Basic Groundwork

for Great Ground Control...

Humans and horses are two very different species and we don't communicate the same way. If you think it's hard to understand a person from another country who speaks another language, imagine the gap in understanding that can occur between two entirely different species. The purpose of this course is to create connection and build a deeper understanding between you and your horse so you can make decisions together that benefit both parties. When we have a way of communicating and understanding each other, trust, respect and affinity grows and we avoid misunderstandings, frustration, anger and fear. Horse and Human both feel safe and can focus on working together in Lightness & Ease!
Book A Call

What you will learn in this Course...

  • The Power of your Body Language & Your Voice

  • How to Master Your Energy and Volume

  • Why you need to Connect with your horse in a new way

  • Provide your horse with clear and concise cues to reach your goals

  • When to reward, release, shape, apply pressure or pressure release

  • Roundpen work, Lungeing for respect, trust and control

  • Advanced Lungeing for Straightness, Rhythm and Impulsion

  • Controlling the 5 body parts at a standstill and in movement for safety

  • Desensitizing and sensitizing your horse

  • How to create a calm, relaxed, light and balanced horse on the ground

Want to upgrade to VIP?

and receive private one on one coaching with Celie or join a weekly group coaching...

Self study although great, isn't for everyone. We know that and we want to support you in maximizing your training results. Although the video tutorials in this course will provide you with everything you need, having Celie there LIVE once a week to hold you accountable, provide you with inspiration and knowledge, training tips and exact advice can make your progress towards your goals take a quantum leap forward! Whether you want personal attention or enjoy the community of a group, this course offers you the option that fits you the best. Click the pink button below to schedule a Free Riding in Lightness Consultation with Celie to get the details on becoming a VIP plus discover the best suited solution for you and your horse on your journey into Lightness!
Yes! Schedule my free VIP session

What you get...

and can expect out of this course!

  • 26 Training Videos

    In depth videos of what, why, exactly how and when to apply and train each exercise and step of Basic Groundwork. Videos are provided in the best order to achieve flexibility, safety, communication, lightness and control.

  • Explanatory Text

    Videos are accompanied by in depth explanatory text where Celie explains step by step how to break down the exercises, handle troubleshooting to ensure that you can implement the exercise correctly.

  • Lightness Consultation

    Receive One FREE Personal Lightness Consultation with Celie to better solve your specific training situation and customize your training process to maximize your results in this groundwork course.

Course Curriculum Overview...

on your journey into Lightness

  • 1

    Welcome to the course!

    • Welcome! A Message from Celie...

    • Need Help?

    • Before we begin, please answer these two important questions...
  • 2

    Let's get started...

    • FAQ's on how to go about training...
  • 3

    CHAPTER 1: Dominance, Mental Connection and Personal Space

    • How to Get the Attention of Your Horse

    • Positive Dominance
  • 4

    CHAPTER 2: Roundpen work for leadership, trust and respect

    • Creating Personal Space At Liberty & Bonding!

    • Approach and Retreat to Get a Young Horse to Hook On

    • Longeing for Trust, Respect, Willingness and Softness

  • 5

    CHAPTER 3: Gaining Control of the 5 Body Parts

    • The Head - Lateral Flexion (Stellung)

    • The Neck - Lateral Flexion

    • The Hind Quarters - disengaging the hind leg

    • The Shoulder Yielding the Fore Quarters

    • Moving the Whole Horse - Side Passing

    • Backing up straight and in shapes
  • 6

    CHAPTER 4: Practical Applications of the Movements

    • Practical Applications of the Movements
  • 7

    CHAPTER 5: The Horse in Movement

    • Sending the Horse from Driving Pressure and Rope Pressure

    • Yielding the Hindquarters in Movement

    • How to Cue each Gait on the Longe

    • Yielding the Shoulders in Movement (Rollback)
  • 8

    Chapter 6: Longeing for Straightness

    • Aids of the rope when longeing

    • Preparation for longeing - starting on a small circle

    • Longeing on a big circle

    • Halt Halting the horse to get longer steps in Longeing

    • Lateral Exercises on the Longe

    • Advanced Longeing Lesson with a student
  • 9

    Chapter 7: Desensitizing Your Horse

    • Desensitizing with the Flag

    • Desensitizing With the Stick and String

    • Desensitizing to the Tarp and Foreign Objects
  • 10

    Thank You & Congratulations on Completing the Course!

    • Congratulations! Get a 100% Completion Rate!

    • I want your opinion! Tell us what you need next by answering these 3 simple questions

    • Your Next Step on the Lightness Journey!

Get Started Now

There is nothing better than having that heart horse that you know you can always trust and rely on from the ground and in the saddle because you know and understand each other. Don't delay, start building your dream connection today!

Book A Call

What Clients are saying...

about Celie Weston & Artful Riding

The days of struggling with impulsion seem so long ago!

Kathy Schoettler

Before working with Celie I was exhausted after each ride trying to get my horse forward to the aids. It became so frustrating that I gave up riding my beautiful mare for a whole year. After learning Celie's methodology my horse understands me, goes happily forward and for the first time I feel confident and competent when I'm riding. It has become fun again!!!