As awareness of aftercare has grown, so has industry support. Major racing organizations, including The Jockey Club and Thoroughbred Charities of America, now allocate substantial funding to aftercare efforts, helping to ensure that more horses find safe and meaningful second careers.

Thoroughbred aftercare programs have an increasingly large focus on retraining, so that horses can be adopted ready to go in their new discipline. Photo courtesy Retired Racehorse Project

The Initial Transition

Amanda Tucker, trainer at the Lexington, Ky., branch of the New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program, likes to use the facility’s round pens to transition the horses into turnout. After they are comfortable in the round pen, she buddies them up with another horse in a smaller paddock before eventually adding them into a larger herd. The end goal is to be able to have them go outside all night, or even 24/7, but Tucker emphasizes the importance of taking an OTTB’s transition slowly.

New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program buddies up horses freshly off the track with a babysitter horse in a smaller paddock before adding them to the larger herds. Photo by Margaret Burlingham/Adobe Stock

Layne Schaffer is the farm manager at Arrowwood Farm in York Springs, Penn. While Arrowwood raises Thoroughbreds to race, they are committed to finding new homes for those that don’t show talent racing or are ready to retire. Schaffer has competed at the RRP Thoroughbred Makeover and barrel races her own Thoroughbred, Floo Powder.

Like Tucker, Schaffer uses a transitional turnout system. She says that each horse’s personality and what he did previously on the track makes a difference. If she knows the horse is more laid-back, she transitions him to a regular turnout situation more quickly.

“I think a quiet buddy is also ideal,” says Schaffer. New Vocations has a similar strategy, with an older, permanent resident “babysitter” named Ranger, whose job is to help make the transition more seamless.

While some horses need down time after retiring due to an injury or to unwind mentally, many do better staying in a program.

“The racetrack is a hard job, and whatever job you give them is likely going to be a walk in the park compared to that,” says Schaffer. “They are used to their people and routine and getting to do something.”

Often, too much time off can backfire and cause unnecessary stress and change in routine for the horses.

Feed First

Nutritionally, a lot of factors go into making the best gameplan.

“Once they leave race training, their nutritional demands depend on a few factors,” says Amy Parker, M.S., a nutritionist at McCauley Bros. “Does he need some sort of rehabilitation due to an injury? If he’s going to be on stall rest or very restricted turnout, you may not feed him as much as a horse that immediately starts to train for his next career.”

Parker adds that for most horses, caloric needs decrease when they finish racing. However, the change in routine can cause some horses to develop ulcers or not want to eat.

“For 99 percent of the horses coming off the track, that first three months is a big transitional period with a whole lot of changes going on,” she says. “They are now in a new environment with a new routine and new people and new horses. In this way, horses are a bit like people. Some people handle change fantastically and some don’t.”

At three months off the track, Amanda Tucker of New Vocations is focusing on walk/trot/canter, both inside and outside of the ring, and not much more yet. Photo by RH2010/Adobe Stock

Choosing a feed is an important part of this change.

“If the horse is 2 or older and not pregnant or lactating, a good 10 or 12 percent protein feed is going to more than meet his protein requirements,” says Parker. “Protein will not necessarily put weight on a horse. Calories will.”

The time of year the horse comes off the track also makes a difference.

“We often see a lot of horses, especially in the Thoroughbred world, get retired following the fall race meets,” says Parker.

This often coincides with pasture quality declining, and horses are often being asked to adjust with minimal winter coats in colder weather.

“A horse that retires at, say, the end of October, versus a horse that’s being retired at the end of April, will have different nutritional demands simply because of Mother Nature,” she explains.

Although there is a lot you can’t control during the horse’s transition, trying to minimize the stress as much as possible will help in the long run.

Pelleted feeds can seem foreign to a horse freshly off the track, so you may need to start with what he is used to before gradually introducing something new. Photo by Dusty Perin

“Instead of trying to force the horse into whatever pigeonhole you’ve got in your situation, work with the horse,” says Parker. “If he was on an alfalfa/grass mix hay at the track and on a sweet feed, and you feed pelleted feed and grass hay, maybe get some alfalfa/grass mix and use that for a few weeks. You might want to start with a sweet feed and transition to a pellet, because if he’s never seen a pellet, he might have no idea what it is.

“There’s no cookie-cutter [solution] for this, because we have to treat every horse as an individual,” she adds. “That’s the one thing that I can’t stress enough.”

Restarting Under Saddle

Tucker’s first time riding a horse off the track greatly depends on his personality. Taking the time to get to know him as an individual is critical for making sure the first ride is productive. This can look different for every horse.

“I read their vibes as I’m tacking them up to see if I think they need to be longed or not,” she says. “We have gotten to know them for a couple weeks at that point, so if they seem calm, cool, and collected, I sometimes skip longeing and just hop right on. If they are giving any signs of anxiety, we start with longing or more ground work.”

Schaffer agrees.

“The first few months have looked different for all my OTTBs that I’ve taken to be riding horses,” she says.

Her gelding, Floo, needed time to rehab from a slab fracture in a knee, while her 2018 Retired Racehorse Project Thoroughbred Makeover mount retired sound and went right into his new job.

Although he came off the track in 2015, it wasn’t until 2019 that Floo hit his stride running barrels, winning a year-end buckle from a local series. Photo courtesy Layne Schaffer

Not all horses retire from racing already knowing how to longe, so taking the time before the first ride to establish ground work routines helps build the horse’s understanding of what he’s being asked to do.

The first few months off the track are all about establishing the foundation, according to Tucker.

“At three-ish months, at least with most of the babies, I focus on walk/trot/canter, both inside and outside of the ring, and not pushing them much more than that,” she says.

Tucker uses the facility’s trail course, including bridges, logs, and a small bank, to give the horses more to think about and test how ready their brains and bodies are for larger questions.

Next Career

Once the fundamentals are established, the horse can start to focus on his next career.

Deciding on the direction a horse will thrive is not an exact science. At New Vocations, Tucker and her team keep an open mind about what makes sense for each horse. Just because a horse can physically do a job doesn’t always equate to it being the best path for him. Similarly, a physically limited horse can likely still do a lot of different jobs.

Schaffer urges people to think outside the box.

“People don’t think big horses can run barrels, and really it’s about so much more than sheer size,” she says. “For just about any western sport, you want a horse that moves efficiently and that has the right conformation to do the job you want. Yes, I want a bit of a lower set hock and a shorter back, but that’s not much different than what a jumper wants. You still need that quickness and efficiency. The ranch rider is still going to want that fluid, easy movement that a hunter requires. I think every discipline can learn something from the others.”

Tucker hopes to know which direction to take her OTTBs in after six months of retraining.

