Ken McNabb: How to Teach Your Horse to Move Off Your Seat & Legs

When riding, it is important to me to create control with my seat and legs. I believe my hands are the most aggressive tool I have. I will use the bit as much as I need, but no more. I like to end up using it as an enforcer, with my seat and legs as the first cue.
LEG POSITIONS
Position 1- leg up near the front cinch; moves the shoulders
Position 2- leg straight down underneath you; moves the ribcage
Position 3- leg back closer to the back cinch; moves the hindquarters
BODY CONTROL & TEACHING THE SIDE PASS
Once you teach the horse to move the shoulders and the hindquarters fluidly from your leg and seat cues, you can easily teach the side pass. At first, go back and forth between moving the shoulders and the hindquarters, just a step or so at time, and then place your leg in position 2 to ask for a side pass. When you get one side step, release. Build on the number of steps you release on.
REMEMBER:
- Stay upright and balanced in the saddle to stay out of your horse's way and allow him to move freely.
- You may have to exaggerate a movement at first to get the feeling of your seat ingrained into your own body. But you should always work toward staying upright and balanced and just using your seat instead of moving your entire body.
- THE RELEASE IS WHAT YOU TEACH. Don't be afraid of your horse saying "no," and don't give up! Release when the horse gives you the desired response.
I hope this lesson will help you and your horse achieve clear communication that leads to fluid movements and reliable body control, whether you're in the arena, on the trail, or out working on the ranch!
Until next time, may God bless the trails you ride!
- Ken McNabb