Guide 2 Horse Riding
Apparel
Kids'
Ladies'
Men's
Gloves
Helmet
Books
Magazines
Posters
Saddles
How To Articles
Achieving Success
Balance When Jumping
Balanced Seat
Canter Position
Classical Seat
Cross-Country Seat
Jumping Position
Pirouette
Riding Posture
Rising Trot
Sitting Trot
Stability When Cornering
Trot Diagonal
Turns
Upper Body Posture
Weight Aids
Willing Halts
Links
| Guide 2 Horse Riding > Turns |
Riding Turns
It is important to be clear about the classical way to turn or circle. The most effective, simple and light way to turn is to ask with the outside aids and put the inside of the body forward into the turn, moving the inside seatbone forwards. To turn right put the right side of the body forwards and to turn left put the left side forward.
Collapsed Hip
Riders often collapse a hip when trying to turn, or when trying to achieve a particular lateral movement, usually one which they are new to or unsure of. It is very closely related to collapsing at the waist but in collapsing at the hip, the rider has usually mastered the upright posture of the upper body but overdoes the use of the seatbones. In a new or difficult movement, slight anxiety to get it right can take over and the rider allows the hip to drop, usually on the side away from the direction of the turn.
By maintaining lightness in the seat, neither hip bone should be inclined to drop or tilt. First, check your position and ensure your hips and seatbones are in a central or "neutral" position.
To make a right turn, press the outside/left rein sideways against the neck, just in front of the withers, and take the outside leg slightly back from the hip to just behind the girth to encourage the horse to bend around the curve (so that his quarters are not swinging out but his hind feet are following along the tracks made by the forefeet).
The inside seatbone, with the shoulder above it, comes forward a little with the leg at the girth and the inside hand can be slightly raised and carried slightly inwards (never backwards) to invite the horse into the turn and maintain an inward flexion. This technique of turning carries over very well to lateral work, particularly if the rider slightly lifts the inside seatbone, or the seatbone on the side to which she usually collapses.