How do you move an animal forward?

• A. Stand behind point of balance
• B. Stand in front of point of balance
• C. Stand to the left of the animal
• D. Stand on its back

Answer: (A)

Moving an animal forward relies on applying pressure behind its point of balance, which is near the shoulder. When you stand behind that point, the animal feels pressure at the hindquarters and naturally moves forward to relieve it. Standing in front of the point of balance would cue the animal to stop or back up, because you’re asking it to move toward you. Standing to the side doesn’t create a clear forward cue, and standing on its back is unsafe and inappropriate. So the best way to move the animal forward is to position behind the point of balance and use calm, steady pressure to encourage forward movement.