Horse glossary
Cue
A signal you give the horse, like legs or reins.
In Spanish: Ayuda
What it means
A cue, also called an aid, is a signal a rider or handler gives a horse to ask for something, such as go, stop, turn, or move over. Natural aids are your seat, legs, hands, and voice. Artificial aids, like a crop or spurs, add to natural aids and are only used with training.
Why it matters
Horses learn to respond to consistent cues. When the same signal always means the same thing, and the pressure goes away as soon as the horse answers, it learns quickly and stays relaxed.
Example
Use soft cues first.
Try this
Start with the lightest cue that could work, then ask a little more clearly only if needed. The moment the horse responds, relax the cue; that release is the horse's reward.
Common mistake
Nagging, such as kicking every stride or constantly pulling, teaches a horse to tune out. Clear cues with quiet moments in between work much better.