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Pathetic, I know

2K views 9 replies 4 participants last post by  HooverH 
#1 ·
I've ridden since I was in kidergarden. (im 14 now) SOOO you would THINK i'd know ALOT right?

Well, i hate to admit this, but ever since I've started riding, I've had a few lessons, but all those lessons EVER taught me was to kick to go, pull back to stop, and neck reign to turn.
I know this isn't the right way to ride, and I've been trying to squeeze my legs instead of kicking, and leaning on each seatbone to turn. I've also read magazines and books about leg cues, but it's all so complicated.
Could someone please just tell me plain and simple, the correct ways to slow, speed up, with leg cues and shifting wieght? Thanks.
I shudder to think my first horse was being kicked and pulled until the day she died. :cry:
 
#4 ·
Well, to move forward, you want to squeeze with your calf muscles and slightly turn your toes out. You don't want to bring your heels up. If he doesn't respond to your first few tries, don't resort to bringing up your heels or kicking him--you'll just desensitize him to your leg pressure. If he doesn't respond, use a crop or your split reins and give him a quick smack right behind your leg.

When you want to slow down, you'll open up your hip angle, sit deeper, and pick up your reins. I'm not quite sure on all the details stopping a western horse, so read up some more on it! lol!
 
#9 ·
I think i might be able to help you out.

To turn:
-What we teach at the handicap ranch (using direct Reinin), is that when you want to turn right, for example, you would squeeze with your calf on your left leg and take your right rein and pull it to your pocket then release when the horse has turned. To turn left you would preform the same thing but with your right leg and left rein.

p.s.- we dont teach teh kids at the Handi. Ranch to use leg pressure because they don't quite understand.

to stop:
- Well to stop a horse, you would keep your calfs OFF the horse, You do not want to confuse the horse by squeezin and then pullin back. What you want to do is if you horse is good at stoppin then all you will need to do is sit deep and pull the reins to your belly and when he stops then you release. Course with nana all i got to do is pull the riens backs, but she is real good at stoppin (lol sometimes)..

to slow down:
- Well it depends how well the horse is trained. Some horses are trained to slow down when you give the que "easy", but just makes sure your not squeeze with your calfs when you ask to slow down. You can give Half-halts, you can sit deep and tell them easy.. sometimes if a horse just wont slow down sometimes you gotta bring them to a stop for a sec then go again or do acouple of small vaultays to get them to slow down.. or you could do cones and make turns really deep and long.

I really hope this helps you, and if you got anymore questions you can private message me anytime.

Thanks,
Brandon
 
#10 ·
Hm. Well, I can tell you what I've been taught so far. I'm assuming with this you have a horse that hasn't been ridden all that much.

- To go, we use a command. Every time you lead your horse on the ground, use the command when you step off. We use a kiss- pucker the lips and pull air in so it makes a smacking sound. In the saddle, give a light squeeze in with your knees as you do this. If the horse doesn't respond, try pressing your heels into their sides. Make sure to release the pressure as soon as they step off.

- Turning: Most horses need to be direct or plow reined before they can be taught neck reining. Pull out gently on the horse's reins the direction you want to turn. Make sure you pull out, not back. Back will confuse most horses unless they understand the different pressure. As you turn, turn your hips in the direction you are going. Try to point your belly button in the direction, and allow your knees and legs to flex and move with you. Think of the old dance from the 60s called the Twist, or riding a bicycle. You lean as you turn.

- Stopping: If you are wanting to teach a verbal command, say the command then pull gently back on the back on the reins, with steady pressure, towards your stomach. Lean back a little in the saddle, and bring your feet forward, as if you're pulling on something heavy. Remember to release the pressure and resume your normal seat as soon as the horse stops.
 
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