The turn on the forehand is one of the earliest lateral movements taught to a horse under saddle. The horse pivots around its front legs while the hindquarters move in a wide arc, stepping sideways and slightly forward in a calm, controlled sequence. It is a foundational exercise used across all disciplines — from early training to everyday dressage work — and it teaches some of the most important principles of horse-and-rider communication.
Purpose and Value in Training
A horse that understands the turn on the forehand has learned to respond to the sideways-pushing leg aid independently of the forward-driving leg. That distinction — between “go forward” and “step sideways” — is the basis of all lateral work. Without it, movements like leg-yield, shoulder-in, or half-pass are difficult to introduce cleanly.
For young or green horses, the turn on the forehand is often the first time they are asked to think about where they put each hind foot rather than simply moving in a straight line or circle. The exercise encourages engagement of the hindquarters and body awareness. It also instils respect for the leg aid — the horse learns that a leg pressing behind the girth means “move that hindquarter away from the pressure.”
In practical yard situations, the turn on the forehand is invaluable. A horse that responds to a leg behind the girth can be turned through a narrow gateway, manoeuvred out of a corner, or positioned alongside a mounting block with minimal fuss.
How to Ride the Turn on the Forehand
Begin from halt on a long side of the arena, positioned away from the fence so the horse has space to step sideways. Establish a soft, attentive halt. To turn the hindquarters to the right (and therefore move them to the right), apply the left leg slightly behind the girth with rhythmic, consistent pressure. The left rein maintains a very slight flexion to the left — just enough for the rider to see the corner of the horse’s inside eye — while the right rein acts as a supporting guide to control the pace and prevent the horse from walking forward out of the movement.
The horse should step its left hind across and in front of the right hind, pivoting on or near the left foreleg. The front legs may take small steps — they need not be completely stationary — but the horse should not walk forward, spin uncontrollably, or step backward. Aim for three or four deliberate steps, then walk forward as a reward.
Common faults include the horse rushing through the movement (too much inside rein, not enough outside rein support), the horse walking forward instead of crossing behind (insufficient sideways leg aid), or the horse stepping backward (tension or resistance). A calm, even rhythm is the goal rather than technical perfection at first.
Turn on the Forehand vs Turn on the Haunches
These two movements are often discussed together but are quite different in character and purpose. In the turn on the forehand, the horse’s weight is carried on the front legs as the hindquarters swing around — it is relatively straightforward and suited to early training. In the turn on the haunches, the horse engages its hindquarters as the pivot point while the forehand moves around — this requires considerably more collection and engagement, making it appropriate for more advanced horses.
Some classical dressage trainers consider the turn on the forehand to be a stepping stone rather than a long-term exercise, arguing that it places weight on the forehand rather than encouraging collection. For practical purposes in everyday horsemanship, however, it remains an extremely useful tool throughout a horse’s ridden life.
Ground Work Equivalent
The same movement can be introduced from the ground before the horse is backed. Applying gentle pressure with a schooling whip or the back of the hand just behind where the girth would sit, while standing at the horse’s shoulder, teaches the yield response before the added complexity of a rider is involved. Natural horsemanship practitioners often begin with this groundwork element as a first step in building the horse’s vocabulary of aids.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the turn on the forehand suitable for novice horses?
Yes — it is one of the most appropriate early lateral movements for a young or novice horse. It is simple enough not to overwhelm a green horse, yet meaningful enough to teach a genuine response to the sideways leg. Most horses can learn a basic version within a few weeks of starting ridden work, provided the rider’s aids are clear and consistent.
Why does my horse walk forward instead of stepping sideways?
This is the most common issue. It usually means the inside leg is pressing too far back (turning into a forward-driving aid) or the outside rein is too passive and not preventing forward movement. Try shortening the outside rein slightly to close the door, position your leg just behind the girth rather than significantly behind it, and use a lighter, more rhythmic pressure rather than a continuous push. If the horse is confused rather than evasive, return to groundwork to establish the concept first.
How many steps should a turn on the forehand take?
A full 180-degree turn on the forehand from a square halt takes roughly six to eight steps. For training purposes, begin with just three or four steps in one direction, walk forward, then try the other direction. Asking for a full turn too early can lead to rushing or tension. Quality — slow, deliberate, crossing steps — matters more than completing the full rotation in early training.