How to Pivot a Horse

Pivoting involves turning a horse in a circle while the rider is in the saddle. The horse uses his front legs to move around the circumference of the circle while he pivots around the hind legs, which move in a much smaller circle. A pivot, also called a spin, is a maneuver typically used by reining and cattle horses. In English disciplines, it's called a turn on the haunches. It is useful for riders of all disciplines, however, to learn this technique as it teaches control over the horse.

Things You'll Need

  • 16-foot rope
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place the rope in a straight line on the ground.

    • 2

      Mount the horse and ride at a walk along the right side of the rope line with the reins loose. Make sure that the horse is positioned in a straight line, using the rope as a guide.

    • 3

      Apply a small amount of pressure using the left rein to cause the horse to tilt her head slightly to the left. The pressure is to be very slight and not cause the horse to turn; look for her head to tilt approximately 3 inches to the left.

    • 4

      Keep the horse moving evenly forward using leg pressure. Forward movement is critical to performing this maneuver correctly. Keep the horse focused on moving forward and "thinking forward," even when he is turning during the pivot. Continue to use leg pressure throughout the following steps to propel the horse forward. If the horse stops when the reins are picked up, use more leg pressure to gain forward movement and use less pressure on the reins.

    • 5

      Focus the eyes on the left shoulder of the horse.

    • 6

      Raise the right rein and hold it out at arm's length while maintaining pressure on the left rein to keep the horse's head tilted to the left. Ask the horse to move to the right by pulling on the right rein. Continue to focus the eyes on the horse's left shoulder and apply leg pressure to continue forward movement. Keeping the horse's head tilted to the left makes it easier for the animal to pivot to the right.

    • 7

      As soon as you feel the horse begin to step to the right, release the pressure on the right rein. The release of pressure rewards the horse and tells her that she has performed as expected.

    • 8

      Continue to maintain a walk with the horse while applying this pressure. Use the legs to propel the horse forward, but only use the reins to instruct the horse to move to the right.

    • 9

      Practice the steps above until the horse easily steps to the right without resistance. While practicing, pay attention to the location of the horse's front right hoof when he steps to the right. Envision a clock around the horse's hoof. When he steps to the right, take note of which number he is stepping on in the imaginary clock. Continue to repeat this exercise until the horse consistently steps in the same place. This step teaches the rider how to maneuver the reins to tell the horse to step to a certain place.

    • 10

      Continue to practice the steps above until the horse places her right front hoof where the 4 would be on the imaginary clock and she completes a quarter turn.

    • 11

      Walk the horse out in a straight line for about 10 steps after each quarter turn to release the pressure applied during training.

    • 12

      Repeat this pattern until the horse responds quickly and easily, completing the quarter turn without resistance.

    • 13

      Complete a quarter turn and then continue to ask the horse for an additional quarter turn to perform a 180-degree turn.

    • 14

      Continue to practice the pattern until a full 360-degree pivot is achieved.