What Is a Turn on the Forehand?
- talesoftori
- 20 hours ago
- 2 min read
✨ TES Weekly Riding Skill Spotlight: Turn on the Forehand
What Is a Turn on the Forehand?
A turn on the forehand is a basic movement where the horse’s hindquarters step in a small circle around the horse’s front end, which stays almost in place.
The hind legs move
The front legs mostly stay near the same spot
The horse bends slightly around the rider’s inside leg
It teaches the horse to move away from gentle pressure — one of the most important skills in riding.
🟦 What Aids Do Riders Use?
1. Inside Leg at the Girth
This is the primary aid.
The rider applies a steady, gentle pressure with the inside leg at the girth.
This tells the horse:
“Move your hindquarters away from my leg.”
2. Outside Rein (Supporting Rein)
Keeps the horse from walking forward.
Provides a soft “boundary” so the horse stays in place.
The rider holds a steady, quiet outside rein contact.
3. Inside Rein
Gives a slight flexion to the inside so the horse understands the direction of the bend.
Not pulling — just enough to ask the horse to look slightly inward.
4. Rider’s Seat
Neutral, centered seat.
Rider stays tall and balanced to help the horse stay calm and organized.
5. Outside Leg (Back a Little)
Helps control the hindquarters and keep the turn neat.
Prevents the horse from swinging too quickly.
In simple terms:
Inside leg asks.
Outside rein controls.
Seat stays quiet.
Horse learns to yield calmly and softly.
🟩 Why Do We Teach a Turn on the Forehand?
A turn on the forehand is one of the most useful foundation movements we teach at TES because it helps both riders and horses develop important skills.
1. It Improves Responsiveness to the Leg
The horse learns to quietly move its hindquarters away from gentle pressure — a fundamental part of good communication. This skill later becomes the basis for bending, circles, leg yield, and more advanced work.
2. It Helps Riders Develop Control and Coordination
Riders learn how to use their aids together:
inside leg to ask
outside rein to support
inside rein for soft flexion
quiet, centered seat
It’s a wonderful exercise for timing and balance.
3. It Keeps Lessons Interesting for Horses
Just like people, horses enjoy variety.
Repeating the same patterns can get boring or mentally flat for them. Adding movements like turns on the forehand keeps their minds engaged and their training well-rounded. A mentally interested horse is a happier, safer, and more willing partner.
4. It Improves Safety and Maneuverability
Teaching a horse to move its hind end away from pressure makes it easier and safer to:
approach the mounting block
move the horse over on the rail
adjust position in tight spaces
prevent crowding or drifting into another horse
5. It Loosens and Strengthens the Horse’s Body
The movement gently stretches the horse’s hips, improves suppleness, and develops strength in the hindquarters.