Here is another exercise that will easily flow applying my Liberty-Line-Mounted progression.
Turn on the Forehand (or Yield the hindquarters) is a movement that has a variety of applications.
It is a Suppling exercise, A strengthening exercise, a way to learn how to request the hind legs of the horse one at a time. It is also a very basic way to present the idea of moving sideways as opposed to forward (off of a "Touch Cue") or what is otherwise known a a Leg Yield.
As always, Introducing a Language, Concept or Exercise at Liberty is always a great way to improve your Connection, Body language, trust, and learn how to read your horses responses and natural ability, fitness and strength level. I prefer to see a horse try a movement when he is unencumbered with tack or a rider to see what his true level, natural movement and flexibility is. Then I can go on to the Line or In-Hand work departing from this place and not push the horse beyond his comfort level. After that, on to Mounted if it is appropriate.
A Turn on the Forehand is when a horse keeps his front feet in one spot and cross steps his hind legs around in a circle 90, 180, or 360 degrees.
There are two ways approach this at Liberty. The first is simply to use Eye Contact to draw to horse around 360 degrees on the spot he stands. If you have worked on your horse keeping his eye on you when you move this will be easy. You would start by standing directly in front of your horse and going to the left or right in a circle around his body working toward his tail a safe distance away. You make a circle around your horse slowly. Clucking sometimes helps if they wont look or moving them a step or two and starting again. Done correctly, the horse will pivot on the spot crossing his hind legs creating a Turn on the Forehand in his effort to keep his Eye(s) on you.
If your horse has not learned to yet keep an eye on you, then another way to do this at Liberty is to stand close to your horse while he is free and place your hand on bridge of his nose. For example, If you were on your horses left, you would take your Left hand on their nose and step around toward their hip. You can then add a touch of the hip or flank (you may not even need to). I actually like to touch where my leg will go with my hand to make an "Association exercise" The horse will learn to associate that touch where the leg will go later with my leg when I am mounted.
Once you and your horse have a good understanding of this at Liberty, you can put your bridle or halter on and go through the same sequence with a feel on and off the rein or line. If my horse is on a line, I can apply the Eye Contact exercise again while keeping a long slack in the line so the horse can move on the pivot freely.
If I want to use a hand on the rein (which would be similar to hand on the bridge of the nose), I would stand in that same position on the left side of the horse with my left hand on the left rein instead of the nose and touch where my leg would go or the hip/flank (if necessary and add a cluck). Remember to release the signal as soon as the horse tries or responds. Go to the other side when ready and remember one side is always a little more difficult than the other and this is a good way to see that and help your horse become more strong and flexible in a gentle way.
If you are doing so well with this you feel ready to do it mounted, go ahead and give it a try. At this point your horse will feel confident in the exercise and will understand your Ground Touch and the feel of a rein or Line. Once you are on and ready to try it. Touch you horses side a little further then behind the cinch or girth with you leg and cluck if necessary. (you can also turn your body in the direction left if you are using left leg or vice versa) One step over is plenty to reward and build up from there.
Remember to go slow and go back to easier levels if it is getting too difficult. Have fun and patience!
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