[CaughtMeDreamin]

how do you teach a horse to pivot on the front legs?

[HSRascal]

I'm assuming you mean under saddle.The whole key to forehand turns is having a horse that willingly moves their hip off of your leg. Let me preface this by saying I am not an instructor, I'm just going to tell you how I do it.

At first I teach this in a snaffle since it is generally a maneuver for english classes. I find it best to teach the maneuver in 90 degree parts. I will ask my horse to move forward at the walk, when I chose my spot that I'm going to ask for the turn I apply inner leg and outer rein lightly at the same time. The outer rein is to support the horse from getting bent around. To get a pretty forehand turn, they will need to stay straight through the body (just like showmanship turns etc)

Initial responses vary. If the horse just stops, keep applying leg until he gives his hip at all. One step is praise worthy, then I will pause for moment, and walk off. I work on this while walking so that me and teh horse don't get into a ******* match if you will where he won't move out of confusion. It just seems to help.

Things to watch out for is that your horse waits for you to ask for him to walk off or he'll start cheating you on the pivot by walking out of it halfway through. Also again, don't let the neck get bent in either direction more than maybe a few inches, because then you will risk getting a sloppy turn.

..........

That's confusing isn't it? I tried =[

[Rhythm 'n Blues]

Have you taught your horse how to do in on the ground 1st? That is where you really should start.

To teach it on the ground, I like to stand at the shoulder and I'll start really softly and just point (not touch) at the hind end. My body language is saying "I would like his space, please move" and my hand is just a bit more. If that doesn't work, then I will put my finger into the back 1/2 of the barrel. If that doesn't work, they get a tap with my hand, and if that doesn't work, it's a swing of the lead rope, which continually gets stronger until I get some reaction from the horse. You have to make sure that you hold the head in a position that will not allow the horse to turn his/her head to the outside (opposite side you're standing on) & also not allow the horse to walk forward. It will take some time, but you'll find the "sweet spot & stance" to take with your body to get the residered result. If I was at home, I could post a photo of me with my old QH...he was loose and I asked for a turn on the forehand and he gave it to me right away.....you can see in the photo I'm not even touching him, just pointing.....perhaps when I get home tonight (if I have time) I will post it.

[CaughtMeDreamin]

thanks but im still i a little confused like where should i postion my leg for the que, and he already pivots on the forehand on the ground

[AllAroundHorses]

You should hold your leg about 3-4 inches behind the normal leg possition. Your intent is to push the hindquarters over. I personally start with just one step at a time and slowly work up to the desired amount of steps.