“If we’re going to be eventing or jumping, we should be at least doing baby jumps and baby courses and baby cross-country,” she explains.

Some horses catch onto their new jobs a lot quicker than others.

“Six months in for some people could look the same as three months in does for others,” says Schaffer. “Things are so dependent on each individual horse and how they adjust and how they train.”

Six months after restarting under saddle, Tucker hopes to have the horse starting his new career—a jumper can do baby jumps or an eventer can start going around baby cross-country courses. Photo courtesy Retired Racehorse Project

Nutritionally, Parker says at this point it’s a matter of feeding them to meet the demands of their next career.

“The demands of a horse that’s being trail ridden once or twice a week versus a horse that’s going to be a barrel racer or an eventer changes a lot of his nutritional needs,” she notes.

Past that, it’s a lot of sorting out what makes the horse tick and building on those skills. Some horses thrive in competitive disciplines, while others flourish in quieter roles. The ultimate goal is not to force them into a specific mold, but to find a career path that suits each horse’s temperament and physical abilities.

Makeover Success

For Schaffer, it took several years for her and Floo to truly get going in her planned career path of barrel racing. Floo retired from the track in 2015, but he didn’t do his first barrel race until 2018. She said that in 2019, it finally started to all come together.

“He won a year-end buckle from a local series,” she recalls. “[Then] in 2020, we qualified as a Top Dog (top 5 in any division) for the IBRA National Finals. After a really great year in 2021, we went to the inaugural TIP Barrel Racing Championships, and he was the 1D Average Champion. He placed second in both rounds, but because he stayed so consistent, he won the average. That was such a huge moment for him because a horse that’s tough and looky—and hot—doesn’t always translate to a horse that stays super consistent. I was honored for him to be the one that won it because he’s such a cool, weird, silly little horse and the ultimate underdog, and he deserved it.”

Tucker had a similar experience with her 2018 RRP Thoroughbred Makeover horse, Wavemaker, known around the barn as Shakespeare. After the makeover, she continued eventing with him before deciding to sell him in 2024. She is now aiming for the 2025 Makeover with her current OTTB, Greyes Creek.

Both trainers think it’s crucial to remember that horses coming off the track are simply moving from one career to the next, and that their education on the track is important to remember during an OTTB’s transition.

“Just because you don’t speak that language doesn’t mean it’s wrong,” says Schaffer. “Thoroughbreds are truly the horseman’s horse. The people that raise them love them dearly!”

This article about the transition of OTTBs appeared in the September/October 2025 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

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The Five Domains animal welfare model developed by David Mellor, Ph.D., includes nutrition, environment, health, behavior, and mental state. By incorporating these into your assessment, you can build a detailed welfare picture that highlights not just physical issues, but emotional and psychological factors that may contribute to asymmetry.

For example, a horse that is mentally guarded or physically sore may brace through his back and neck, creating uneven muscle development. A horse that doesn’t feel safe may favor one side to keep an eye on perceived threats.

Understanding Asymmetry

Asymmetry can be structural (related to conformation), functional (related to how the horse moves), or a combination of both. While some degree of asymmetry is natural, it becomes a concern when it affects the horse’s ability to stay sound and healthy.

To correct asymmetry, we must first learn to see it. This begins with observing the horse in stillness and in motion: at the walk, trot, and canter; in straight lines and bending lines; and traveling up and down inclines.

Look at the shape of the horse: Does he have tight or differently developed muscles on one side? Does his barrel lean or twist? Are his hips level? Are his nostrils, ears, and eyes aligned? Does he stand with all four feet balanced underneath himself?

Learning to see symmetry and a lack of symmetry in the horse’s body is both a science and an art.

An Assessment Tool

Groundwork gives you the perfect window into recognizing asymmetry. Begin by observing your horse at the halt and in movement. You can evaluate how he carries himself through:

The cardinal planes

• Top / bottom
• Left / right
• Front / back

Direction of movement

• Forward / back
• Up / down
• Left / right

Does your horse rest one hind leg more than the other? Is his neck stiff or his jaw clenched? When you ask for movement, does he step evenly? Are transitions smooth, or rushed and lacking coordination? Does your horse struggle with canter leads? Is his poll level or tilted? Does his back lift or drop? Does he lean, collapse a shoulder, or overbend? Is there impulsion from the hind end, or resistance during transitions?

Groundwork, when approached thoughtfully, becomes a holistic method to promote symmetry, soundness, wellbeing, and self-carriage. Using principles grounded in the Five Domains Model, along with the science and art of observation and movement, you can assess and positively influence your horse’s wellbeing—starting from the ground up.

Developing Symmetry

Once you detect an imbalance, you can begin to address it. In-hand exercises that promote self-carriage are foundational. Begin at the halt with subtle bodywork techniques like:

• Hindquarter tucks: these encourage the horse to engage his abdominal muscles and lift his back.
• Wither lifts: these activate the thoracic sling.
• Telescope neck stretches: These ask the horse to reach forward and down, lengthening the topline.
• From there, move into in-hand work at the walk and trot, encouraging forward movement that starts from the hindquarters. On both straight and bending lines, observe whether the horse leads with his nose or shoulder. Use positive reinforcement when he finds correct alignment; this builds confidence and promotes a calmer parasympathetic nervous state.
• Lateral work, like haunches-in and shoulder-in, can improve impulsion, coordination, suppleness, straightness, and balance.

Each movement helps the horse understand how to step farther under his center of gravity and rebalance by shifting more weight onto his haunches and lightening his forehand.

Liberty Work

Working at liberty, the conversation deepens. The horse has the freedom to say “yes” or “no.” This builds trust and confidence and enhances the quality of the relationship. Exercises like moving through obstacles, engaging in direction changes, or mimicking your posture help the horse become more body-aware and mentally connected.

Exercises like moving through obstacles, direction changes, or mimicking your posture help the horse become more body-aware and mentally connected. Photo by Christiane Slawik

Liberty work encourages the horse to take responsibility for his own balance and enhances proprioception while supporting the development of strength, coordination, and mental focus.

The Human Role

A balanced horse begins with a balanced human. As a handler, your posture, timing, and intention affect how the horse responds. Being aware of your own “strong side” and body language allows you to guide the horse with clarity and fairness.

Training your eye is key. Add the use of your hands, video feedback, or professional guidance to refine your ability to detect subtle changes. Symmetry is about finding ease, flow, and comfort in movement.

The quest for symmetry and balance is a lifelong endeavor to build a better connection between you and your horse.

Special thanks to Cathy Languerand and Arnau Gomà for this article. Both are members of the Horses and Humans Research Foundation (HHRF) Equine Well-Being Committee. Please visit horsesandhumans.org to learn more.

