I have a question about the horse being on the forehand versus using the hind end.?

Question

I understand that a horse should drive from his hind end rather than be on the forehand, but could someone tell me what both feel and look like? My instructor is not very good at describing things. He's very good at doing things himself and he knows what he's talking about, but I like to know what I'm looking for and trying to feel.

Also, could someone tell me how I could go about lightening the forehand? I've heard that a lot of transitions are good, but is there anything else?

Answer 1

When the forehand lifts, the plodding feel of the front end lightens, and you can see and feel the shoulders lift.  When the horse rounds his back, you feel the elevation happening under you, and the ride becomes more smooth and your hips rock side to side.

Answer 2

One of the best indicators that your horse is on the forehand is if he feels like he is leaning on the bit.  If you feel like you are literally holding him up, then he's on the forehand.  

When he's using his hind end, you'll notice he's lighter in the bit--that's because he's holding himself up by being more on his hind end.  He should also feel more..."springy" for lack of a better word. You'll know what I mean when you feel it.  It feels more like he's lifting you out of your seat, almost.

Transitions are good as well as LOTS of changes in direction.  Do figure 8s, and lots of twists and turns, like serpentines.  All the changing of direction will force him to hold himself up and use his butt.

Answer 3

An easy way to tell is to film yourself riding the trot. When you watch the horse's strides in slo-mo, you should see the hind legs land ahead or in the footprints of the forelegs.

Riding serpentines and circles are extremely helpful, and a lot of trotting builds muscle, especially with transitions within the gait. Sometimes riding in the two-point position encourages horses to lift their backs because there isn't the weight of a rider pounding them so much.

Oh, and use half-halts to "drive" your horse onto the bit.  That helps a lot.

When your horse is engaging its hindquarters, it feels kind of like you are going uphill.