Q: The acceptance of the aids: “Please may you share your tips and suggestions for teaching a horse acceptance of the aids: hand, leg, seat, and so on? I had a epiphany last night that ‘Skylla’ and myself had been ‘faking it’ with regards the understanding of leg aids — we both thought we understood what was what, until I asked for turn on the forehand and angelic baby horse did a ‘I don’t understand, I shan’t do it and I shall make my feelings known…’. She might have reached the teenage stage where she thinks she knows it all, and any correction is met with complete disbelief that I could possibly want anything other than what she is offering. So we are going back a couple of steps, to independent aids, release and reward when correct response is given. Tips for getting a very reactive baby horse to accept the leg are welcome!”
Find out the answer on the Horse and Hound website.
