Proper Leg Placement to Encourage Prompt Downward Transitions on Your Horse

An unstable or unintentionally displaced lower leg during downward transitions can send mixed signals to a horse. Bernie Traurig likes to call these “clashing aids.” If for instance, a rider squeezes with the lower leg behind the girth (or even brushes that area on a sensitive horse) while asking with the rein aids for the horse to come back, the horse will be confused and the transition will be anything but smooth. In this video lesson, Bernie demonstrates this common mistake and shows how to achieve prompt downward transitions by avoiding what he calls the “tickle spot,” that area on a sensitive thoroughbred or warmblood horse that can cause an unwanted reaction with even the slighted touch.

Running Time: 4 minutes and 59 seconds

VIDEO CREDITS

The helmet Bernie is wearing in this video is provided by Antarès-Sellier France.

Bernie Traurig - Click here to view his bio and other video topics

“High Eagle” owned by Katherine Kinnison

Swede Equine owned by Hanna Mauritzson - click here for more information: www.swedeequine.com

 

Equine activities can be hazardous and may subject participants to injury. Neither Equestrian Coach, LLC nor Bernie Traurig assume liability for your activities. This program provides general instructions and techniques that may not be suitable for everyone. No warranty is given regarding suitability of these instructions to the viewer.