This article about groundwork for asymmetry appeared in the September/October 2025 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

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Neuroscience is also reshaping our understanding of fear. We can harness these insights to unlock greater confidence, focus and performance in the saddle, whether you’re a grassroots rider or elite competitor.

Ultimately, the goal of harnessing neuropsychology in equestrian sports is to enhance your enjoyment of riding. Photo by Christiane Slawik

The Science of Fear

Fear is a complex emotional response intricately linked to your brain’s wiring. Traditionally, fear has been viewed as a negative force that can paralyze you, especially in high-stakes situations like riding. However, neuroscience has revolutionized our understanding of fear; it isn’t just something to be eradicated, but rather a natural response that you can learn to manage and even remove in times when there is no need for it.

When faced with fear, your brain activates the amygdala, which signals a “fight or flight” response. While this mechanism was crucial for our hunter-gatherer ancestors, it can be a hindrance in the arena, leading to anxiety and self-doubt.

The good news is that the human brain is neuroplastic, which means it can adapt and rewire itself. This plasticity allows you to reshape your fear response and redefine your relationship with riding.

Marian Diamond, Ph.D. (1926-2017), a pioneering neuroscientist, discovered that our brains are not fixed, but rather constantly evolving. This insight is crucial for equestrians looking to build a more resilient mindset.

The concept of neuroplasticity suggests that with practice and intention, you can retrain your brain to react differently. Imagine walking into the arena or being out on a trail, not consumed by anxiety about a challenging course, but excited for the challenge ahead.

Imagine walking into the arena or being out on a trail, not consumed by anxiety about a challenging course, but excited for the challenge ahead. Photo by Sundry Photography/Adobe Stock

The Power of Neurochemicals

Equestrians can benefit from understanding the transformative effects of key neurochemicals (neurotransmitters) that regulate mood, motivation and comfort levels. The most researched ones are dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin.

Dopamine is often referred to as the “feel-good” neurotransmitter. It’s associated with pleasure, reward, and motivation. Serotonin plays a vital role in mood regulation and emotional stability. Oxytocin is the “bonding hormone” and is crucial for social interactions and forming connections.

Dopamine is often referred to as the “feel-good” neurotransmitter. It’s associated with pleasure, reward, and motivation.

“Dopamine is released in response to rewards and helps reinforce behaviors that lead to those rewards,” says Andrew Huberman, Ph.D., a neuroscientist at Stanford University.

For equestrians, achieving small goals—like mastering a tricky maneuver or having a successful ride—can trigger dopamine release, creating a positive feedback loop that motivates you further. The key is to keep the goal small enough to ensure success or use as a steppingstone toward success.

Serotonin plays a vital role in mood regulation and emotional stability.

“Serotonin is fundamental for emotional wellbeing and contributes to feelings of happiness and calm,” according to John Ratey, M.D., a clinical associate professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School.

In the context of riding, maintaining balanced serotonin levels can help you manage stress and anxiety, allowing for a more enjoyable and focused experience in the saddle. Since your gut provides approximately 95 percent of your body’s serotonin, you can benefit from looking after your digestion and making sure not to overdo sugar, alcohol, or processed foods.

Oxytocin is the “bonding hormone” and is crucial for social interactions and forming connections. It is released during positive interactions, such as stroking or grooming a horse or experiencing moments of trust with your equine partner.

“Oxytocin enhances social bonding and can promote feelings of trust and safety,” says Sue Carter, Ph.D., a leading researcher on oxytocin. This is particularly relevant for riders (and their horses), as a strong bond can lead to improved communication and performance.

By consciously engaging in activities that boost these neurotransmitters—such as setting and achieving riding goals (dopamine); practicing emotional regulation using mindfulness, hypnotherapy or neurolinguistic programming, as well as attending to your diet (serotonin); and building a trusting relationship with your horse (oxytocin)—you can significantly enhance your overall riding experience and performance.

Unlocking Confidence & Focus

For equestrians, understanding neuroplasticity opens up many new possibilities. By recognizing that you can rewire your brain’s fear circuitry, you can shift from a mindset of dread and being burdened by pressure to one of empowerment.

One effective strategy is through the cultivation of micro-habits. James Clear, in his bestselling book Atomic Habits, highlights the importance of small, even tiny, consistent changes that lead to significant improvements over time.

For riders, this could mean setting small, achievable goals each time you mount. Whether it’s focusing on your posture, breathing, or an aspect of schooling, these micro-habits can build a foundation of confidence that makes larger goals feel more attainable.

Former Olympic eventer Jonty Evans, who is now competing in Para Dressage for Ireland, reflects on his journey through pressure in riding.

“When I was eventing seriously, I got to the stage where I really didn’t notice pressure of any kind; nothing was stronger or more prominent than my plan for each particular horse,” he says.

His experience illustrates how shifting focus can alleviate personal pressure and enable you to approach your goals with a clearer mindset.

Emotional Regulation

As you rewire your fear responses, you also gain better emotional regulation—an essential skill for any equestrian. Riding can be a rollercoaster of emotions, from excitement and joy to frustration and fear. Learning how to manage these emotions can significantly impact your performance.

One technique I often recommend is a form of mindfulness, which involves being present in the moment instead of focusing on outside distractions. You can do this by running a non-stop commentary in your head, such as constantly giving yourself instructions (for example, the degree of bend, the pressure of your aids, where you are going, and the movement you are making), which occupies your conscious mind and blocks negative self-talk.

Be present in the moment by running a commentary in your mind to block negative self-talk. This could involve instructions about your degree of bend or the pressure of your aids. Photo by Christiane Slawik

This brings you into the “now” moment. Once you achieve this, you develop a new narrative for your riding. You train your mind to remain calm, have a clear plan for the ride, communicate decisively with your horse, and regulate your emotions effectively.

Evans also emphasizes the importance of where he places his attention.

“Since my accident, my take on pressure has been far more to do with me and what I’m doing on the horse,” he says. “My drive is to make sure I’m as good as I can be. I’ve been riding a couple of young horses, which has made me focus more on them.”

This shift toward concentrating on the horse’s way of going, rather than creating what-if scenarios, is perfect for calmer, more attentive and responsive riding.

Rewiring the Fear Circuit

To actively rewire an unhelpful fear circuit, you need to engage in deliberate practice. This means confronting your fears in a controlled, gradual manner, which prevents the amygdala from firing the “fight-or-flight” response.

For instance, if you’re anxious about competing, consider attending a low-level event first, something you find exceptionally easy in terms of riding level. This exposure allows you to practice managing your fear in a supportive environment, ultimately reinforcing positive experiences associated with competition.

