by Melinda Cowan

Created on: December 16, 2008   Last Updated: June 25, 2009

Actually, you can use your eyes to cue your horse to turn. Can cuing your horse to turn be that easy? The answer is an absoulte yes. Simply look in the direction that you want to go. It's really as easy as 1, 2, 3. So, here goes, first, when you are on your horse, 1. look with your eyes in the direction that you want your horse to go; 2. next, turn your head (and your shoulders will follow); and 3. last, you can give a little nudge with your foot. If you want to go left, a little nudge with your left foot. Then, you can move your right foot forward just a bit to support the horse's body in the turn. This "nudge" is really not necessary because when you turn your body your legs shift/adjust to the sides of the horse automatically. For instance, for a left turn, if you look left and turn your body left, your left leg will slide farther back and your right leg will slide forward (toward the horse's shoulder).

Lots of times I see people aimlessly jerking on the reins expecting a turn. The horse usually ends up tossing its head. Sometimes, a no-win tug of war ensues. Sometimes, the horse inevitably figures it out by trying to get away from you pulling on their mouth with the reins. However, if you simply look in the direction (with your eyes and body) that you wish to travel, your horse will more than likely take you there. When you turn and look in any direction, your horse will feel your body change directions. That should really be his "cue" that you want to go in another direction. Then, he should follow your lead.

I have found that riding a horse is a lot like dancing. Sometimes I lead, at others he does. For instance, when we are on a difficult trail ride, I follow and let him lead when choosing which path to take down a steep cliff. However, this has to be a give and take because there are times when he has to follow my lead. I understand and recognize that I don't always know best. My deference to makes our relationship one of mutual give and take. This works out so much better than, "I am man with lots of leather and metal and you will do as I command"!

For best results, try looking at where you want to go before you give any further cues to your horse. I think you will find that the majority of the time, this is enough. If you work at it, cutting your eyes and the slightest turn of your head will cause a change in the direction of your horse and reins will be unnecessary.

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