by Angela Sample

Created on: December 22, 2008   Last Updated: December 09, 2010

If you follow this exercise, you will achieve a nice, square, balanced turn. The time it takes to achieve this depends on you and your horse's abilities.

First, you need to set up the ring. Create an approximately 15m square in the middle of the ring by using a cone or small jump block at each corner of the square. These will merely be used as markers for you to remember to cue the horse. Also, bring a dressage whip or longer crop with you when you mount. You will not use this to smack the horse - it will only be used as an aid. If your horse becomes upset by the sight of a whip, then do not bring it with you.

Next, mount your horse and prepare yourself. You must ensure that you are sitting tall with your shoulders back. Sit back on your seat bones. If you are comfortable with your balance, you should also take your feet out of the stirrups until you master this exercise.

Start by walking your horse around the square, allowing him to get comfortable with the direction and to see the markers. For the purposes of this exercise, we will assume that you are going to the right. Gather up your reins, so that you have a little contact with his mouth. As soon as you are ready, go up to the first marker and halt (stop) your horse. Slightly turn your body and move your eyes in to the direction (the next corner) that you want to go. Move your left foot up towards his left shoulder. Move your right leg back, slightly behind the girth. Place the crop/whip on the left shoulder (by your foot). Do not hit him with it, merely rest it there.

These next few steps must be done simultaneously. Place your weight on your right seat bone and press your right calf very firmly in to the side of your horse to push him over. At the same time, firmly press your left foot (not your heel) and the crop/whip in to the horse's left shoulder. Hold your left rein steady, with your elbow back by your side and use a little right rein to move his head in the direction you want him to go. By doing these maneuvers simultaneously you are asking him to move away from your right leg, but then constraining him to turn right by using your left foot, the crop/whip, and left rein to block his movement. Keep pushing with the right leg and blocking with your left aids until he turns. Eventually, you will stop using your left foot and crop/whip as aids once he learns how to turn.

Once he does turn, continue to walk to the next marker and halt. Repeat the above steps until he turns. Continue this pattern until your horse is turning with little resistance at the markers.

Once you have mastered a good, square turn, continue walking him up to each marker, but do not halt. Use your cues and continue to walk around the corner. Expect some resistance, as you are asking him to turn and to walk at the same time. Once he masters this, you can move up to a trot, which is trickier because it is faster; or you can move out to the rest of the ring and try your new technique at each corner at a walk. Also, do not forget to repeat the exercises going to the left. Just remember that patience is the key, but always pays off in the end.

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