To rewire a fear circuit, confront your fears in a controlled, gradual manner, such as competing at a much lower level that you find easy. Photo by Christiane Slawik

Once you find a level where you are calm, your nervous system can start to make this experience more and more of a default for you. This is known as long-term potentiation (LTP). This is the process by which the connections between neurons are strengthened and that pathway becomes habitual.

For riders, repeated positive experiences can lead to lasting improvements in confidence and performance. Each time you successfully execute a maneuver or overcome a challenge, LTP reinforces the neural pathways associated with those experiences, making it easier to replicate that success in the future.

Over time, these strengthened connections can help reduce anxiety and build a more resilient mindset, allowing you to approach your training and competitions with greater assurance and confidence.

“Fear can impact the way you communicate with the horses,” says Gemma Moss, a British Grand Prix dressage rider and coach. “[This] highlights the connection between fear and the need for regular mental training; it affects the body, causing stiffness and affecting aids and fluency when riding. I work very hard on managing my emotions, nerves being one of them. For me, that side of training is as important as your monthly lessons.”

If you aren’t sure where to start with reprogramming your thoughts, consider working with an equestrian mindset coach or hypnotherapist. They can help you diminish specific fears and develop a personalized plan to tackle them when mounted. This tailored approach can be particularly beneficial for fine-tuning your mental game, no matter your riding level.

Enjoying the Ride

Ultimately, the goal of harnessing neuropsychology in equestrian sports is to enhance your enjoyment of riding. When you learn to manage fear, foster confidence, and improve your focus, you unlock a deeper connection with your horse and the sport itself. Riding becomes less about battling your inner demons and more about enjoying the partnership you have with these magnificent animals.

As you embark on this journey of mindset transformation, remember that it’s a process. There will be ups and downs, but each small step you take toward rewiring your brain brings you closer to a more fulfilling riding experience.

Embrace the challenges, celebrate your successes, and above all, enjoy the ride!

This article about equestrian neuropsychology appeared in the March/April 2025 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post Harnessing Neuropsychology in Equestrian Sports appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

It sounds ridiculous. But consider for a moment: Could we be describing your horse?

Of course, you wouldn’t drive a truck whose brakes are malfunctioning. Similarly, you shouldn’t ride a horse who relies on the reins to stop. Read that again. It’s the relying on the reins to stop that’s the problem. Horses are masters at reading and understanding body language. If phases of energy can create forward motion, then a change in energy can also mean “slow down and stop.”   

To put it bluntly, relying solely on pulling the reins to stop a horse is dangerous and ineffective. In my previous article, I taught that one of the greatest keys to riding success is to replace kicking to go forward with fair and effective phases of pressure in your body language and in your legs.

If it works for acceleration, it should also work for deceleration.

Energy and life up in our body means go forward—so taking the life away or slowing down our energy can cause a horse to slow down, naturally.

This works with horses because it works for them in nature. Horses are born innately knowing to synchronize with their mamas. When mama moves, the baby better get up and run. When mama stops, the baby learns to mirror her energy and slow down, too.

To ensure our horses recognize this communication in our world as well, we must first establish this synchronization on the ground. This reinforces our role as leaders and simplifies the transition to the saddle. By teaching the horse to mirror our energy, first on the ground and then riding, the reins become the final phase of the stop, only if needed, rather than the primary means of control.

This shift in sequence allows the reins to become so much more about communication than about control. When we put a bit in our horse’s mouth and begin to communicate with him in that zone of his body, it becomes what the great dressage master Walter Zettl taught me to call “a matter of trust.”

Teaching your horse to respond to your seat and energy first creates true understanding and a soft, balanced stop. This leaves the reins available as a communication tool to shape the horse and refine—rather than just control—the movement. Sequence is the secret: Synchronize on the ground, carry that harmony into the saddle, and for the safety of both horse and rider, always check your “brakes” before heading out on your ride.

Our goal is to teach you how to train your horse safely and effectively at home so that both you and your horse can have more fun and achieve excellence together, creating a true partnership based on trust and mutual understanding

Learn more about our digital home-study curriculum, the Levels Program, at Parelli.com and take your riding to the next level of communication and understanding.

Pat Parelli’s Horsemanship Myth Series

• Debunking 5 Common Horsemanship Myths
• Horsemanship Myth 1: “Catch your horse any way you can.”
• Horsemanship Myth 2: “Saddle them up and get on.”
• Horsemanship Myth 3: “Kick them to go.”
• Horsemanship Myth 4: “Pull them to stop.”
• Horsemanship Myth 5: “Just use the reins to turn.”

This article appeared in the September/October 2026 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post Horsemanship Myth 4: “Pull them to stop.” appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

• Teaching a young horse how to steer and stop before being ridden.
• Improving steering on children’s horses that are too small for an adult to ride.
• Building a horse’s confidence by having him taking the lead.
• Doing an enriching activity for horses that are unable to be ridden.
• Introducing a horse to obstacles or pulling a cart.

Ground driving is a great way to improve a horse’s steering and stopping before he is ridden. Photo by Jason Irwin

Getting Started in Teaching Your Horse to Ground Drive

I use a saddle, a bridle with a snaffle bit, and two long driving lines. A surcingle may also be used in place of a saddle, and you may want to carry a buggy whip to encourage forward motion.

Note: When ground driving, I run the driving lines from the bridle through the stirrups and then back to me. I tie the stirrups beneath the belly using a piece of rope to prevent them from flapping.

Before running driving lines through the stirrups, tie the stirrups beneath the horse’s belly. This prevents the stirrups from flopping around. Photo by Jason Irwin

Before putting the bridle on the horse and hooking the lines up to the bit, it’s best to get the horse used to the feel of the lines around his hind end. Sometimes when a horse first feels a line touch his hindquarters, he might be tempted to bolt, turn quickly, or even kick at it.

To train him to get used to the feeling of the lines, begin with your horse wearing a halter and lead rope and saddled up. It’s best to use a halter for this part so you don’t accidentally pull too hard on the bit in the horse’s mouth.

Assuming you’re starting on the left side of the horse, connect one line to the right D-ring on the right side of the saddle and run it behind the horse’s haunches (be careful not to get kicked). Hold the line in your right hand, leaving slack in it for now, and hold the lead rope that runs to the halter in your left hand.

Start by having the horse circle around you at a walk, and then put slight tension on the line so that it makes contact with his haunches. Have the horse circle once with a small amount of tension, and then release the pressure and then repeat this several times.

Once the horse seems to be accepting of the line, you’re ready to move on to the next part.

