Inside Leg To Outside Rein, Explained

It’s a concept we hear over and over again – “get your horse off your inside leg and into the outside rein.” It’s a foundational concept of riding that correctly teaches the horse to move in a balanced, through way on the bit.

But understanding the concept is much easier than putting it into practice.

Heels Down Mag compiled a few video riding exercises to help further explain the “inside rein to outside leg” thought process and some ways to practice establishing it.

Enjoy.

Leg Yield To Half Circle

Dressage rider Amelia Newcomb shows how she can have plenty of slack in the inside rein when the horse is correctly connected to the outside rein.

Demystifying What It Means

Bernie Traurig explains that we must train the horse to respond to the lightest signal to all the aids, including both the inside and outside hands and legs.

A,B,C Way Of Steering

Rider biomechanics expert Mary Wanless describes how we steer affects the movement and the balance of the horse. By using the inside leg to outside rein concept, we’re freeing up the horse’s body to more more freely.

Not Like Riding A Bike

Natasha Althoff explains in this video why riders should aim to turn their horses with the outside rein, not the inside one.