Riding aids
Videos
Riding aids are the cues a rider gives to a horse to communicate what they want the animal to do. Riding aids are broken into the natural aids and the artificial aids.
A rider with a well-balanced, independent seat, allowing her to give precise aids.
Using the leg aid slightly behind the "neutral" position, to keep the horse correctly bent on a circle. Note the majority of the aids to turn are given with the legs, not the hands.
The rider's right direct rein bends the horse in that direction. It is supported by correct leg aids, with the inside leg at the girth and the outside leg behind.
A driving seat.
Spur
Videos
A spur is a metal tool designed to be worn in pairs on the heels of riding boots for the purpose of directing a horse or other animal to move forward or laterally while riding. It is usually used to r
Riding aids
…bit and saddle) such as martingales or training rein systems. Artificial aids can be used to reinforce the natural aids, or to discipline the horse. Spurs are attached to the rider's boots and are used to reinforce the rider's leg aids. Use can range from a brief light touch to a sharp jab. Whips and crops…
Pair of steel spurs from the Auckland War Memorial Museum Collection
Western-style cowboy spurs with rowels, chap guards and buttons for the spur straps
15th century rowel spur.
Arabic spurs, known as "acicates" in Spain, used by the Conquistadors.