Yielding the hindquarters

Goal

Teach the horse to move its hind legs a step sideways on a light request.

Before you start

• The horse leads, halts and respects your space

What you need

• Halter and lead rope

Step by step

1. Stand level with the shoulder, keeping the hindquarters in view, never directly behind the horse.
2. Ask with a light indication towards the flank for the hindquarters to step across.
3. Release the aid the moment a hind leg steps a step across.
4. Reward the step and ask only one or two steps at a time.
5. Practise calmly to both sides.

The horse's body language

A calm step across with the hind legs is good. Clamping the tail, threatening or bracing means stop and ask more lightly, or get help.

Common mistakes

• Standing directly behind the horse
• Asking too much at once
• Pushing on after the first step

Safety

• Stay level with the shoulder; never stand directly behind the hindquarters, that is the kick zone.
• Use light aids; never hit.

Stop at once if

• The horse kicks or threatens to kick
• The horse becomes tense or swings its hindquarters towards you

Supervision

This exercise takes you near the kick zone. Young riders should do it only with an experienced adult; if the horse kicks, stop and get a professional.

More about this

Yielding the hindquarters helps the horse learn to make room calmly. Because you are working near the hindquarters, a safe position level with the shoulder matters all the more.

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