Tapping Leg
The tapping leg is well-known, often seen as a problem in children riding lazy ponies. Instead of driving the pony forward, the tapping leg desensitizes it, leading to increased laziness and often frustration for the rider. It’s important to learn the correct technique for applying leg aids, giving the right driving impulses at the critical moment—and nothing beyond that.
Gripping Leg
A common problem is gripping with the thighs while sitting the trot. Instinctively, the rider tries to brace against the wave of movement coming from underneath, pushing away from it instead of allowing it to flow elastically and relaxed through their body. This negative tension transfers to the horse, making it impossible for the horse to be relaxed. Imagine briefly stepping into the horse’s shoes and envision having a clothespin clipped to your back. Now—relax!
The gripping leg has a similar effect on the horse, making it tense. Instead of driving, it causes the horse to resist more and more. Increased pressure results in further resistance from the horse, creating a very problematic cycle. The only solution is to desensitize the horse to the leg, for example by temporarily using a whip to aid the driving action—not as a tool for punishment, but as a rhythmic aid.
Inactive Leg
An inactive leg, much like sagging reins, is also problematic. Without the driving impulse from the leg, the horse is not encouraged to step more under its center of gravity, and as a result, the process of establishing contact cannot begin.
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