Did you know that when you ask your horse to transition from a walk to a trot, you are using a very specific combination of horseback riding aids? Your hands steady your horse's forward momentum, your legs urge him forward and your seat encourages impulsion. You might even use your voice to send him forward.
Horseback riding aids are necessary to every rider, regardless of her experience, but you should spend time learning how to use these aids effectively. When over- or misused, aids can result in miscommunication between horse and rider (at the least) and even cause injuries (at the worst).
Natural Aids
Your natural horseback riding aids are the ones you will use most often. These aids are parts of your body that you utilize when riding. Generally speaking, these aids include your hands, seat, legs and voice, all of which are vitally important to communication.
Your hands, for example, most commonly communicate downward transitions and direction to the horse. At their most basic form, your hands serve as the guiding force in horseback riding, and should be used carefully because rough hands can cause the horse pain.
Since most riders use a bridle and bit, you should be constantly aware of the affect your hands have on the horse. Too much pressure will result in an abrupt transition and may cause the horse to throw his head in protest. Using your hands too lightly, on the other hand, can result in lost signals.
Your legs, obviously, are your primary connection to the horse. Pressure with your right leg will move your horse to the left, and vice versa, and pressure with both legs encourages the horse to move forward. Your seat is an extension of your legs, and should be balanced at all times.
The voice is the last of the natural horseback riding aids, and is the least common of all the aids. Many riders discourage the use of the voice because they feel it undermines communication with the body. However, a harsh voice can express displeasure and a soothing voice can calm an agitated horse.
Artificial Aids
The second type of horseback riding aids is the artificial aids, which are instruments riders use in addition to their bodies and voice. The danger of artificial aids is that, when improperly used, they can injure, terrify or alter the personality of a horse.
The first artificial aid in horseback riding is the bit, which is a strip of metal that fits in your horse's mouth behind the teeth. This is the instrument that tells a horse when to stop and when to turn, and should be used with gentle hands. Riders with rougher hands, for example, should use softer bits.
Some riders also use spurs as artificial horseback riding aids. These devices fit on the back of the rider's boot, and can be effective when a sluggish or lazy horse requires extra pressure to perform.
Other artificial horseback riding aids include:
- Bat
- Crop
- Whip or "stick"
- Draw reins
- Martingales
All of these horseback riding aids have their place in equestrian sports, but they should be used sparingly and only when necessary. Some of these aids are not permitted in professional competition; for example, dressage whips are not allowed in lower-level eventing shows.
If you have questions about horseback riding aids and their implementation, talk to your riding instructor or trainer. They can make sure you are using aids properly and give advice on how to make them more effective.
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