As you begin riding, learning how to turn your horse is an essential skill. While certain riders prefer neck reining, using direct (or plow) reining is a simpler method to execute turns.
Direct reining involves holding one rein in each hand, with cues from the left hand to instruct a left turn and cues from the right hand to instruct a right turn.
As you improve your riding abilities, you will develop greater finesse in using the reins and more precise guidance of your horse. Begin by mastering the technique of cueing your horse for basic turns.
How to Train Your Horse to Turn Using Direct Reining
Start Your Ride
To enhance your grip on the reins, make use of thin riding gloves. Start by riding in a flat area without obstacles after saddling and bridling your horse. Gradually introduce obstacles as you become more proficient. Practice riding in circles, serpentines, and loops to develop your ability to utilize hand, seat, and leg aids, and to maintain your body’s equilibrium.
Hold the Reins
To hold the reins, position one rein in each hand. Your hands should be slightly in front of the saddle, a few inches above it, with your fists forming a 30-degree angle. Keep your thumbs up and ensure that the buckle end of the rein is coming out of the top of your hand. Use your left hand to hold the left rein and your right hand to hold the right rein.
Cue the Horse to Walk Forward
Ensure there is a gentle but flexible connection between your hands and the horse’s mouth as you prompt it to move forward with your leg and seat. Avoid having the reins too tight or loose. Maintain a straight line from your elbow to the bit.
Use the Reins to Turn Left
To make a left turn, apply light pressure to the rein in your left hand by pulling back gently. Instead of yanking on the reins, gently squeeze them. While giving a cue with the left rein, maintain contact with the right rein to control the horse’s bending as it goes around a corner. Hence, the right rein should neither be loose nor overly tight.
When cueing with the reins, simultaneously put pressure on the left side of the horse’s body with your left leg to make the horse turn around your leg. It is important to maintain a straight posture in the saddle without leaning, ensuring that your weight is on your inside hip bone.
Shift Pressure as the Horse Turns
Step by step, release the pressure of your hand and leg once the horse follows the cue. Maintain a light contact with your horse’s mouth until you request a halt or a change in direction again.
Use the Reins to Turn Right
In order to make a right turn, utilize your right hand and leg to signal the horse in the same way. Your right rein will now have the role of being the actively used rein, and your intention is to have the horse bend around your right leg.
14 tips to get the most out of your first attempt at reining
In order to successfully perform reining, it is important to maintain a relaxed demeanor, especially in your shoulders, as horses are highly attuned to any shifts in your body posture.
2. Locate a trainer who is registered.
Make sure to ride at a licensed riding establishment, just as you would at any riding school, by thinking step by step.
For your initial lessons, you only require a riding hat, a set of comfortable jeans, and a pair of jodhpur boots; there is no need to hastily purchase all the gear.
When transitioning from English-style riding, it may be challenging for some riders to release the contact and ride with a loose rein. However, if you prepare yourself to ride with the support of your legs and seat, you will discover that everything becomes easier.
If you have never ridden before, there’s no need to worry.
7. Initiate the process by commencing with a schoolteacher.
To have a better understanding of something, it is advisable to observe someone with expertise in the matter before trying it yourself. It can be helpful to attend a demonstration or a lecture initially to familiarize yourself with the approach.
When something feels strange or counter-intuitive, ask questions without hesitation. If you encounter difficulties during your lesson, consider requesting your trainer to join and demonstrate.
Having a support team is essential in reining because it provides a boost of confidence during the adrenaline rush.
The hardest thing for me was learning not to over-prepare by getting ready for the movements that are a few strides away. It is important to note that reining horses are very perceptive and they can detect any alteration in posture, which may cause you to initiate the movement before its intended time.
12. Avoid clicking! Reining horses exhibit a high level of responsiveness to voice commands, whereas clicking on your own horse may only result in a slight increase in energy. However, this scenario differs when it comes to a Quarter horse.
13. Acquire the knowledge of how to safely get off an object or vehicle.
“Disregard any knowledge you have acquired in the past.”
