In the last article, I discussed the seat and the turning aids. Before going on to the bending aids, I want to give you a good exercise to practice your turning aids.

Figure 8 Circles with Change of Direction at the Walk

    The goal of this exercise is to complete two equal, medium-sized circles at the walk in a Figure 8 pattern. Start by asking the horse to walk forward. Begin turning him on the first circle to the left. To follow the circle, turn the horse using the right rein against his neck, holding the right leg slightly behind the girth. The inside leg is active and keeps him moving forward as he bends around it. "Turn the key," and slightly open the left inside rein to lightly position the horse's head so he is looking in the direction he is turning.

    As you complete the circle to the left, prepare to reverse direction across the middle of the imaginary Figure 8. Straighten the horse for a few steps while crossing the middle of the Figure 8. Prepare to change the horse's body position to ready him for a circle to the right. Start the turn by applying the left leg and left rein while keeping him forward using the right leg. Lightly position his head to the right using the inside (right) rein.

    Practice this exercise, and then add some challenge by asking the horse to make tighter circles within the Figure 8 pattern. Remember the same principles apply-outside rein-outside leg to turn. Maintain the inside leg to keep him forward (so he does not stall in the tighter turn), and lightly position his head with the inside rein to keep him looking in the direction he is turning.

    Once you feel that you are solid on understanding the role of the turning aids, pick up the pace and try this exercise at the trot. The increased speed of the trot will challenge you to apply your aids properly. Ask your horse to pick up a trot and start with a turn to the right. Begin turning to the right using your left leg and left rein. Use your inside right leg to keep the horse's forward movement at the trot, while the right hand lightly positions his head so he is looking to the right as he is bending and turning in that direction. As you approach the middle of the Figure 8, prepare to change direction to a circle to the left. Straighten the horse as you cross the middle, and then apply the bending aids to the left. Apply the left leg to keep the forward momentum, lightly position his head in the new direction, and use the right rein and right leg to turn.