Ready to Ground Drive

When a horse learns to ground drive, it’s a good idea to have a second person help you for the first few sessions. Put a halter under the bridle and have the second person lead the horse while you drive him. This helps the horse figure out what he’s supposed to do and keeps him from suddenly turning and getting wrapped up in the lines.

It can be done with one person, but it’s easier with two. It’s also better to drive in a small area in the beginning, if possible, so the horse doesn’t have too big of a space to pick up speed.

To start driving, hook up the right driving line to the right bit ring and run the line through the right stirrup. Do the same on the left. Keep one driving line in each hand and don’t tie them together. You can either let the remainder trail on the ground behind you or gather up the ends and hold them.

Now stand behind the horse a safe distance away from his hind end. Here is where you can either use a voice cue, such as “walk on,” or create a little flapping motion with the lines to get the horse to walk forward. This might feel strange to the horse because he’s used to you leading him most places. This is why a second person is good to have in the beginning to give the horse confidence to move forward.

Don’t make any turns or stops in the beginning, just get forward motion and follow the perimeter of the area that you are in.

Turning, Stopping & Backing

Once the horse is moving forward nicely, try to change directions by steering through the center of the pen and heading out the other way. This gives the horse a lot of space to make the initial turns. Again, keep following the perimeter in the new direction.

Once the forward motion and change of direction is going well, you can work on stopping. It’s best to not work on stopping at the beginning of the session because the horse will have more energy and might not be content to stand still.

To stop, just pick up on the lines until he comes to a stop, then release the pressure. You can use the voice cue “whoa” as well. The first few times you practice stopping, only stay stopped for 10 or 20 seconds, then get the horse moving forward again.

He might be a bit confused as to what to do when he’s standing by himself and might start to fidget. Try to get forward motion before the horse starts losing focus. Your helper can assist with keeping the horse calm for this part.

Begin with a helper if possible to keep the horse moving forward while teaching the new cues from the lines. Photo by Jason Irwin

If the horse seems like he needs some reassurance, carefully walk up to his hip and stroke him with your hand to help him remain relaxed. Eventually, you can add in a few back-up steps by pulling on the lines and releasing as he backs up. Once all these steps are going well, you won’t need the helper anymore.

To advance the horse’s turns, you can practice rollback-type turns toward the fence or arena wall. Drive him 3 or 4 feet out from the fence and then have him turn sharply toward the fence and continue forward in the new direction. Turning toward the fence causes him to turn more sharply, which makes for better turns. Even though the turns will likely be faster, remember to keep your hands soft and light on the lines.

In early training, following the fence helps to keep to keep the horse straight. Photo by Jason Irwin

Adding Speed

To pick up speed, stand to one side of the horse and have him circle around you like you’re longeing him. Ask for a trot by using a voice cue, or flap lightly with the lines. Once your horse is trotting, keep him circling around you so you don’t have to run behind him.

To go faster than a walk, have the horse move in a circle around you, similar to longeing. Photo by Jason Irwin

If you’re moving straight, you’ll have to go as fast as your horse to keep up. By having him on a circle, you won’t have to chase behind him. Also, if your horse picks up too much speed and you find him hard to stop, just put him on a smaller circle, which will help slow him down.

Once your horse is ground driving well, you can add some obstacle work or even start cart training. Ground driving is a fun way to spend time with your horse and even has lots of benefits that transfer to under saddle work.

This article about teaching a horse to ground drive appeared in the May/June 2025 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post Teach Your Horse to Ground Drive appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

A mark is any object that you train your horse to go to. We typically use a thick piece of wood that is a couple feet long and a couple feet wide. You can also use a mat, a pedestal, et cetera.

Photo by Bronwyn Irwin

What is Mark Training?

Mark training has often been used in the film and television industry. For example, say a horse was being filmed and needed to run into a scene and then stop at a particular spot in an open field. The trainer can’t be standing near the horse, so he must be taught to go to a mark.

The trainer puts the mark down, practices calling the horse to it, and then sends him to it again with the cameras rolling. However, even if you have no practical need to send your horse to a mark, it’s a cool skill and quite fun to teach to horses.

The main concept is that you’re going to work your horse away from the mark and then rest him on the mark. This builds the horse’s desire to be on the mark because he will look at it as a place of rest and comfort.

When I say “on the mark,” I mean the horse’s front feet are both on the mark. For the purposes of this article, we’ll assume you’re using a piece of wood.

Getting Started with Mark Training Your Horse

First, you need the horse to be comfortable standing on the mark. Begin by walking the horse onto the wood and then petting him. You might have to lift up a foot to help position him on the mark the first few times that you do this.

Now back the horse off the mark, walk him around for a minute, and then lead him back onto the mark and pet him again. Repeat this several times.

Remember to back the horse off the mark instead of leading him forward and over it when it’s time to leave. This is because eventually you’re going to send the horse to the mark at a fast speed, and you never want him to cross over the mark or he might overshoot it as speed is added.

Adding Cues

Now that the horse is comfortable standing on the piece of wood, you then want him to begin going to it on cue. Start by standing about 6 feet it front of the horse and position the mark halfway between you and him.

Position the mark roughly halfway between you and the horse and then practice calling him onto the mark. A whip can be used to help guide him. Photo by Bronwyn Irwin

The horse should be outfitted with a halter and lead rope. It’s also a good idea to hold a training stick or a buggy whip.

Now say the word “mark,” and pull on the lead rope to call the horse forward and onto the mark. You can also use the whip to help guide him where you want him to go. The horse will probably fumble around the first few times, but use a lot of patience and help the horse onto the mark. Be sure to pet and reward him once he completes the task.

It’s a good idea to do this drill standing beside an arena wall or fence, because the fence will help keep the horse straight, and it won’t be easy for him to just wander around the mark. You can gradually begin to call the horse to the mark from a farther distance.

Increasing Effort

Once the horse it starting to go to the mark on command, you now want to create more desire in him and have him put more effort into the training.

To do this, position the mark in the middle of the arena. Stand on the mark yourself and begin to longe the horse around you. Assuming your horse is circling to the left, have him go around you a couple times, then call “mark,” and at the same time swing your whip under the lead rope to the left to cut the horse off.

Next, back up and draw the horse onto the mark. You will likely have to help him onto the mark with the lead rope the first few times you do this exercise, but gradually try to guide the horse to the piece of wood using the whip.

Keep in mind that you are going to eventually do this with no halter or lead rope, so you need to work toward not relying on those tools. The reason for longeing the horse around you and then onto the mark is that it shows the horse that being away from the mark is work, while the mark itself is the resting place.

As the horse improves in his training, you can then work toward sending him to the mark. Instead of you being near the mark, you’re going to be somewhere else, and it’s the horse’s job to go to the mark on his own without you guiding him there.

