Ground-Up Horsemanship™ stands on the foundations of established training and teaching techniques, embracing a contemporary understanding of the horse and its needs. What sets it apart is its unique approach, deviating from traditional horse riding instruction by beginning with a comprehensive focus on both the horse and the participants, starting from the ground up.

The conventional method of learning horse riding often involves taking riding lessons at a local riding centre, adopting a somewhat "putting the cart before the horse" approach. This can pose challenges, especially for young, novice, and nervous riders who may lack sufficient understanding of the horse and its nature, leading to potential accidents or unpleasant experiences. Even experienced equestrians with solid riding skills may exhibit poor horsemanship when a horse reacts to instructions or requests.

Ground-Up Horsemanship™ addresses this by teaching participants how to earn the respect of the horse, fostering confidence in their interactions. The primary focus is on prioritizing safety for both the horse and participants, emphasizing leadership—a fundamental need and desire inherent in the horse's nature. This approach builds a strong, trusting relationship between the horse and the human, serving as a solid foundation for further development from the equitation perspective.

Drawing an analogy, learning horsemanship through Ground-Up Horsemanship™ is compared to teaching counting by starting with 1,2,3 rather than handing someone a calculator. Similarly, it's akin to teaching reading and writing by commencing with the alphabet instead of diving straight into a book.

Importantly, Ground-Up Horsemanship™ underscores that good horsemanship skills and leadership are the cornerstones for successful equitation, regardless of the chosen discipline. The program uniquely does not necessitate any specialized tack or training equipment, making it accessible and adaptable to various individuals and their horses.