shape the way we train.

Build a strong and authentic connection by helping your horse feel better in their body.

Discover the beauty of BALANCE and LIGHTNESS—and create the bond with your horse you’ve always longed for.

Requirements

No previous experience in classical in-hand work is necessary – this course is beginner-friendly!

This course works for horses in rehabilitation, young horses, or generally healthy horses, offering flexibility for different needs.

You’ll need a halter, lead rope and a dressage whip. A cavesson is a plus. We then transfer to simple snaffle bridle—though you can also follow the course using a bitless bridle.

An open mind, a willingness to slow down and observe small details—and an open heart to see things from a new perspective. This course offers a different path than modern dressage, inviting you to rediscover horsemanship through softness, connection, and classical principles.

Description

Are you looking to build a stronger, more balanced, and healthier horse—without force or tension? Welcome to Classical In-Hand Work for Horse Strength & Mobility, a step-by-step introduction to the time-honored art of classical groundwork.This course is designed for horse lovers, riders, and trainers who want to understand how to support their horse’s physical and mental development through thoughtful, biomechanically sound exercises done from the ground. You’ll learn how to guide your horse with precision and softness, using clear body language, proper positioning, and a focus on correct movement.But this course goes beyond technique.You’ll discover how the horse’s body and spirit are deeply connected, and why we take the nature of the horse as the foundation of all training. Understanding your horse’s emotional state, rhythm, and individual structure is key to building a sound, willing partner—one who feels safe, proud, and free in their body.We’ll introduce flexibility and softening exercises first taught by masters like Baucher over a century ago, which are still used today to help horses release tension and develop a supple neck and spine. These exercises are gentle but powerful tools to improve your horse’s mobility—and with it, their overall well-being.Throughout this course, you will:Learn what correct posture and movement really look like in the horseUnderstand how the front and hind legs function differently—and why it mattersPractice classical exercises that support suppleness, straightness, and engagementDevelop your timing, feel, and awareness on the groundSupport your horse’s long-term soundness, confidence, and prideWhether your horse is young, older, in training, or in rehab—this course will give you a calm, effective way to support their body and mind without the need for advanced equipment or a fancy arena.Let’s begin this journey toward a healthier, stronger horse—one thoughtful step at a time.Disclaimer: This course is for educational purposes only. Horse training involves risks, and students are responsible for their own safety and their horse’s well-being. Always consult a professional trainer or veterinarian when needed.

Overview

Section 1: Classical In-Hand Work - Introduction Online Course

Lecture 1 Introduction

Lecture 2 Presentation of the Isa and her philosophy

Lecture 3 How to use this course?

Section 2: Fundamental Studies in Classical Horsemanship: Tools and Theory

Lecture 4 Understanding the Tools

Lecture 5 The Spirit of the Horse

Lecture 6 Anatomy

Lecture 7 Introduce the Whip

Lecture 8 Meet Liberty

Section 3: Intentional Movement, Clear Communication

Lecture 9 Before we Start…

Lecture 10 Slow Mo Walk

Lecture 11 Corners

Lecture 12 Transitions

Lecture 13 Turn

Lecture 14 Exercise Flow: Turns, Corners & Transitions

Lecture 15 Soft Crossover

Lecture 16 Soft Crossover 2_0

Lecture 17 Square Volte

Lecture 18 Transition to Bit

Section 4: Balance Between the Reins

Lecture 19 Balance Between Reins

Section 5: Square Volte - Balance between Reins

Lecture 20 Square Volte Intro

Lecture 21 Square Volte Exercise

Section 6: Cones and Serpentines - Between the Reins

Lecture 22 Volte - Straight Intro

Lecture 23 Volte - Straight Inside Lead

Lecture 24 Volte - Straight Outside Lead

Lecture 25 Serpentine - Intro

Lecture 26 Serpentine Exercise

Section 7: Flexibilty and Mobility Exercises

Lecture 27 Softening of the neck - Liberty

Lecture 28 Lateral Flexions - Liberty

Lecture 29 Softening of the Neck - Navajo

Lecture 30 Lateral Flexion - Navajo

Lecture 31 Soft Crossover with Bridle

Lecture 32 Student Lesson - Flexions and Crossover

Section 8: Lunging

Lecture 33 Lunging - Intro

Lecture 34 Send the horse on a cirlce

Lecture 35 Trot - Canter - Transitions

Lecture 36 Half Circle - Straight Lines

Section 9: Start Trot In-Hand

Lecture 37 Trot - Intro

Lecture 38 Straight Line

Lecture 39 On Small Volte

Section 10: Outro - Thank You

Lecture 40 Thank You

Riders and horse lovers of all disciplines are welcome! No matter if you do dressage, western, or are a happy hacker, this course is designed to help your horse.,Riders and horse owners who want to establish a solid foundation for their horse’s training.,Beginners looking for a structured introduction to health providing classical groundwork.,Experienced riders seeking to find the key to progress and health.