Left-handed horses.

It is just a title, obviously. Horses could be right-handed too, or better yet, not dominant on either. But typically, horses aren't as ambidextrous as we might assume.

If your horse seems to go better one way versus the other, it is totally common. At my clinics, I often see people starting on one side, not out of habit, they even say it, but because that side is easier and they like getting a win early. Whereas, if they started on the harder side, they might battle a bit, and it is not fun or comfortable.

Here is the irony, however. The only way to balance is to do more of the hard side, or even intentionally start on the hard side.

When I take the horse and begin lunging or riding and heading off in one direction, I will often hear the owner speak out loud, "That is the hard side! It is easier the other way." To which, I always respond, "Perfect. We need to spend more time here anyway."

It makes sense, but it is funny how it feels wrong. We work on the dominant side so naturally that even considering starting on the off side seems like a bad idea.

For me, in life and sport, I was lucky enough to get training earlier for ambidexterity. My basketball coach tied my right hand for entire practices, or made me jump off my less dominant leg. My older brother and I dared each other to eat left-handed, brush teeth left-handed, and so on.

My early horsemanship teachers taught me to read imbalances and focus on rebalancing as part of the daily routine, intentionally practicing the hard side to make it better.

Once the balance is evident, then we naturally float back to middle ground, spending equal time on both sides. But for a while at least, it is necessary to spend more time on the hard side.

Why are horses imbalanced? Why do they favor a side or direction when trotting or cantering? Why does it seem that you end up posting on the wrong diagonal or getting a wrong lead? Answer:

It is natural. We all develop habits. Consciously we can change them, but it requires focus. The origins of dominant left and right could be an injury or even as subtle as a preference from the mother from birth. It can also be reinforced by trainers who unconsciously pattern one side of the horse through saddling, mounting, lunging, etc.

Your future holds more balance, if you are ready. All you have to do is observe patterns and bravely accept the awkward sensation of practicing on your hard side or the horse's hard side.

Have fun, stay safe, make progress. ​Don