Once the horse can be called to the mark, you can work on sending him to the mark from a distance. Begin by longeing him around you and then send him to the mark. Photo by Bronwyn Irwin

Gaining Independence

Start by positioning the mark beside a wall or fence. Longe the horse slowly around you and onto the mark. Be sure to give the voice cue “mark” right as he nears the mark. You want him to walk onto the mark and stop.

You can block him a little bit with the whip to encourage him to stop. Positioning the mark in an arena corner can also help prevent the horse from overshooting the object.

Go very slow with this part, but as the horse starts to go to the mark on his own, you can then send him from greater distances and at faster speeds. When everything is working well, you will take off the halter and lead rope and do this at liberty.

Photo by Bronwyn Irwin

Remember to use a lot of patience with this training. Make sure the horse views the mark as a very happy place to be, and don’t work too long during any one session because you want to make this fun for the horse as well as for you.

Good luck to you and your horse!

Check out www.thehorsetrainers.com for more training tips from Jason and Bronwyn Irwin.

This article about mark training your horse appeared in the July/August 2025 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

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Think back to the last horse race you watched. Can you remember a single jockey who kicked their horse to speed them up? Now, juxtapose that image against the powerful bucking horses who dominate the rodeo arena. How are the cowboys coaxing their horses to perform with even bigger bucks? Kicking, of course.

So why do we choose not to kick our horses to go forward? A few simple reasons:

1. Kicking creates brace and opposition (think rodeo bucking horses).

2. Kicking limits our communication to just one message: Go forward (think of all the other things we want our legs to say).

3. Kicking bypasses the most effective path to forward movement: our body energy (think Thoroughbred jockeys).

One of the greatest keys to riding success is to replace kicking to go forward with fair and effective phases of pressure in your body language and in your legs.

Horses are masters at knowing what happens before what happens, happens—which means we can teach our horses to synchronize with our body energy even before we use our legs. Start with your energy first and build to a squeeze down your legs to create understanding and willing forward motion.

I teach all my students to “smile with all four cheeks, and turn that smile into a squeeze,” releasing the squeezing pressure as soon as the horse responds. And this is just the beginning!

My definition of true Horse-Man-Ship is the perpetual and progressive series of habits and skills that both horses and humans need on the ground and in the saddle to become partners, in preparation for purpose and performance. No matter your chosen specialty, the pathway to success and harmony comes down to the quality of your habits and skills.

As we progress in our horsemanship, we continue to refine our communication so that legs mean yield sideways, speed up, back up, haunches in or out, and so much more!  The result? A responsive horse with soft, balanced movement who listens to whisper-light cues.

Our goal is to teach you how to train your horse safely and effectively at home, so that both you and your horse can have more fun and achieve excellence together, creating a true partnership based on trust and mutual understanding. 

Learn more about our digital home-study curriculum, the Levels Program, at Parelli.com and take your riding to the next level of communication and understanding.

Pat Parelli’s Horsemanship Myth Series

• Debunking 5 Common Horsemanship Myths
• Horsemanship Myth 1: “Catch your horse any way you can.”
• Horsemanship Myth 2: “Saddle them up and get on.”
• Horsemanship Myth 3: “Kick them to go.”
• Horsemanship Myth 4: “Pull them to stop.”
• Horsemanship Myth 5: “Just use the reins to turn.”

The post Horsemanship Myth 3: “Kick them to go.” appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Trainer Nancy Nemmers says horses are often worried when they first approach a bridge obstacle because of the sound it makes as they step up. The bridge can also be a challenge for horses because they must approach slowly with precise foot placement. If you don’t have a bridge to practice on at home, consider building one or find a local trainer’s course where you can practice. You don’t want your horse to experience the hollow-sounding bridge for the first time at a horse show.

Photo by Heidi Nyland Melocco

Nemmers makes sure to practice the bridge every time she rides. She coaches her students to take on the bridge first from the ground, then from the saddle. Once the bridge is an easy obstacle on its own, she makes sure to change the approach. In shows, there may be different obstacles right before the bridge that make the step-up more challenging. Here, Nemmers will guide you through her bridge-working progression so your horse will be familiar with the bridge and ready for any approach.

“The bridges we see in the ranch trail classes are flat and usually 4 inches off the ground,” Nemmers says. “The hollow sound under that short bridge can be worrisome to some horses at the start, so it’s important to practice regularly with a bridge that’s well-built and sturdy.”

The Set Up

For AQHA ranch trail classes, the bridge must be at least 3 feet wide and 6 feet long so a horse can safely negotiate it at a walk. Nemmers suggests having a bridge that isn’t steep when you’re first introducing a horse to the obstacle.

“Of course, you don’t want anybody falling through or stumbling to step up too high,” she says. “The bridge in a show could have brush around it, or you may see poles nearby. There may be poles placed at angles before you step onto the bridge. Whether it’s decorated or not, the importance of a safe and sturdy bridge is key.”

First Steps

If your horse is well-trained to ride but hasn’t stepped on a bridge before, use caution as you make your first approach.

Nemmers says that each horse is different. Some horses will step over effortlessly on the first request, while others take time to overcome their fear when stepping up or hearing the hollow bridge sound.

If you’re uncertain of your horse’s prior experiences, consider leading him up to a bridge while haltered to see his response. If your horse seems calm, you may choose to ride up to the bridge to gauge his reaction. Nemmers says to choose what’s best for your horse and your own confidence.

“Most horses are going to look at it, stop, and put their nose down to sniff it; when they do something like that, that’s when you encourage them to take that first step over the bridge,” Nemmers says.

If a horse continually resists going over the bridge, Nemmers dismounts and introduces the obstacle from the ground with the horse haltered.

“Usually that works pretty well,” she says. “I’ll walk over it with him and after two or three times you can get back on and have him walk right up to it and go over it. If a horse is really resisting, I might take him over the short side first, so he doesn’t have to go so far. Build his confidence.”

Encouraging Position

When you’re ready to ride over the bridge, make sure to have an encouraging body position. Nemmers says that means to ride with a slightly forward body position and your reining hand up and slightly forward. She wants to have contact with the bridle but allow the horse to move forward without resistance.

When you’re ready to ride over the bridge, make sure to have an encouraging body position. Ride with a slightly forward body position and your reining hand up and slightly forward. Photo by Heidi Nyland Melocco

Make sure to use your whole body in your approach. Nemmers says she pulses with both legs to encourage the horse to move on without stopping.

If your horse won’t move onto the bridge, back up a few steps and ask him to move forward again.

