Everything Horse UK Everything Horse Magazine, October 2018 issue 38 | Page 31

Soft
This is a term used to describe your horse if
he feels pliable and manoeuvrable and can be
used in relation to various parts of the body,
for example, ‘soft in the hand’. This means the
horse is not rigid or resistant in the feel he is
giving to the riders’ hands.
Soft in the neck would mean the horse has
a floppier, bendy neck that could easily be
manoeuvred or positioned by the rider.
Behind/In front of the Leg
If your horse is described as ‘behind the leg’,
there is a delay between the rider’s leg aids and
the horse’s reaction and he responds in his own
time.
When he is in front of the leg he responds
almost instantly when the rider uses the leg
aid.
Ahead/Behind the Vertical
Being ahead of the vertical is how you would
describe a racehorse crossing the finishing
line, the nose is the first thing to cross the line,
therefore well ahead of the vertical.
If it is behind the vertical the horse’s nose is
tucked in more and closer to the chest which
can cause tension, unwillingness to move
forward and an uncoperable horse.
Against the Hand
This is when the horse resists a rider’s hands
and is refusing to accept the contact.
On the Forehand
Collectively the forehand is the head, neck,
shoulders, withers and forelegs. When an
instructor or judge passes comment on your
horse being on the forehand, it means your he
is travelling along with his weight over this area
and can give the appearance of a ship sinking
down, nose first into the water. The horse will
feel heavy in the hand at this point and as a
rider you may feel as if you are tipping forward.
For all of these problems, there are corrective
exercises that can easily rectify the issue. Ask
your instructor or coach if they feel that you’re
having any similar issues and plan to dedicate
a couple of session to work on a selection of
them.
Harriet is available for dressage, show jumping
and cross-country lessons at her base near
York. To find out more call Harriet on (07795)
562745 or visit www.harriet-morris-baumber.
co.uk
When a horse resists
the riders hands, it is
described as ‘against
the hand’.
When a horse
resists the
riders hands, it
is described as
‘against the hand’.
ISSUE 38 • OCTOBER 2018 • EVERYTHING HORSE MAGAZINE 31