Think your left hand controls your horse’s speed? Think again. Lari Dee Guy says many ropers misunderstand what that hand is really for.

In this quick tip session, she explains how small adjustments with your left hand can make a big difference in how your horse responds. Here are three of her top tips for using your left hand with purpose and precision. Watch the full video lesson on Roping.com.

1. Think of Your Left Hand as a Guide, Not a Throttle

“The motor of the horse is the butt, but so many people misunderstand and think that the left hand is a speed. The left hand is to control and guide. The speed all comes from your seat and your feet. “

2. Keep Your Left Hand Quiet

“I try to keep my left hand in a 6-by-6-by-6 box. I see people move their hand a lot and that gives a horse a whole lot of signals. So the more still you can keep your hand, the better. When I make a turn with my hand, I’ll make a move and then I make ’em center up. I don’t want to see a lot of movements to get one direction.”

3. Hold, Don’t Pull—And Ride to Your Hand

“There’s a difference between holding a horse and pulling on a horse. If I pull on a horse, I want ’em to stop. If I hold a horse, that just means that I’m holding the horse in between the reins. I want to keep the horse’s right side and the horse’s left side in between the reins. When I want to go, I make the horse go between my bridle reins in between my legs by using my seat and feet to make the horse push with his rear end and go to my left hand.”

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced breakaway roper, Roping.com offer a wide range of instructional videos led by top coaches in the field, including Lari Dee Guy, JJ Hampton, Shelby Boisjoli, Sarah Angelone, Martha Angelone and Hope Thompson. Check out the full library with a free trial today.