How to Turn a Horse

Turning your horse is a command that you need to know whether you're in a show ring, on a trail ride or even just riding for pleasure. This is one of the basic commands that a horse learns. Like most maneuvers in riding, it's actually just a series of signals to the horse, given at the right time and in the correct order.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Loosen up. Allow your horse enough room to turn, as horses lead with their heads. Loosen up on the reins by moving your hand downward on the leather, or by moving your entire hand and the reins forward toward the animal's neck.

2. Signal the horse through your reins. Press the reins on the opposite side of the neck from the direction you want your horse to go. For example, if you want him to turn to the left, place the reins on his right side against his neck.

3. Signal the horse with your leg. Press your leg on the horse's barrel on the opposite side of the direction you want him to go. For example, if you want the horse to turn left, press your right leg against the horse's right side.

4. Signal the horse with your seat. Shift your weight, through your seat, in the direction that you'd like the horse to go.

Tips & Warnings

• When riding in a ring, it is customary to turn your horse toward the ring or the wall, not away from it.
• All signals should be imperceptible to a viewer, especially if you are showing your horse.