Laura Graves Explains: The Leg & The Hand

In this lesson, Laura breaks down the first two aids: the leg (including spurs and whip) and the hand (or reins). In order to initiate true contact, the leg and the hand come into practice first so the rider can efficiently lift the horses back to then implement the seat, or the third aid.
⭐️ Don't be afraid to try new things. That helps both you and your horse learn and communicate.
⭐️ The seat comes into play later, when your horse is properly responsive to the Primary Aids.
⭐️ Throughness must first be achieved before the horse's back can lift into the rider's seat. Many riders sit the horse their horse's back is properly lifted-- that's why some people bounce!
⭐️ Keep it simple! Even the most advanced movements are testing the basic aids.
⭐️ Having a system you apply to each horse you ride can help both you and your horse be accountable.
⭐️ Remember, trying something is better than trying nothing.
If you want to achieve harmony, whisper-like aids and responsiveness from your horse, watch Laura Graves full course and become an #EquestrianMasterclass member at EquestrianMasterclass.com.

[@sharonconroy4057]

Yes ....i have to rember to train my horse in the moment and not thinking about a judge marking us🤗🇦🇺✨

[@benitascott3533]

And plus, Laura doesn't the horse require the strength in the back, ie a sufficient top line, in order to carry the rider to sit the trot? I so much believe that the horse needs the foundation to pick them selves up, the foundation brings sufficient training to build the muscles in the back, in order to use the back "properly". They need to understand how to do it! So yes, i agree, its so important to have all that in place before we can sit! Im so pleased to hear you reinforce that idea!

[@benitascott3533]

Gosh you're good Laura. Would love to have a coach like you ❤

[@mskatefish]

Excellent explanation

[@traceymiller2038]

Oh my hat
THANK YOU laura
I have been battling this connection thing and this maked ansolute sence and truth be told some years ago you idea crossed my mind and wjem i questioned my coach i was told as had aleays been told ... impossible it is seat leg hand ... but what if you have no seat because the horse is not giving you his back ... and this was on beautiful big scopy thoroughbreds off the track who do not easily give their back...
Ok
I cannot wait to get onto my horse tomorrow
Thank you
And not 10mins into your video 😂

[@mialenz55]

incredible explanation, thanks!!!

[@patriciaorgas694]

Excellent points to train us to know what we want.

[@dashintolearning4071]

This is amazing 🤩

[@Missauthentic716]

Love your clear concise instructions. Thank you so very much…. Can’t wait to tell my trainer my goal is to pick up my horse with my crotch…😂

[@Feonix778]

Wow. Mine too, future goals 😆🤣

[@george.6556]

Not criticizing. Enlighten me please. What is the benefit of riding the horse so curled up and behind the vertical? Again, not criticizing, I really want to know. Than you

[@hairbeautys5752]

The moment when she use her leg is not correct so the horse can not go faster/ more aktiv. And she’s rubbing the saddle and is hard/strong in the Hipps too.

[@sandra4equifino52]

So sad to hear whatever level trainer to consider the rider’s body/position/seat to be a secondary aid. Even kids training to ride their bicycle are taught balance first, since no amount of pedaling and gripping the handles will make for smooth rides. And that is when no living being under the saddle has a right to be prioritised.

[@calista1280]

It's not lost on her, you may have misinterpreted her explanation of not being able to pick a 1200lb horse with your crotch, lol 😅
She said most of the students in her clinics don't have the balance & feel to utilize seat cues. Therefore, she is unable to explain or demonstrate with them the subleties of balance, hip shifts or twists from the waist to turn...
It takes time to develop the balance of a harmonious dance partner!