© 2002 Emerald Springs, LLC.
Many horses are voice trained: Walk, Trot, Canter, Whoa, Back (see the Different Gaits of the Horse).
Clicks are helpful to urge the horses a little faster in the gait he is already going.
Leg cues are the most important. Squeeze (Never Kick - it not only hurts the horse but it desensitizes them) both the legs gently and release for the walk. Squeeze both legs and release for the jog (or slow trot). Click and squeeze both legs again for the extended trot. Use one leg pressure only for the canter (or gallop). In order to obtain the correct lead, this must always be the outside leg on the circle.
Reins - Hold in one hand, preferably the left. Neck rein the western horse. Pull gently and always release to slow the horse from any gait. Use voice command with the rein cue. Never pull back and hold back on the reins. Always release. If first a gentle pull doesn't work, try again a little harder. Always pull back low below your waste line. The reins are being held too loosely if when you pull back you find that you can pull back farther than your waistline. The reins are too tight if horse continually bobs his head up and down. Always be sure that you are holding your reins evenly when the horses' head is straight ahead.
