RIGHT-HANDED, LEFT-HANDED: THE SCIENCE OF LATERALITY IN HORSES
By Susan Connell, Founding Manager, Horse Trainer, and Instructor at Cornerstone Ranch
If you ride regularly, it’s easy to notice that horses, like people, are not perfectly symmetrical. One horse may bend more easily to the left, another may consistently pick up the same lead, or you might see more muscle on one side. These traits show that horses may favor one side of the body. The key takeaway is that understanding this tendency helps you help a horse move more evenly and train more effectively.
The Mechanics of Side Dominance
When a horse walks, trots, or canters, each side of the body works a bit differently. One hind leg may push off harder, while the opposite foreleg reaches farther to maintain balance and turn. This helps explain why a horse might pick up one lead more easily, bend better to one side, or feel different on each rein.
Strength, Balance, and “Sidedness” in Horses
Horses have natural asymmetries, just as we do. Instead of being right- or left-handed, a horse may be stronger or more coordinated on one side. For example, if a horse picks up the left lead at the canter, it does not mean the horse is stronger on the left or is “left-handed.” In fact, the right hind leg—the opposite side from the lead—does most of the pushing and provides the primary strength and propulsion for the stride. The lead leg (such as the left foreleg in a left lead) reaches farther forward for balance and control, but is not the source of greater strength. This common misunderstanding is why identifying the true dominant side matters.
Simply put, a horse may be stronger on one side for pushing off and more flexible on the other. The dominant side for strength is usually the hind leg opposite the lead, while the lead leg provides reach and balance. This is not exactly like being right- or left-handed, but it explains why one direction feels easier and the other trickier. The central point is to recognize which side does which job.
Why Does This Matter for Training?
Noticing which side your horse favors is the first step to helping it move more evenly. If a horse always picks the same lead or bends more easily one way, imbalances can develop over time. The main takeaway is that working both sides equally supports a stronger, healthier, and more comfortable horse.
Training for Symmetry and Balance
If your horse finds one direction more difficult, do not assume it is being stubborn. Instead, see it as a chance to help. Use exercises that strengthen the weaker side and increase flexibility in the stiffer side. Circles, serpentines, bending lines, and transitions on both reins help your horse become more balanced and confident.
The Rider’s Role in Building Balance
When your horse favors one lead, bend, or direction, you are seeing the natural quirks that all horses—and all athletes—have. Horses are not the only ones with a dominant side—riders are, too. Your own imbalances can affect the way your horse moves and make those tendencies more noticeable.
Becoming a better, more balanced rider is one of the greatest gifts you can give your horse. Practice riding evenly in both directions, keep your weight centered, and notice if you use one rein or leg more than the other. Improving your own flexibility and strength off the horse—through stretching, yoga, or other activities—can also help in the saddle.
When you strive to be more ambidextrous and aware of your body, you help your horse become more even as well. Keep noticing, keep adjusting, and keep working together toward that balance—one ride at a time. Make each ride a chance to build balance and harmony for both horse and rider.
Susan Connell is the founding manager, horse trainer, and instructor at Cornerstone Ranch, where she helps horses and riders reach their fullest potential through science-based training and compassionate horsemanship.