Spinning around

Whether you’ve nailed rein-back from the first part of our lateral work series or it’s still a work in progress, we’ve got another awesome move for you to try with your pony in your next schooling session. Find out what’s involved right here!

Did you know?

All ponies are slightly stronger on one side of their body than the other, so you might find your pony finds it easier one way. Practising will help build up his suppleness and muscle tone equally on both sides.

Turn-on-the-forehand

This is when you halt, then ask your pony to step sideways with his hindlegs so they move around in a circle while his forelegs stay still – sounds pretty cool, right? Luckily, it’s not just a fancy dance move, either. There are plenty of reasons why it’s good for your pony to learn, including…

• building up lateral suppleness
• encouraging him to move away from your leg
• laying the foundations for more complicated lateral moves later on

TOP TIP

Turn-on-the-forehand is a great exercise to start your schooling session. It will help your pony focus on what you’re asking, and you can check he’s responsive to your leg aid before you begin.

From the ground up

Like rein-back, it’s a great idea to introduce your pony to this move during a groundwork session first, and it’s fun, too! Here’s how…

1. In the arena, stand by your pony’s shoulder and hold onto his reins. Using light pressure from your fingers, tap his hindquarters to encourage him to step away. If he doesn’t move, up the pressure a little but don’t take it away until he gives you the desired result. You can use a schooling whip instead of your fingers, but only do this if your instructor is on hand to help.
2. Once he takes a step round with his hindquarters, take the whip away and praise him. Repeat until he learns that the lightest of touches means to step away – this might take a few sessions. Be sure to try it in both directions. 

Learn more about how to ride a turn-on-the-forehand in February PONY – on sale now!