Unlocking Softness with Groundwork the key to a responsive horse.

Horse and Rider Training Session at Golden Glade Ranch with Leah Van Ewijk

Golden Glade Ranch horses

There’s something magnetic about watching an experienced horse trainer work—a feeling of calm, focus, and a whole lot of subtle problem-solving. In this week’s featured training at Golden Glade Ranch, Leah Van Ewijk walks us through the real art (and science) of bringing out the best in a sensitive gelding with a checkered past.

Whether you’re deep into the journey with your own horse or just fascinated by the process, this session is loaded with lessons about softness and groundwork, mindset, and building trust and responsive horse from the ground up.

The Importance of Groundwork and Softness : Reading the responsive Horse Before You Ride

Leah starts the session on the ground. She’s clear: groundwork isn’t just a warm-up—it’s where you read a horse’s physical and mental state before ever swinging into the saddle.

“When you can see it with your eyes from the ground, you can identify it easier. Two, it’s just easier to control him on the ground than in the saddle.”

This gelding, a 10-year-old quarter horse, shows some classic signs of old, ingrained stiffness—especially on one side. Leah explains that stiffness can be mental or physical, sometimes lingering long after an injury has healed or from habits picked up from previous handlers.

Softness is Everything—And It’s Teachable

Throughout the session, “softness” is the big theme. Leah uses bending, small circles, and repeated transitions, always rewarding even the smallest try. She’s looking for signs: a dropped head, a lick and chew, a horse that moves off the leg instead of leaning on the bit.

“Licking and chewing just means that he’s processing the information that he’s just received or learnt. When he salivates, it means he’s relaxing and getting off the vinter of his brain.”

Softness isn’t just a feel-good buzzword; it’s the foundation for safety and connection. If a horse is stiff or resistant at the walk, Leah won’t push for more speed until that softness appears.

Fix the Foundation, Not Just the Symptoms

This session reminds us that every horse brings their history with them. Leah points out that a sensitive, reactive horse isn’t just “difficult”—they’re often shaped by learned behaviors and memories, sometimes from rough handling.

“If you miss [good foundation] at the beginning, then you’re going to be backtracking and trying to fix issues. You’ve got to try and, if you can, get them to start their career with a good foundation from the get-go.”

But even older horses can learn. With persistence and reward for the right answers, even a dull, “shut down” brain starts to switch on again.

Training Is About Consistency, Not Intensity

Leah emphasizes short, positive sessions. “You just get an improvement each day or each session,” she says. Horses remember the last thing they learned, so end on a good note—even if it’s a small win.

“A good foundation will last… Their fitness might not be up to scratch, but it doesn’t take long for a horse’s fitness to come back. They’re not quite like us.”

For this gelding, being out of work isn’t a disaster. What matters is the quality and feel of the last session.

Tools, Timing, and Reading the Horse

From curb straps to the right rein cues, Leah talks equipment and timing, but it all comes back to reading the horse in front of you. Is he sensitive? Lazy? Defensive? The answer determines the day’s approach.

If you want a horse to stand and relax when you mount, practice “parking” until that becomes his habit. If he’s been pushed to “go, go, go,” show him that sometimes, stopping is what brings the reward.

Practical Takeaways for Every Rider

1. Start every session with groundwork. Assess where your horse is mentally and physically before getting on.

2. Chase softness, not speed. Don’t rush to faster gaits until you have genuine relaxation and response at the walk.

3. Reward the try. Release pressure and praise as soon as you get the smallest effort in the right direction.

4. End on a good note. Even a small improvement is progress—let that be the lasting memory.

5. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If your horse has big habits, a few sessions with a skilled trainer can set you up for long-term success.

Final Thoughts

Watching Leah work reminds us that real horsemanship is about partnership, not domination. Every horse is an individual, shaped by their past but open to a better future when we listen, adapt, and reward the try.

If you’re interested in seeing these methods in action, check out our exclusive training videos at Golden Glade Ranch or book a session with Leah. Whether you’re working through stiffness, sensitivity, or just want a softer, more willing horse, remember: it all starts on the ground.

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