Howdy Friends! Here is a great illustration of how a horse is knocked off balance by using the inside rein to turn/bend. The right is correct, as the horse is turning with both shoulders, the left horse has been knocked over his outside shoulder, and will fight for his balance beneath the rider by allowing his haunches to fall in. Which always works to break down a horse’s good and natural posture.
In time this incorrect movement will weaken the horse’s thoracic sling and throw the horse on its forehand. Which will lead to many health and posture issues. Such as dropping topline, strung out hind end, weak abdomen and even other health issues few folks connect to a simple beginning.
Also when turning, the rider should remain upright, never “lean in” like a motorcycle rider. And the rider should have their weight in the Outside stirrup when turning. When riders “lean in” and have their weight in the inside stirrup the horse, while navigating the turn must Push the rider’s leg out of the way.
Once I even worked with a barrel racer who knocked a second and a half off her time when she mastered correct body posture in the turn.
It’s amazing how little this is talked about or taught. But then I’m an equine posture fanatic! ~ Gitty Up, Dutch.
Thank you Dutch, after reading this I went out and rode my horse. Being mindful not to lean and even putting weight in the opposite stirrup made such a huge difference! I could visualize this and the difference it made was felt and obvious. I didn’t throw my horse off balance. I felt she wasn’t bracing, so smooth!
Thank you Marlys! So thrilled you could feel the difference! It might take a little time to train your muscle memory, but you got this! Well done! And thanks for sharing!
How do you recommend that a rider — particularly an English rider — turn the horse?
Howdy Christina, pretty much as I said in my post, the rider should remain upright, never “lean in” like a motorcycle rider. And the rider should have their weight in the Outside stirrup when turning. When direct reining, as in English riding, pick up slightly on the right rein, and use the leg aid on the right side of the horse to move the hind end gently to the left so it can follow smoothly through the turn. Without falling outside its legs, as in the bad picture. Hope this helps. THANKS for commenting.