Turning Legs

One of the easiest ways to see if a horse is using itself well is to notice the flight path of the legs during a corner, circle, or fundamentally any turn. If the legs of the horse are flying sideways it’s a dead giveaway that something is not correct. 

So, how should they turn? Horses have two turning legs: The inside hind and outside front. The other two legs follow along like good little soldiers mostly reaching forward.

This means that tracking left, the left hind leg should be stepping forward and to the right under the mass of the horse, and the right front leg should be coming around to the left in front of the horse. To the right it’s exactly the opposite.

Now, this is a confusing description, so please refer to the photo for a visual aid. 

If a horse is turning by going sideways, with the outside front leg stepping to the outside, the horse isn’t turning, they’re drifting. This has implications for topline connection, straightness, throughness, and the ability to rock back and sit (loin coil).

So, the next time you’re watching video of a rider you admire, just have a peek at those corners and turns, and see if the horse is turning, or drifting!