Turn on the forehand
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Turn on the forehand is a lateral movement in equestrian schooling that involves moving the horse's hindquarters around his front legs.[1] Although a basic movement, it is an important training tool for both horse and rider.
It involves the horse's inside fore marking time on the spot. The outside foreleg moves forward very slightly and the hind legs move in a semicircle around the inside foreleg. A clear walk rhythm and sequence should be maintained throughout. During the turn, the horse's forehand should be prevented from moving forwards, sideways or backwards. When first beginning to teach this movement, the horse bends in the direction away from the movement of the hindquarters (so he bends to the left if the hindquarters are being pushed to the right). When he advances, he may be asked to have a very slight flexion in the direction of movement.
Prerequisites
Turn on the forehand can only be of good quality if the horse is on the bit while maintaining clear walk steps in the 'lead up' to the halt that precedes the turn. In the halt he must be attentive, as if anticipating the rider's next commands. The only exception to this rule is for corrective purposes or if the horse is ready for collection.
If the horse understands the leg-yield, a review of that movement can be helpful in reminding him to move away from leg pressure, before he begins the turn on the forehand.
In an indoor school, the rider should choose a suitable place to execute the turn that is clear of obstructions and not too close to a wall, as this will hinder the horse as he makes the turn.