A question if you all would indulge me please...
How are leg cues used?
When I want the horse to turn right, for example, I turn my torso in the direction I want and apply pressure with my calf on the right side of the horse with my toes pointed up towards the right.
Is that incorrect?
I ask because I don't want to be sending mixed messages to the horse by using body language one way and legs another.
I'd like to use my legs a bit more in guiding the horse instead of the reins if the turn is a gradual one to get around fallen logs, rocks, etc.
This is what I do.
When making a turn I do not turn my body at all. I only use my upper body for stops by shifting my weight back.
To make a turn to the right, I press with my right calf to get the horse to flex, and I bump with my left heel if he isn't turning enough. I also would pull my to my hip pocket with the right rein, leaving slack in the left rein.
Your heels should stay down and toes forward. If the horse doesn't turn with light bumping with your left heel you can move it forward towards his shoulder, helps bring them around more.
That's the way I do it:), Depending on how well the horse is cooperating each day:), sometimes they will just turn with no bumping with the outside leg, just a light press with the calf and slight pressure on the inside rein.
Becky