Turning Confusion

[Lue]

I went for my lesson today and was on a different horse. He is known as the 'stubborn' one, which is good because he's not stroppy, just tough and you really have to work to get him to do what you want. He also exposes all your weak spots!

Thing is, I could not turn him, no matter what I did. We just went large for half an hour while he pulled like a train and stopped in the corners. But I'm a bit confused as to my aids. Previously, I always thought that turning left = left rein to turn the head, right leg to bend the shoulder. And turning right, the opposite.

But today my RI was calling 'right rein, right leg'. Hmmmm. I am confused. Right leg I understand, to turn the shoulder. But right rein?

[emmathechief]

This may be wrong but, I use both legs to turn! My outside leg on the girth and inside leg behind the girth to encourage bend and get the horse stepping away from my leg. My horse can lean and fall in on a circle/bend so she needs my inside to help;)

[Dooley]

How do you ride a circle? That is a turn that never stops. You don't pull the horse to turn and stay on a circle..
With me it's outside aids to turn. So yes, using right rein to turn left rather than left rein.
Bend the horse around your inside leg (inside leg to outside rein - he'll probably fall out through his shoulder if not) and outside leg slightly back. Turn your whole upper body in the direction you're turning, keeping your hands /arms in the same position - in relation to the sides of your body - as when you were going straight, if that makes any sense? As if you were carrying a tray / offering something to somebody with both hands.
I wouldn't make a good instructor - i can't even explain what I do... plus it might be wrong :p:D:eek:

[LisaLovesHorses]

Yes, your RI is right. You need to be firm with the outside aids to make sure your horse doesn't fall out through his shoulder. Your inside leg should be encouraging bend so should rest on or just in front of the girth. Your hands should be allowing him to step forward.

Dooley, I think that analogy of holding a tray is fantastic - it is just like that! Nice work! :D

[**lucy**]

just thought i would say that this is also helping me too!!! (i think :rolleyes:)
i went for my second lesson at the weekend and everything was fine (even managed not to fall off when cantering :eek:) but the only thing i am struggling with is my reins and chloe kept going right....

just thought i would say :D

[Julz]

I'd be looking at why this horse is so "stubborn" seems to me hes stiff so cannot turn even round a circle.... has he been checked?? how old is he...

Im not going to comment on the aid for turning, you already know the answer, and you have more idea's from the replies above.

[coss]

for turning, inside rein asks for flexion (ie, for the nose to turn slightly), inside leg on the girth asking the middle of the horse to go out (ie to bend around the inside leg), outside leg behind the girth (slightly) to stop the haunches falling out, outside rein to stop the shoulders going out. so there is a job for each part of your body :p

[storm35]

just thought i would say that this is also helping me too!!! (i think :rolleyes:)
i went for my second lesson at the weekend and everything was fine (even managed not to fall off when cantering :eek:) but the only thing i am struggling with is my reins and chloe kept going right....

just thought i would say :D

:eek::eek::eek: No idea what all you guys are talkign about, but i am on my 7th lesson, only trotting and thats been it, and you managed to canter on your 2nd? Jeezo i think maybe its time i looked for a new RS.

[Julz]

:eek::eek::eek: No idea what all you guys are talkign about, but i am on my 7th lesson, only trotting and thats been it, and you managed to canter on your 2nd? Jeezo i think maybe its time i looked for a new RS.


rubbish... you cant rush perfection!! :D

[storm35]

rubbish... you cant rush perfection!! :D

:D:D:p you can if you get impatient and frustrated like moi !!! lol

[Lue]

Thanks for all the replies. It was mostly the 'right rein' to turn left business that puzzled me - it worked when I did it, but it was the first time it's been mentioned. Before it's always been left rein, right leg, with left leg contact. I always think of it as bending the horse round my inside leg. I understand how increased pressure from the right leg would work, to stop the shoulder bending out, but not the right rein - because surely his head would bend out?

Ahh well, I do tend to overthink this stuff anyway. It's always better when I just leap on and do it!

I don't know how old he is, but he doesn't seem stiff, just inclined to ignore a rider who doesn't necessarily give all the right aids.

[**lucy**]

No idea what all you guys are talkign about, but i am on my 7th lesson, only trotting and thats been it, and you managed to canter on your 2nd? Jeezo i think maybe its time i looked for a new RS.

I have ridden before when i was very little but never had lessons and have just started again after a VERRRRY long break. I guess you don't really forget how to do it! but no need at all for changing schools!!!