Ground work is the foundation of a trusting relationship; after all, horses communicate to each other from the ground. So it’s important for you to develop your bond from the ground up. For initial connection, a lot of trainers use a process called a join up or team up. The horse is let free in a round pen or schooling ring, with the trainer in the middle. The trainer drives the horse around the pen, using a rope, a lunge whip (only used as an extension of the arm, not to strike the horse) or a small flag, also used for desensitizing. When the horse shows signs of submission- the inner ear pointed toward the trainer, bowed head, licking and chewing- the trainer released the pressure of the flag or rope or whatever is being used, turns their back to the horse, and waits. If the horse is ready to submit, he’ll turn in to the center, facing the trainer and should come into him. Now, I say trainer as only an example: Any horse owner should begin to work from the ground up. After the initial teaming, Ground work can also improve soundness and movement. Flagging is a common method for desensitizing: A small lunging flag can be rubbed, flapped, and touched all around the horse until he is completely comfortable with the idea of essentially any unknown object around him. And since you were the one to introduce it to him, he'll soon learn that no matter what, he can trust you.
Drive the horse around you.
Release the pressure, paying attention to your horse's bodily signals.
Remove the pressure all together; your horse should then submit and turn into you.
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