Groundwork training
What if you were to remove all the distractions, indirect aids, voice commands and the whip – would you still be able to communicate with your horse? Get to know your horse in a different way through free work and groundwork. Using your posture and clear communication, you’ll work together with your horse. How brilliant is that!
Workshop
During our workshop, you’ll be introduced to the basics of groundwork and loosening-up exercises.
We’ll cover this in two 45-minute sessions. We’ll start by discussing your knowledge and experience with horses. If you’ve done groundwork before, we can move on to more advanced techniques quite quickly, and you’ll receive tips and tricks to improve your communication with the horse.
During the workshop, you’ll lay the foundations for trust and leadership in a horse-friendly way. Through play, you’ll discover the impact of your intention, breathing and posture. Using positive reinforcement, you’ll establish agreements with your horse about your intentions, taking it one step further each time.
Once you’ve established a solid foundation, you can refine your approach to barely perceptible aids – or rather… communication.
In the second part, you’ll be introduced to groundwork, using a rope halter and lead rope. You’ll explore the impact of your position, your body and your hands, and how to communicate using the lead rope.
I hope to inspire you by introducing you to natural horsemanship, or by giving you tips and tricks for you and your horse.
Training
As well as workshops, we also offer training sessions tailored to your level and that of your horse. These include fun exercises to strengthen your communication or build your trust. These sessions can take place in Oeffelt in our paddocks, which have all-weather surfaces, or at your own location (up to 30 km from Oeffelt at €0.36 per km, with a minimum charge of €5)
The duration of the session depends on your and your horse’s progress and learning process. On average, you can expect it to last 45 minutes (hourly rate €40 incl. VAT).
Who will be giving you instructions
Katinka has been passionate about horses since she was a child. When she was 17, she was introduced to a different way of working with horses based on the Hempfling method: Dancing with Horses. It was here that she first discovered the power of harmony. By seeking to collaborate with horses, communicating through play and understanding the language of horses, you create more enjoyment for both rider and horse.
After years of playing with horses in her care and with her own horses in Oeffelt, she began training as a Groundwork Instructor at Dressuur Natuurlijk in 2025. Thanks to various pupils and their horses, she gained valuable experience during this period on which to build.
A follow-up course is planned for 2026, covering instruction in Double Reins and Riding, using the same horse-friendly method.
