In her video series on EQUESTRIAN+, Holly Hugo-Vidal says the hallmark of excellent riding is invisibility of the aids and that correct rider position is the cornerstone of effective communication with your horse.
“When your position is correct and secure, your confidence increases, allowing you to use subtle aids that coordinate like instruments in an orchestra,” she explained. “This creates a harmonious partnership where the horse responds willingly and the ride appears effortless—the ultimate goal in any discipline.”
Hugo-Vidal shares her strategies to improve the effectiveness of your communication with your horse by coordinating your leg and hand aids, keeping him in front of your leg and using a figure-eight track-riding exercise to fine-tune your aids.
1. Coordinating Your Leg and Hand Aids
“The foundation of your position begins with correct foot placement. Position the ball of your foot on the stirrup at a diagonal angle, with the inside bridge slightly behind the outside. Your heel should be angled down, creating your first critical angle. This downward heel position serves two essential purposes: it helps absorb concussion when landing from jumps and provides stability for your entire position.
“Whether you’re working on the flat or navigating a jump course, the ability to coordinate your leg and hand aids depends entirely on a solid, balanced position.
“Hold the reins correctly with your thumb on top and little finger between the two reins. Most importantly, maintain a straight line from the bit to your elbow. This straight line appears consistently across all disciplines with accomplished riders and enables clear, effective rein aids.”
2. Keep Your Horse in Front of Your Leg
“Proper impulsion is crucial for success in hunter/jumper disciplines. When a horse is in front of the leg he responds promptly to the rider’s aids, maintains forward energy and moves with purpose.
“Your horse may be behind the leg if you notice he’s sluggish in response to your leg aids, feel the need for repeated leg pressure to maintain pace, lack of impulsion or go, falling in on turns or inconsistent tempo.
“Remember that consistent expectations and clear corrections will help develop a horse that stays reliably in front of the leg, making your hunter/jumper rounds more successful and enjoyable.”
3. Fine-Tune Your Aids with This Figure-Eight Track-Riding Exercise
“The figure-eight pattern is a fundamental exercise that develops a rider’s ability to maintain precision, control and rhythm while transitioning between directions. It’s particularly valuable for hunter/jumper riders as it improves your ability to ride accurate lines to fences while maintaining proper leads and balance.
“Your position is crucial for this exercise. A solid, balanced seat allows you to use your hands and legs independently or together as needed.
“Remember, this exercise is challenging because it requires constant turning, stride management and track awareness. Even accomplished riders must focus to maintain precision. Start slowly and build up to more challenging variations as your skills improve.”
You can watch Hugo-Vidal’s full series on effect aids, here.
About Holly Hugo-Vidal
Based out of Scott and Nancy Boggio’s Arbor Hill Farm in Canton, Georgia, Holly Hugo-Vidal maintains a busy schedule with her junior and adult riders as well as giving clinics and judging. With her former husband, Victor Hugo-Vidal, she ran the successful show barn, Cedar Lodge Farm, in Stamford, Connecticut, learning from his ability to help anyone with a desire to accomplish his or her goals. Her next mentor was show jumper Rodney Jenkins, who provided her with lessons in reading horses and creating in them a desire to please. She is the author of the book Build Confidence Over Fences!
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