“I don’t want my horse to think that I’m letting him leave and get his way,” she says. “If I walk up to the bridge and a horse stops and I can tell he’s thinking, ‘I’m not doing it,’ I might let him sit there for 10 seconds to look at it and smell it and then ask and encourage him to go forward again. If he still doesn’t step up, I’ll back up 10 steps and ask him to go forward again. It may take 10 tries. It’s not always going to be instant. Finally, that horse will decide that this is not a bad thing, and he’s going to trust you.”

Show Ready

Nemmers says that once your horse will willingly cross the bridge, it’s time to add in some obstacles before and after the bridge crossing.

“At shows, I’ve seen a diamond pattern with poles set up just before the bridge,” she says. “You have to walk over those first and then go straight into the bridge approach. The horse must always be looking forward between obstacles and know where his feet are.”

When you’re in a show, judges will watch for your horse’s continual forward motion.

The judge will be looking for continual forward motion. Photo by Heidi Nyland Melocco

“The judge will want to see the horse looking forward and having his ears forward to show he’s interested and paying attention,” she explains.

Your horse will lose points if he doesn’t maintain a straight direction over the bridge, stops without a command, or steps off the side. 

Stay straight and don’t let your horse step off the side of the bridge. Photo by Heidi Nyland Melocco

Keep it Up

Nemmers says she practices the bridge obstacle each time she rides a horse at her home trail course. She likes to mix it up, putting the bridge in different parts of her practice routine so that she seldom goes in the same order.

At a show, there will be other obstacles right before and after the bridge to test your horse. Photo by Heidi Nyland Melocco

“I’ll go over the bridge a couple of times during each practice,” she says. “If the horse is willing and does it correctly, I move on to something else. If we need to spend extra time, I take the time and do the progression of work. We have 15 trail obstacles in our trail arena, and I don’t keep them in any order. I make sure to do a totally different pattern every single day.”

Mix it up and you’ll find the obstacle at a show will be easy to cross.

This article about the bridge obstacle in the ranch horse trail class appeared in the July/August 2025 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post Practice the Bridge Obstacle for Ranch Horse Trail appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Equestrians With Disabilities

When therapeutic riding centers wanted to find a way to recognize and celebrate their riders outside of their own arenas, they started looking for horse shows so their riders could experience the thrill of taking home a ribbon and their name called over the speakers.

In the early 2000s, the head of one such center approached the National Snaffle Bit Association (NSBA) with a need for a national platform and standardized rules for equestrian competition for riders with physical or cognitive disabilities. It didn’t take long for the NSBA to organize a task force of equine professionals, judges, and therapeutic riding professionals to develop rules and standards for these classes. With that, Equestrians With Disabilities (EWD) was born.

“(The NSBA) began to promote the classes and encourage shows to include these classes in their showbills,” says Elise Sheard with the NSBA Foundation. The NSBA World Championship Show first hosted EWD classes in 2009.

EWD classes have grown tremendously since debuting in 2009, and are now held at major shows across the country. Photo courtesy Shane Rux

Since then, there has been tremendous growth in EWD, with classes held at horse shows across the country. Many major shows now host classes, including The All American Quarter Horse Congress, Palomino World Show, Appaloosa National and World Championship Show, and the Dixie Nationals.

“There has also been significant growth on a more local level beyond the above major circuits,” says Sheard. “State Quarter Horse affiliates such as Illinois, Wisconsin, West Virginia, and many more regularly offer EWD classes at all of their shows. Any NSBA show can add EWD classes to their show approval.”

There are two divisions for EWD classes: Independent and Supported. The Supported division allows for a person at the head of the horse to lead and one or two individuals walking alongside the rider. There are specific rules regarding the roles of handlers, leaders and sidewalkers for the Supported division. Horses used in the EWD classes do not have to be owned by the exhibitor or their immediate family, and any breed of horse may be shown.

The EWD Supported division allows for a person at the head of the horse to lead and one or two individuals walking alongside the rider. Photo courtesy Shane Rux

EWD: Who Can Compete?

According to the NSBA’s Rulebook for Equestrians with Disabilities:

“In order to participate an exhibitor must have a physical and/or cognitive medically diagnosed condition that causes a permanent impairment that can be measured objectively. Examples of conditions, diseases or disorders that may lead to permanent impairment are: paresis, amputation (partial to full joint), ankylosis, upper motor neuron lesions, vision impairment, and intellectual disability. Eligible conditions include: amputation, arthrogryposis, Asperger syndrome, autism spectrum disorder, Batten disease, cerebrovascular accident (stroke), cerebellar ataxia, cerebral palsy, Coffin-Lowry syndrome, cystic fibrosis, Down syndrome, dwarfism, fragile X syndrome, Friedreich’s ataxia, Guillain-Barre syndrome, hearing impairment, Hunter syndrome, microcephaly, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, Prader-Willi syndrome, Rett syndrome, spina bifida, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, trisomy disorders and visual impairment. Additional diagnosis will be considered upon request.”

In order to compete in EWD classes, exhibitors must submit an official diagnosis form, a membership form to the corresponding national organization, an acceptable adaptive equipment form, and a riding ability form. The last two are completed and signed by a certified instructor or coach with PATH International, the Special Olympics, U.S. Para-Equestrian, Certified Horsemanship Association, or a certified instructor who is also in good standing with the host organization.

Classes available for EWD include showmanship, hunt seat equitation on the flat, hunter under saddle, trail, western horsemanship, and western pleasure.

Classes available for EWD include showmanship, hunt seat equitation on the flat, hunter under saddle, trail, western horsemanship, and western pleasure. Photo courtesy Shane Rux

Para-Reining

When Para-Reining was first held as a class at a National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) event, it was first called “adaptive reining.” NRHA Professional Jennifer Hoyt has been at the helm of the division since its debut in 2014.

“I had a young man that started to ride with me that had some disabilities,” explains Hoyt. “I was so impressed with how well our horses were broke to handle any rider.”

The intrigue of the brokeness of the reiner inspired Hoyt to see how well her horses handled riders with disabilities.

“It’s not that horses of other breeds or disciplines aren’t broke, but there’s just a way that reiners are settled and calm that makes them easier to ride, in general,” she says. “I knew NRHA needed to have a place for people with disabilities and to be all-inclusive.”

The difference between Para-Reining and EWD is that Para-Reiners must ride independently.

“With Equestrians With Disabilities, you may have individuals that need to be led or have support,” explains Hoyt. “When we created Para-Reining, we were adamant that this was an independently ridden event and the riders must be able to control the horse by themselves.”

The disabilities for riders in Para-Reining are more physical—riders might be missing a lower limb, or suffer some paralysis or another physical ailment such as cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, et cetera. Rider Holly Jacobson, for example, was injured in a car fire when she was 23.

