Training Tips: Teaching a Horse to Respond to Leg Pressure

This video discusses how to teach a horse to yield to leg pressure. It is part of the Fundamental Training of a Horse video.

In this set of videos, basic ground work, longing and handling methods are demonstrated, as well as numerous suppling and basic training maneuvers are shown to develop quiet, broke horses.

Presenters: Gary Stauffer and Monte Stauffer, UNL Extension Educators

This presentation was given at the 2007 Equestrian Academy at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. For more horse information, visit www.extension.org/horses!

Category:

Education

Tags:

• horses
• howto
• training
• riding

[02Huntet]

what are the forks he's using; what do they help for? I've got one that isn't very good at listening to rein commands and I dont' want to make him tough- mouthed

[eXHorses]

@02Huntet - He is using a running martingale. Running martingales are sometimes used in training to help adjust the horse's head position. It also gives the rider more leverage through the reins.

[hellophiney]

@mquigly1547 The reward is taking the pressure off the horse. he learns that the quicker he does it, the quicker the pressure comes off.

[MsHorsecrazycowgirl]

Thank you so much. I have tried so many different things to get my horse to spin to the left (he can do it to the right), and then I figured out he just wasn't picking up on my leg signals. Then I remembered when I was teaching him to sidepass I could never get him to move away from my left leg and he would always get so frustrated. By going back to the simple groundwork I solved the problem out of the saddle and then worked him in the saddle, now he can sidepass and spin to the left! THANKS ;)

[mquigly1547]

My only recommendation is that you add some positive reinforcement after the horse performed a nice side step. Give him a nice pat and a atta boy. It really does work and will shorten training times.

[Hantarrrrr]

@4everAndEverAmen I've heard that when you try an exercise like this it's a good idea to steadily increase the pressure, as in, just poke harder until she gets the idea and release the pressure as soon as she does. You can't hurt her by poking her as long as you aren't jabbing at her.

[4everAndEverAmen]

What if the horse won't move? Like when I'm poking her side she just ignores it? I have stood there and tried to get her to move her hindquarters around by agitating her but she just stands there.

[thejourneyhorse]

I love these videos! Great communication and helpful with some humour thrown in. I'm using this training with a newly purchased young horse and am seeing great results.

[minervasp73]

I love this guy's videos! He's just an awesome trainer and I can and do use these tips for working with my own horses.

[sahaari15]

you have helped me and my dad so much!