It’s no secret that a young horse must learn to balance under the rider—but how we help them find that balance can make all the difference. The key is guiding them without overwhelming them.
First, remember that a young horse is not only learning to balance but also learning an entirely new form of communication. Expecting them to understand advanced cues too soon is like speaking to a toddler with adult vocabulary—it leads to confusion and frustration.
We must accept that communication will be limited at first and allow room for mistakes. Many riders focus too soon on achieving straightness, bend, or collection in an effort to get the horse off the forehand. But horses are naturally built to carry more weight on the forehand—80% of the time, that’s exactly where they are. The real issue arises when we trap them in small circles or repetitive exercises, especially if they’re not ready for it.
If a young horse doesn’t yet understand the aids—can’t move off the inside leg, doesn’t follow the feel of the reins, or falls in or out on turns—what’s the solution?
We start by riding forward. Horses are flight animals, built to move. Forward movement gives them a sense of freedom and helps activate the hind legs. That impulsion naturally encourages straightness and allows the horse to reach forward and down with the neck to find balance. Give them time to find their own balance. Balance, suppleness, and mental relaxation are things that can not be forced; they can only be allowed to happen.
Once this begins to develop, the horse will seek a soft, steady contact with the bit. It’s vital that the horse reaches for the contact—not that the rider takes it. Prematurely shortening the reins often causes the horse to brace, lift the head, and contract the neck, leading to sore backs, poor engagement, and loss of balance.
Only after establishing a soft contact can we begin to influence the horse’s posture and balance more meaningfully. Start with large, flowing turns. Avoid asking for collection or precision before the horse is physically and mentally ready—this process takes years, not weeks.
Take your time, but don’t waste it. From day one, ride your horse from back to front and let that be your guiding principle. When they’re ready to give more, they will offer it.
