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In my opinion, the best way is to tenderly use his ears. Pull right and left ear for a right or left turn. With your thumbs, push against the back of the ears so that they fold forward to let him/her know you want him/her to go in a straight line.
Even more exciting if the carrier has big sticking out ears !!
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I think a small bridle bit like for small ponies can be quite useful and make. sense.
The rider can sit upright and steer her pony to the desired direction without talking.
Most riders do not talk very much to their horses.
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Bridles (bit and reins tied to the ridden's head) are the best instrument to give commands to the horse or mare while it is being ridden.
Little kicks to the side can also work, there are those who like to feel spurs.
Can work simple instructions like: Giddy up! or Whoa!
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Understanding the equestrian aids of the rider is one of the most important things at the beginning.
For me there were quite hard lessons to understand the commands of my riders given by their weight and their crotch on my nape, the pressure of their thighs around my neck and the pressure of their legs along my body.
Giving verbal commands takes too much time and is not really professional and esthetic.
Apart from all that if the rider is sitting perfectly she will press down the head with her weight and then the sight forward is extremely limited on only a few steps forward.
So the carrier has to rely on his rider who has full overview.
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I think ear tugging is a reasonable choice for a rider sitting on a carrier that has ears that are easy to reach.
This wouldn't always be my first choice because reins and a bit are more effective to discipline a less than satisfactory carrier's performance. But since the mood to ride may be spontaneous and riding tack not available at the moment, ear tugging would be a reasonable option , especially if the carrier has hair to short or sparse to hold or give directions by tugging.
I think I would probably still direct with light kicks out of habit but ears would be an additional option for directing and maintaining balance.
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