Rein back is a fundamental equestrian movement where the horse moves directly backward in a controlled, diagonal two-beat rhythm, without any moment of suspension. It is a precise and often challenging exercise that demonstrates a horse's obedience, balance, and suppleness.
Understanding the Mechanics of Rein Back
At its core, rein back is a rearward diagonal movement performed with a distinct two-beat rhythm, meaning you hear two hoof beats per diagonal pair. Crucially, there is no moment of suspension—the horse's weight is always supported by at least one diagonal pair of legs on the ground. During this movement, each diagonal pair of legs is raised and returned to the ground alternately. The forelegs are expected to align on the same track as the hind legs, ensuring the horse moves straight backward without crabbing or drifting.
Key Characteristics of a Correct Rein Back
- Rhythm: A clear, consistent two-beat rhythm.
- Engagement: The horse should remain engaged, stepping actively backward from the hindquarters, not merely dragging its feet.
- Balance: The horse should maintain self-carriage and balance, staying light in the forehand.
- Straightness: The horse moves in a straight line, with the hind legs following the track of the forelegs.
- Diagonal Movement: The legs move in diagonal pairs (e.g., left hind and right fore lift simultaneously, then right hind and left fore).
- Lack of Suspension: Unlike gaits like the trot or canter, there is no phase where all four feet are off the ground.
Why is Rein Back Important in Equestrianism?
Rein back is far more than just moving backward; it's a vital exercise for developing a horse's physical and mental attributes. It is a key component in dressage, demonstrating the horse's obedience, elasticity, and responsiveness to subtle aids.
Benefits of Incorporating Rein Back into Training
- Improved Obedience and Responsiveness: Teaches the horse to move off the rider's seat and leg aids with precision.
- Enhanced Engagement of Hindquarters: Encourages the horse to step under itself, strengthening the hindquarters and improving collection.
- Increased Suppleness and Flexibility: Helps to loosen the horse's back and poll, improving its overall agility.
- Better Balance: Aids in teaching the horse to shift its weight backward, becoming lighter on the forehand.
- Correction of Anticipation: Can be used to "reset" a horse that anticipates forward movement or rushes.
- Developing a "Thinking" Horse: Encourages the horse to listen and respond thoughtfully, rather than reacting impulsively.
Training for a Correct Rein Back
Achieving a soft, straight, and willing rein back requires systematic training and clear communication. The horse must be comfortable moving forward before being asked to move backward.
Practical Steps for Teaching Rein Back
- Preparation is Key:
- Start from a halt where the horse is already attentive and balanced.
- Ensure the horse is soft in the mouth and responsive to light rein contact.
- Practice transitions from halt to walk and walk to halt to establish responsiveness.
- Applying the Aids:
- Seat: Deepen your seat, engaging your core, signaling a halt.
- Legs: Apply steady, passive leg pressure behind the girth to prevent the horse from stepping forward and to encourage hindquarter engagement. Some riders use a rhythmic squeeze-and-release.
- Reins: Use a soft, giving contact. A slight half-halt can be given before asking for the rein back, then the reins are used to block forward movement, not to pull the horse backward. The contact should remain elastic.
- Start Small:
- Initially, ask for just one or two steps backward.
- Immediately reward the slightest correct attempt by releasing the aids and allowing the horse to stand or step forward.
- Maintain Straightness:
- Use your legs to keep the horse straight, preventing the hindquarters from swinging out.
- Your gaze should be forward, directing the horse's path.
- Release and Reward:
- Always release the aids and praise the horse promptly, even for small successes.
- Avoid prolonged or forceful backward movement, which can cause tension or resistance.
For more in-depth training techniques, resources from organizations like the United States Dressage Federation (USDF) can be invaluable.
Common Faults and How to Correct Them
| Fault | Description | Correction Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Resisting/Pulling Back | Horse braces against the bit, resisting the backward movement. | Lighten rein contact, use more leg and seat to encourage engagement, reward small steps. Avoid pulling. |
| Rushing Backward | Horse steps too quickly or loses balance, often due to tension. | Slow down the process, ask for fewer steps, ensure soft hands and a calm approach. Focus on rhythm. |
| Crabbing/Drifting | Horse moves sideways while backing, losing straightness. | Use inside leg to keep the hindquarters aligned, maintain even rein contact, focus on looking straight ahead to guide the horse. |
| Dragging Feet | Horse's legs do not lift properly, showing lack of engagement. | Ensure the horse is truly "on the aids" before asking. Use more active leg and seat to encourage stepping back. |
| Anticipating | Horse offers rein back before the aids are fully given, or moves forward. | Practice frequent transitions between halt, walk, and rein back. Vary the number of backward steps. |
Rein Back in Dressage
In competitive dressage, the rein back is a required movement in many tests, serving as a testament to the horse's training and the rider's skill. It demonstrates suppleness through the poll, back, and hindquarters, as well as the horse's obedience and willingness to step back actively and calmly. Judges look for a clear two-beat diagonal rhythm, straightness, engagement, and a soft, consistent contact. The quality of the rein back is a direct indicator of the horse's overall training level.
Rein back is a sophisticated movement that, when correctly executed, showcases the harmonious partnership between horse and rider, embodying control, balance, and grace.
