Help! my horse won't pivot?

Question

I have been having some problems getting my horse to pivot. Say i'm trying to get my horse to pivot to the right. I put my heel up by the girth on the left side and move the reins to the right side...but when i do that he just completely bends his head to the right and moves his hind end over to the left. He does it perfectly on the ground, i just don't know how to fix this when i'm on him.

Answer 1

Toni Oppleguard taught us kids how to get a horse to pivot or turn on the haunches way back in the stone age.

She had us take her lesson horses and bring them paralle to the arena railing, then move our rail leg forward, pick up their head like you're going to ask them to back but then bring the rail rein against their neck while using the inside rein to turn the horse.

Back when my favorite then young AQHA gelding was a baby (He was 4) we got so good at it that in no time, I had him spinning.  I remember my first dressage lesson back in the late 70's when Maxine Clark (One of the FIRST dressage trainers in the LA area.) asked for a turn on the haunches and reverse our direction.  So, I just picked up my horse's front end and spun him for 1/2 a circle, reversing my direction.  Maxine looked at me and said "That's the idea, just SLOW it down!"  HeHeHe

Even in his mid 20's I'd get him to pivot on the haunches and canter on the forehand.  Talk about something impressive to watch.  And it's still fun to do, just miss my big old QH doing it.

Answer 2

While you are walking or trotting down the rail, stop, pick up your reins and turn your horse INTO THE RAIL, NOT AWAY FROM IT...he will do a perfect pivot from the first time on...he will have no choice but to do it right...it won't be long before you are doing it in the middle of the arena.

Answer 3

u have a horse...wow

Answer 4

I think you're using the wrong leg. Pressure should be on the right if you want him to disengage his rear and bend toward your leg. How are you working him on the ground? It sounds like you're changing cues on him. If he's doing it perfectly on the ground, look for what's different for him when you're on him. Usually it's us...

Answer 5

besides what Sovereign7 said...

in the saddle, stop on the rail, and back him an THEN ask for the turn, like as hes going back you ask for the pivot.  It helps him get "on his haunches" and give you some momentum.  And even if he only gets one or two good steps, stop, pet him and trot him fore ward, the next time you try, if he gets two steps stop, pet him, then ask him to continue turning, once hes gets AT LEAST one more, trot him on. Eventually you want him to get all the way 180.. and then trot away..

hope this helps, and sorry if this is confusing, i might come back and re write it later!

Answer 6

You can obtain a pivot from the ground....have your horse standing square...have a halter on him...place your thumb and index finger on him mid to lower left shoulder and push...you want him to move away from your hand...ie, to move his front legs and shoulder away from you....each step you get from the front leg(s), stop and pet him, let him know he's on the right track.  You want to allow him enough room in front so that he doesn't step backwards, you want some forward motion.  

With practice, you'll be able to string two to three strides over from him....your goal is to eventually do a 180 degrees or 360 degree pivot (haunch turn) from him....once he understands this from the ground..you may then try this mounted...for a pivot to the right, a direct rein to the right and strong impulsion from your left foot.....tap him or press until he "gives".