Riding aids
Mastering and refining these natural aids, often alongside artificial ones, constitutes a significant portion of a rider's challenge in achieving true competence.
For example, the aid for the canter depart may require the leg to be in a slightly different place than when it asks the horse to bend, or when it corrects hindquarters that are falling to the outside.
A well-trained horse may be harder to ride, as they will respond to the slightest movement or shift in weight made by the rider.
The rider's first task is to learn to ride the horse without interfering: keeping a steady contact with the bit, sitting in a balanced, relaxed position that allows them to absorb the horse's movement, and keeping a steady, quiet leg that does not pinch, bounce, or push forward or back.
[4] Both legs in a neutral position (neither forward nor back), applying equal pressure against the horse's sides, generally asks for an increase in speed within their current gait or an upward transition (such as walk to trot).
Depending on the level of restraining aids (seat and hands), the leg can also ask for an increase in impulsion, for collection, or even for the rein back.
Depending on the amount of restraint the rider uses, this may ask the horse to halt, perform a downward transition, reinback, or bring his hind legs further under his body, increasing impulsion or collection.
This balance of leg and hand is something that must be learned by the rider, and most beginners will halt simply by pulling backwards on the reins.
Raising the hands causes the pressure of the bit to act more on the horse's lips (as opposed to bars of his mouth).
A harsh jerk upward with one hand (with the other firmly planted on the neck) is used in a technique called the "one-rein stop."
By pushing the pelvis half an inch forward, the centre of gravity will encourage the horse to move faster.
Most of the time, the seat stays in a neutral position in the saddle, neither restraining nor encouraging forward movement, simply following and absorbing the horse's motion.
This technique is generally discouraged, as this is considered uncomfortable for the horse, causes a loss of suppleness through the hips for the rider, and the legs should be the primary driving aids.
Horses are very apt at learning verbal commands: "whoa", "walk", "trot", "canter" or similar words are quickly understood.
Likewise, experienced show horses will sometimes respond to the commands for changes of gait given by the announcer over the public address system rather than listening to their riders.
The most common artificial aid is the bit or hackamore used in conjunction with a bridle and reins to allow the rider's hands to communicate with the horse's mouth.
Use of the spur can range from a brief, light touch, to encourage more impulsion, to a sharp jab on a horse that refuses to go forward.
Additionally, many equestrian organizations have strict rules regarding the type of spur (generally requiring it to be blunt), and the length allowed.
Spurs with rowels (small rotating wheels which sometimes have dulled points) may or may not be allowed, depending on the discipline and organizational rules.
Additionally, it may be used as a training tool, using light taps, when teaching the horse to collect their gaits or perform movements such as the piaffe.
The crop or bat is a very short, stiffer variation on the whip, about 2 to 2+1⁄2 feet (60 to 75 cm) in length, with a leather popper at the end.
This includes regulations on the maximum length, the maximum number of times the horse may be hit (typically no more than three hard strokes with the whip held upright), where it may be hit (most do not allow for the crop to be used anywhere near the animal's face), and circumstances it may be used in (for example, it may be used immediately after a refusal, but not after the rider has left the showing arena to "punish" the horse for putting in a poor performance).
[7] For example, a rider might ask for more speed using the leg aid, while simultaneously pulling on the reins, signaling the horse to slow down.
