Last updated: 4/23/2026
I had a zoom call with some of my students recently, and I was struck by how many were turning their horses like cars! This is a mistake we all make in the beginning, whether dressage or more general horse riding, but it is important not to turn your horse like a car because it throws them off balance. This quick guide will help you turn and steer your horse while you’re riding and works for horse riders of any skill level.
The Correct Way to Steer by Using Your Reins and Legs
The correct way to turn your horse is as follows. In this example, we’re coming down the rail and want to turn right:
Close outside rein for a half-halt
Use your outside leg and rein to push the horse away from the rail
Open the inside rein away from the neck to get the horse flexing in the direction of travel
Execute a perfect turn
The aid is much more subtle when done correctly and it is important to remember that ideally your horse is turning more from your leg and seat and less from the rein aids.
Turning a Horse: 2 Common Mistakes to Avoid
One of the most common mistakes I see is riders trying to turn when their reins are too long. This is problematic because rather than making subtle rein aids to turn your horse, you have to do big exaggerated movement with your arms to communicate with your horse!
The second mistake is the aforementioned “car turn” where your outside hand comes up and over the horses’ neck as if you were turning the steering wheel.
Another mistake I encounter a lot is riders leaning in the turns like they are riding a bicycle! Learning into your turns will cause the horse to fall to the inside and go on the forehand.
If you’re having trouble with getting your horse to turn, here is another video about guiding your horse that might help you.