“My right arm was amputated above the elbow, and I lost all of the fingers on my left hand,” she says. “I had several burns that required years of reconstructive surgery.”

The EWD Supported division allows for a person at the head of the horse to lead and one or two individuals walking alongside the rider. Photo courtesy Shane Rux

Jacobson grew up riding horses and became involved in Para-Dressage after her accident before she discovered Para-Reining.

“When Para-Reining started, I migrated with a bunch of other dressage riders to help promote the sport, and several of us got hooked,” she says.

As with all reining, patterns for Para-Reiners are dictated in the NRHA Handbook, and they can be adjusted for specified grades of riders. However, like all reining patterns, there are some required maneuvers for Para-Reining. These include at least one sliding stop, one circle in each direction, a minimum of two spins to the left and two spins to the right.

Like all reining patterns, there are some required maneuvers for Para-Reining, such as at least one sliding stop. Photo courtesy NRHA

Riders don’t need to own their horse, but the horse does have to have a competition license through the NRHA.

Riders can use the following provisions when competing:

◆ Specialty braces and/or belts

◆ Audio communication equipment

◆ Trainer/handler present in the arena

◆ Boot adaptations

◆ Rein hand holds

◆ Rubber bands

◆ Saddle blocks

◆ Wedges and/or cushions

◆ Safety stirrups

◆ Seat savers

◆ Whips

Para-Reining competitors must ride independently, but provisions such as rubber bands, safety stirrups, and more are permitted. Photo by Waltenberry

The growth of Para-Reining has been organic, thanks to the passion of the exhibitors and professionals such as Hoyt. Any NRHA show can add the classes to their show bill if there is a request, but Hoyt has seen some hesitation between show managers and trainers due to concerns for safety for the rider.

“Trainers tend to be afraid if a rider with a disability asks about lessons,” she says. “They can ask the rider what their disability is; people with disabilities aren’t afraid to tell you. You just have to find them the right horse, or adapt to how a horse is trained, or any other necessity for that rider to be successful. But our horses are fully capable of being a suitable mount for Para-Reiners.”

Jacobson agrees.

“My talented, kind horse, Shiney Juice, is my heart horse,” she says. “He’s carried me to two Para-National Reserve Championships and the Dechra Championship title in 2021.”

A Horse for Everyone

Both programs are helping open the world of horses and competition to a larger audience. Approximately 22 million adults ages 18 to 64 have a disability (according to Humanity & Inclusion), giving both EWD and Para-Reining important roles among this special sector of American horse enthusiasts.

“Equestrians With Disabilities is awesome, Para-Reining is awesome,” says Hoyt. “They’re both great offerings for people to become involved. They just need to have someone take a chance with them.”

Jacobson sees it as a huge win.

“Anytime a sport opens up to disabled athletes, [it shows] how people adapt using some modifications to live a fully engaged life and what’s possible,” she says. “The horse is the ultimate equalizer between men and women, able-bodied and para.”

The post Para-Reining and Equestrians With Disabilities: A Ride for Everyone appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Figure-8 Pole

The setup for this exercise is fairly simple. You just need four poles—bonus points if they have a center stripe—and two standards (or other jump supports that are safe to use).

Start with one pole on the ground with a standard on either side, and the other poles off to the side out of the way.

After a brief warmup, pick up a trot and begin a figure-8 shape that passes over the center of the ground pole. This figure-8 should be ridden with a straight line in between the circles so that you have an opportunity to change bend, similar to two capital letter D’s back-to-back.

Make the circles medium in size, large enough that your horse isn’t having to overly exert himself, but small enough that it’s easy to feel him driving from the inside hind leg. This is where the phrase “inside leg to outside rein” comes into play, as you must be sure to keep your horse on the same track each time and prevent him from falling in, keeping him correctly between the aids.

Allison demonstrates riding inside leg to outside rein. Photo by Lauren Terrell

As you change the bend, be sure to begin the new bend with your new inside leg asking your horse to bend at the ribcage. This prevents the common mistake of only riding a horse’s head and neck.

If your horse is struggling with one of the circle directions more than the other, take a moment to stay on a circle in the difficult direction until you find the amount of support he needs to keep from falling in or out. It is completely normal for one side to ride easier than the other.

Adding Canter & Cross-Rail

Once this is going well, move to a canter circle over the pole. Stick to tracking in only one direction, as we will add the need for lead changes later. This is another good test of inside leg to outside rein, as your horse will have more momentum and will need to stay balanced and rocked back onto his outside hind to avoid an accidental lead change over the pole.

Allison keeps Oakley straight over the ground pole. Photo by Lauren Terrell

After this has been achieved for two to four continuous circles each direction, put a cross-rail where the pole was, with two poles forming a chute leading to the center of the cross-rail on the takeoff side.

Now take a small break from focusing on turning to focusing on straightness, focusing on how riding so many turns and circles has tuned you in to your horse’s natural drifts and small unbalances.

The pair stays straight and centered over the cross-rail using chute poles on the takeoff side. Photo by Lauren Terrell

Pick up a canter somewhere closer to the landing side of the jump. Canter down the long side of the area, thinking about a balanced, uphill canter. Look over your inside shoulder to find a track that will bring you to the center of the jump and allow you to be straight beforehand for about four or five strides.

Keep your horse straight for approach, takeoff, and landing. After cantering straight for four or five strides on the landing, turn in the direction of the lead your horse landed on. If your horse heavily favors one side, you may need to consciously restart the exercise tracking the other direction—but still try not to influence the landing lead.

Jumping at an Angle

If you’re looking to level up, take out the pole chute on the takeoff side and practice some jumps at an angle. It’s important to remember that when jumping at an angle, you will still be jumping the center of the jump, and that straightness is still very much a factor.

Jumping the jump at an angle will require your horse to shift to a smoother, more traditional figure-8 shape, and to land on the opposite lead from takeoff.

Allison asks Oakley to switch leads over the cross-rail after jumping at an angle without the chute poles. Photo by Lauren Terrell

For example, if riding a right lead canter, you will look for a track that takes off from the left of center and lands to the right of center on the left lead. You will ride slightly past the jump, create a chute with your legs and reins to achieve straightness for approach and takeoff, then look left, pull your left shoulder back, shift your hips right, and gently squeeze the left rein to encourage your horse to land on the left lead.

It’s very important not to pull your horse off balance and cause him to fall on his left shoulder and off of the figure 8-track. If for any reason you or your horse are not ready for landing leads, simply halt on a straight line and then pick up the new lead from the walk or trot.

Mastering these exercises will help your horse become more balanced at the canter and land on the desired lead throughout your jump courses.

This article about exercises to balance your horse’s turns appeared in the May/June 2025 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post Balance Your Horse’s Turns appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.