The missing piece in your training program.
Through mindful groundwork, nervous system regulation, and strength training, we help your horse move out of survival mode and into a safe state of balance, confidence, and trust.
Complements most existing training programs perfectly. **
Why Groundwork Matters
A 2024 German study found that horses who engaged in regular groundwork had lower heart rates during ridden work, indicating reduced stress and better emotional regulation.
Groundwork isn’t about obedience. It’s about helping your horse feel good in their own body so they can show up as a willing, engaged partner.
We’ve created a groundwork program that blends energetic, respectful, and intuitive horsemanship that works for EVERY horse and does not interfere with their regular training/riding schedules. Give us a few sessions - you AND your trainer will see the difference.
We can come to your barn or you can come see us at The Retreat Farm in Fulton, NY.
“Whatever you’re doing on the ground is working.”
Discover the Pillars of Our Groundwork Program
Reset, Release, Reframe
RESET – Nervous System Regulation
Horses can’t learn when they’re stuck in fight, flight, or freeze. This state looks different for every horse. Sometimes it’s a lot of spooking, sometimes it’s complete shut-down, and other times it’s behavioral (lack of willingness, difficult). Before we ask for anything, we help them find safety in their own body using breathwork, polyvagal techniques, and meditative groundwork.
When a horse feels safe, everything changes.
RELEASE – Tension & Emotional Holding
Many horses carry seen and unseen tension, whether from past experiences, inconsistent handling, or even their conformation. Through meditative groundwork and energetic touch, we help them release stress, unlock their movement, and express themselves freely.
This work is powerful for anxious, withdrawn, reactive, or shut-down horses, but every horse can benefit! Vet checks are essential. Please share whatever will help us help them.
REFRAME – Strength, Balance & Body Awareness
Once a horse feels safe and tension-free, we can guide them toward better movement patterns that promote strength, balance, and longevity. This isn’t about forcing them into a frame - ever. It’s about helping them move in a way that feels good and sets them up for success in any discipline. Ground pole patterns, hills, and practicing softness, flexion, and straightness are the name of the game!
What to expect when you book your horse (or herd!)
Every session is a conversation - with the horse’s body, their nervous system, and their energy.
Whether we're meeting in person or virtually, each session is guided by what the horse shows us in the moment. There’s no rigid formula - just deep listening, thoughtful support, and intentional movement.
Here’s what a typical session might include:
Nervous System Check-In
Begin by observing your horse’s current state. Are they alert, shut down, anxious, or calm? From there, we support their shift into a more regulated state using breathwork, energy awareness, and gentle presence.Mindful Groundwork
Explore movement with softness and intention. This may include leading, in-hand work, liberty exploration, or stillness—whatever the horse needs to reset and reconnect with their body.Strength, Balance & Body Awareness (we like to call it Horse Pilates)
Once regulation is established (this is an ongoing goal), we guide your horse through exercises that build postural strength, proprioception, and confidence in movement, without force or overexertion.Support for the Human, Too
If the owner is present for the session (it’s up to you!) you’ll also learn how your energy, posture, breath, and intention influence your horse. You’ll leave each session not only with insight into your horse, but perhaps a deeper connection to your own body and nervous system, too.Post-Session Reflection
Recap what we saw, what shifted, and how to support your horse between sessions. Whether you're working with us once or building a long-term plan, you’ll always have guidance for your next steps. We film EVERY session, so you will always have a record of what we worked on and how you can carry on that work on your own time.
This program is for every horse.
We work with:
Trainers & Instructors – Add nervous system-focused groundwork to your program to create safer, more responsive horses and improve your client results.
Racehorse Owners & Trainers – Help your racing barn release tension, reset their nervous systems, and move into a confident, regulated state - on and off the track. They deserve this.
Performance & Competition Horses – Improve body awareness, balance, and focus for peak performance. May reduce the risk of tension-based injuries.
Lesson Programs – Build confidence in school horses, making them more adaptable, emotionally balanced, and willing for students of all levels.
Young Horses – Set a solid foundation before they ever carry a rider, ensuring they enter work in a relaxed, confident state.
Retired & Rehab Horses – Help older horses release stiffness, stay engaged, and move comfortably, improving their quality of life.
Rescues and Non-Profits – Horses residing in rescues often have a difficult time coping with whatever landed them there. Registered rescues and non-profits receive free sessions. Please email info@willows-way-equine to inquire!
Whether your horse is an athlete, a lesson partner, a green prospect, or a retired companion, this work benefits them all.
If you’re booking more than one horse, please email info@willows-way-equine.com.
Learn Online
You’re busy, we get it.
You don’t have to be in the barn to start learning how to build a better relationship with your horse. Our online video and audio courses bring the principles of nervous system-based groundwork, body awareness, and strength training straight to you- no matter where you are.
If you’re an equestrian looking for a deeper connection with your horse, these courses will help you reset, release, and reframe your approach to groundwork.
Testimonials
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I had become disconnected from my mare Lucy for a variety of reasons, but one of them was because I couldn’t ride because of health reasons. It caused me a lot of anxiety. I worked with Chelsie on doing a variety of ground work activities. The biggest of those involved relaxation for both myself and Lucy. She of course could sense my anxiety. These activities helped tremendously. And I was able to relax. She then taught me ways to check-in and reconnect with my girl. From there we added fun activities in the arena. All of our work was at liberty in the arena. Lucy didn’t want to leave my side. We had a routine when I arrived at the barn where she would wait at the top of a hill for me to call her as I walked to the gate and she’d run to greet me. She couldn’t wait to be with me. Then we’d spend time doing our activities at Liberty. Thanks to Chelsie, I fell in love with my girl all over again.
-Regina
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She's a completely different horse. It's so abundantly clear the work you guys are doing with her is making all the difference.
- Private Client
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My mare Gigi and I have had so much fun learning clicker training groundwork classes with Chelsie! Gigi is focused and eager to learn & try the tasks at hand. Chelsie keeps the lessons fun & accessible to set us up for success. Gigi genuinely seems happy & excited for our sessions and continues to build off the previous lesson concepts. The lessons we are working on are very helpful for safe, confident, horse handling which is beneficial for your horse to master. We both definitely recommend Chelsie's classes and truly believe the content helps to encourage a positive relationship with your horse
- Christina
Get Started Today.
This isn’t just groundwork. It’s the foundation of everything.
If you’re ready to reset your horse’s nervous system, release tension, and reframe how they experience the world, let’s get started.
Available in-person and virtually.
About Your Instructor
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Morrisville State University - 2003
Post University 2023
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Centre of Excellence - 150 hour certification
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2 hour certification - Taught by Celine Homan
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Purchasing a Horse 101
Horse Behavior and Welfare
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32 years in a traditional hunt seat
7 years low-level dressage
11 years starting and restarting horses for clients on the ground and under saddle
3 years teaching beginner lessons in a hunt seat and over fences
6 years experience clicker training and training with r+
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Yoga Renew