**As horse owners, we often feel pressure to do more. More rides, more training, more time in the saddle.**

And when life gets busy, it’s easy to feel guilty for not putting in as many hours as we think we should. But what if we shifted our perspective? What if, instead of measuring progress by hours ridden, we measured it by the quality of the time we spend with our horses?

A client recently shared this:

“I’m not proud that I haven’t done much this winter with my horses, and when I have time, it seems I just free lunge and do a little bit of groundwork… but growing a connection with my horses and teaching them how to be comfortable in their own bodies and exploring the feels is what I am proud of.”

This is exactly what Balanced Through Movement Method (BTMM) is all about. It’s not about how many hours you log in the saddle—it’s about giving your horse the tools to feel good in their body, no matter how much or how little time you have.

Why We Feel Pressure to Ride

There’s a deeply ingrained belief in the equestrian world that progress is measured by saddle time. If we’re not riding regularly, we worry that our horses will lose fitness, become untrained, or that we’re simply not doing enough for them. But here’s the truth:
Not all training needs to happen in the saddle. In fact, much of what our horses need to move soundly, carry themselves correctly, and stay comfortable can happen from the ground.

Some of the most valuable work we can do for our horses happens outside of riding—teaching them to release tension, to balance themselves, and to find ease in movement. If they don’t have these fundamentals, time in the saddle might actually reinforce poor movement patterns rather than improving them.

Every Moment Counts

Many riders underestimate the power of groundwork, subtle releases, and simply being present with their horses. But here’s the truth:

A few thoughtful minutes can be more impactful than an hour of mechanical riding.
Teaching a horse to be comfortable in their own body is a lifelong gift.
Connection and understanding lay the foundation for everything else we do.

When we step away from the mindset of “I have to ride” and move toward “How can I help my horse feel better?”—that’s where the magic happens.

Groundwork: The Foundation of Soundness

**A horse can only perform as well as they feel. If they’re tight, unbalanced, or moving with restriction, no amount of riding will fix it. This is why groundwork is such a vital tool.**

What Makes Groundwork Valuable?
Groundwork isn’t just about lunging in circles or moving a horse’s feet. It’s about teaching them:

How to engage their core
How to release tension in their body
How to find balance and stability
How to move with ease rather than compensating

When we focus on quality over quantity, even short groundwork sessions can lead to big changes. A few minutes of intentional movement can do more for a horse’s soundness than an hour of unfocused riding.

Exploring the Feels

One of the most powerful aspects of BTMM is helping horses develop body awareness. When a horse learns to explore the feels—meaning they understand how to find and hold balance in their own body—they naturally move better, carry themselves more efficiently, and experience less discomfort.

We don’t have to force posture or frame. Instead, we give them the tools to find it on their own. That’s when true, lasting change happens.

The Power of Small Moments

Even if you only have ten minutes, you can still make a difference. Here are some ways to use short sessions effectively:

1. Touch and Nerve Release
Even a brief session of targeted touch can help your horse move more freely and feel at ease. By using gentle techniques—such as applying light, focused touch along nerve pathways—you can encourage subtle releases that reduce muscle tension and promote relaxation. This type of intentional, mindful contact not only helps alleviate stiffness but also increases your horse's body awareness, allowing it to adjust its posture and movement naturally.

In practice, you might use your fingertips to softly trace along the back, neck, or shoulders, areas where tension commonly builds up. This focused touch can stimulate improved blood flow, ease tight muscles, and create a calming effect that lasts throughout the day. Over time, these moments of attentive touch become an essential part of your routine, nurturing trust and offering your horse a pathway to improved balance, flexibility, and overall well-being.

2. Thoughtful Groundwork
Instead of lunging for exercise, try:

Asking for small, controlled steps to encourage balance
Asking for lengthened steps, all while maintaining balance
Working on Pillar 1
Helping your horse release through their poll and jaw
Encouraging them to stretch and lift their back

These small adjustments make a big impact over time.

3. Handwalking and Observation
Even walking with your horse, observing their natural movement, and noting how they feel day-to-day can improve your ability to support them. This time together strengthens your connection and helps you notice subtle changes before they become bigger issues.

4. Leading with Intention
Leading exercises aren’t just about respect or control; they can help a horse find rhythm, relaxation, and self-carriage. Simply being mindful of how your horse walks next to you and making adjustments can be a training session in itself.

Training for Soundness, Not Just Performance

Horses are masters of compensation. They can do what we ask, even when their bodies aren’t fully prepared for it. But when we take the time to help them move with balance, ease, and freedom, we’re setting them up for long-term soundness.

When we ride a horse that isn’t truly balanced, they often resort to compensatory movement patterns that lead to strain, tension, and potential injury over time. This is why groundwork matters. This is why helping our horses feel their own bodies matters.

Overcoming the Guilt of “Not Doing Enough”

It’s easy to fall into the mindset of not doing enough when we compare ourselves to riders who are in the saddle every day. But our horses don’t measure progress the way we do. They don’t care about hours logged; they care about how they feel.

Instead of feeling guilty, reframe your thinking:

Are you helping your horse feel good in their body?
Are they comfortable and happy?
Are they learning to move in a way that supports long-term soundness?

If the answer is yes, then you are doing enough.

The Long-Term Benefits of Intentional Time

The small, thoughtful moments we invest in our horses pay off in big ways:

Healthier bodies that move more freely and experience fewer injuries.
Stronger partnerships built on trust and understanding.
More willing horses who feel good in their work because they aren’t fighting discomfort.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve ever felt guilty for “not doing enough” with your horse, take a step back. Your horse doesn’t need endless rides or intense training sessions. They need your presence, your understanding, and your willingness to help them move and feel their best.

So whether it’s a few moments of groundwork, a quick nerve release, or simply watching them move and observing how they feel today—it matters.
The little moments add up. They always do. ❤️

It’s Not About Saddle Time—The Little Moments Matter