Turn on the Forehand

This basic lateral schooling movement won’t be found on any dressage test, but it is still an important basic introduction to lateral movement from the leg.

WHY : To introduce a young or green horse to the concept of moving sideways away from the leg without speeding up

            -To introduce a rider to the give and take timing of moving the horse off the leg

 WHAT: The horses front legs stay basically still and near the same spot and the hind legs move around until the horse has turned 180 degrees

            -Most easily introduced with a young horse next to the fence

 HOW: Stop your horse parallel to the fence line, slightly bend your horse towards the fence

            -Use the leg next to the fence to push the haunches away from the fence, continue until the horse is facing the opposite direction

            -The reins are used to keep the horse slightly positioned in the direction of the active leg and to keep the horse from walking off

            -Do not let the horse step backwards, soften the rein contact if this happens and apply a stronger squeeze with your leg

-This is an exercise you can introduce before you get on, just stand to one side of your horse and put your hand where your leg would be and with a push and release rhythm push the haunches sideways until he moves easily around, keep one hand on the rein on the same side as the active pushing aid.

-Be aware of the give and take rhythm of the aids and the horse’s response

A Variation: Make a turn on the forehand while walking, the front legs stay walking and make a small circle (1-3meters) and the back legs move around on a bigger circle, still reinforces the sideways response and timing without having to stop.