Horse-man-ship Mentality - Forward Motion: Why It Matters More Than You Think

Dennis Cappel
May 12
2 min read

Horse-man-ship Mentality - Forward Motion: Why It Matters More Than You Think

By Dennis Cappel, Master Horseman

Why is forward motion so important when riding your horse?

It’s a simple concept—but one of the most crucial elements of good horsemanship. And more often than not, it’s about rider awareness more than the horse’s willingness. The better we understand this principle, the better our horses respond—and the more harmonious our rides become.

You’ve probably heard common phrases like:

“Get the horse ahead of your legs,”

“Get him alive under you,”

“Pick up his shoulders,”

“Get him moving forward into a soft feel.”

All of these refer to one thing: controlled, intentional forward motion.

As riders grow in experience, they begin to feel just how critical this concept is. Forward motion isn’t just about speed or covering ground. It’s about engagement. It’s about a horse that is mentally and physically with you—carrying itself with energy, balance, and responsiveness.

When you develop a deeper understanding of how and why to create and maintain forward motion, your horse begins to rise to a new level of performance.

They move freer. Lighter. With more willingness.

They become more athletic—not because you forced them to be, but because you showed them how.

Mastering forward motion comes with time, feel, and consistency. But once you get it, it becomes the foundation for everything else—collection, softness, balance, and performance at any level.

Mindful Riding,

Dennis Cappel - Master Horseman

www.cappeltrainingandshoeng.com