Turn on the forehand

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Turn on the forehand is a movement in equestrian schooling that is of great benefit to both horse and rider. It involves the horse's near fore marking time on the spot. The off fore moves forward very slightly and the hind legs move in a semi-circle around the near fore. A clear walk rhythm and sequence should be maintained throughout. During the turn, the horse's forehand should be prevented from moving forwards, sideways or backwards. Turn on the forehand can only be of good quality if the horse is on the bit with good impulsion and maintaining good clear walk steps in the 'lead up' to the halt that precedes the turn. In the halt he must be attentive, as if anticipating the rider's next commands. The turn on the forehand must be executed with very slight flexion in the direction of movement. The only exception to this rule is for corrective purposes or if the horse is ready for collection.

In an indoor school, the rider should choose a suitable place to execute the turn. He shouldn't be near any obstructions, or too close to a wall, as this will influence the horse in a negative way and will hinder him in making the turn. To ride a turn on the forehand, the rider should encourage a square halt by moving the horse leg-to-hand. Energy is created with the legs and contained and controlled by the hands. Ride gradually into the halt using plenty of half-halts as well as encouraging the horse to work with his hind legs underneath him by maintaining good upper body posture. When asking for the turn on the forehand, note that inside and outside aids switch in relation to the new direction of the bend. To ride a turn to the right, first shift your weight to the inside asking for slight flexion to the right by using your inside rein. The outside rein should prevent any forward movement. The rider's inside leg comes back slightly behind the girth to encourage the horse's hind leg to cross over. The rider's outside leg should be on the girth, receiving and regulating each step. When the turn is complete, the horse should be ridden forwards with impulsion.

As a schooling exercise, turn on the forehand is beneficial for a number of reasons. For the horse, it improves form and encourages stretching and flexion of the inside hind leg. It teaches sideways movement from the rider's leg, introducing basic lateral concepts. It also provides a good way of releasing stiffness and tension from the muscles.

For the rider, this exercise improves both coordination and application of the aids. It has practical use for helping the rider to open gates when hacking the horse.