What does grounding work primarily help establish with the horse?

Grounding work primarily helps establish respect, communication, and responsiveness between the horse and handler. Through this type of work, which often involves exercises both on the ground and in structured environments, the horse learns to respect boundaries and cues from the handler. This interaction fosters clear communication, initiating a dialogue where the horse learns to interpret the handler's body language and commands effectively.

In addition, grounding work enhances the horse's responsiveness to the handler's requests, building a foundation of trust. This trust enhances the overall partnership, allowing for more effective training and a better understanding during riding. Establishing respect, communication, and responsiveness is crucial in the development of a harmonious and productive relationship between horse and handler, making it the correct focus of grounding work.