In equestrianism, "behind the leg" refers to a horse that is unresponsive or slow to react to the rider's leg aids. This critical issue signifies a breakdown in communication and control, where the horse is not truly listening to or respecting the rider's commands for forward movement or engagement.
Understanding the Concept of "Behind the Leg"
When a horse is described as being "behind the leg," it means that it does not respond immediately or adequately to a light driving aid from the rider's leg. Instead of moving forward energetically or increasing its pace as requested, the horse might hesitate, ignore the aid, or require repeated, stronger cues.
This phenomenon indicates that the rider lacks genuine influence over the horse. Essentially, the horse is making its own decisions about whether, when, and how much it will respond to the rider's leg, rather than promptly yielding to the aid.
Why Being "Behind the Leg" Is a Problem
A horse that is "behind the leg" poses significant challenges for a rider and impacts the overall quality of the ride.
- Loss of Control: The rider cannot effectively dictate the horse's pace, impulsion, or responsiveness, leading to a feeling of being a passenger rather than a pilot.
- Lack of Impulsion: The horse will often feel dull, heavy, and unwilling to move forward with energy, making it difficult to achieve proper gaits or execute movements.
- Communication Breakdown: The fundamental line of communication between rider and horse, particularly regarding forward movement, is compromised. This can lead to frustration for both parties.
- Safety Concerns: A horse that is unresponsive to aids can be unpredictable, especially in situations requiring quick reactions or precise control.
Symptoms of a Horse Being "Behind the Leg"
Recognizing the signs that your horse is "behind the leg" is the first step toward addressing the issue. Common symptoms include:
- Sluggish Response: The horse is slow to move off or accelerate when a leg aid is applied.
- Requires Stronger Aids: The rider constantly has to use more leg pressure, kick, or even add the whip to encourage forward movement.
- Dragging Feet: The horse seems to shuffle or drag its feet rather than lifting and propelling itself forward.
- No "Go": There's a persistent feeling that the horse has no energy or desire to move forward, even when prompted.
- Anticipation: The horse may start to anticipate aids, rushing before the aid is given, or ignoring it completely because it knows a stronger aid will follow.
The Solution: Getting "In Front of the Leg"
The opposite, and desired state, of "behind the leg" is "in front of the leg." This means the horse is eager, alert, and immediately responsive to the lightest leg aid, carrying itself forward with energy and impulsion. Achieving this state requires consistent training focused on establishing clear communication and respecting the rider's aids.
| Aspect | Horse "Behind the Leg" | Horse "In Front of the Leg" |
|---|---|---|
| Responsiveness | Slow, hesitant, requires strong aids | Immediate, eager, sensitive to light aids |
| Control | Horse dictates effort, rider lacks influence | Rider maintains true influence and direction |
| Energy | Dulling, sluggish, lacks impulsion | Forward, energetic, impulsion is present |
| Communication | Disconnected, often frustrating | Harmonious, clear, respectful |
To resolve a horse being "behind the leg," riders often employ techniques that re-establish the horse's respect for the leg aid, such as:
- Clear and Consistent Aids: Applying a leg aid with a specific intensity and immediately releasing it when the desired response is achieved.
- Forward Impulsion: Encouraging the horse to move forward with energy and purpose, even if it means short bursts of speed followed by a quick halt or downward transition to reinforce responsiveness.
- Reward Timeliness: Rewarding the horse immediately for the correct response, reinforcing that prompt action leads to comfort or praise.
- Varying Work: Keeping schooling sessions engaging and varied to prevent the horse from becoming dull or anticipating aids.
By consistently working to get a horse "in front of the leg," riders can develop a more harmonious partnership, where communication is clear and the horse is a willing and energetic partner.
