Start, Stop, and Turn

I am going to start posting little training tips and this is the first of a series. If you have questions even if they are not about the tips posted please let me know!

Starts: First thing you have to learn is that you have to have leg on your horse all the time you are moving. Only when you are stopped are your legs off your horse. Your contact must be in your lower calf and ankle. Your toes should be turned out so they hang comfortable. Above all don’t squeeze with your knees or thighs. When you place leg on your horse you will be hugging your horse with your ankle rather than pushing against his sides. With your toe up (not heal down) you can place your spur under the belly of your horse. When you wish to step off just lean forward a little, hug your horses belly with your ankle, and raise your reins forward. As he moves off you can set straight again and lighten your legs just a little. As you walk forward ride the motion of your horse. It does not work to just set there. You have to match his rhythm.
Stops: Take your legs off the horses belly and straighten them forward sort of as a brace. You were setting upright now you will drop your shoulders down towards your saddle horn. Drop your hand. Don’t pull on the reins unless the horse doesn’t respond. You will essentially stop riding. Your rhythm stops and he can feel it right away.
Turns: It is what I call the secret of the Universe! In other words it is one of the most important things you must understand about riding. Here it is! Are your ready??? Are you paying attention???? Never lean into a turn. Your horse will move away from your weight. Ok now you have it! When turning right for example, you will take your right leg off the horses belly and hug a little harder with the leg on the left side. At the same time you will slip your hip to the left just a little making sure that you do not turn your shoulders in the direction of the turn. You may turn your head but not your shoulders. You may use your reins to suggest the direction but be careful not to lean in the direction of the turn. Don’t forget that you should always think forward in a turn so don’t take your rein hand back to turn your horse but take it forward instead. Now if I have confused you or not explained enough write back a comment and I will answer your question. Have a great day! Carl