Teaching a horse to rein back involves a precise coordination of rein, leg, and seat aids to encourage a controlled, balanced backward movement. It's a fundamental skill that enhances a horse's responsiveness, balance, and collection.
Reining back, also known as backing up, is a valuable movement in both English and Western riding disciplines. It not only demonstrates a horse's obedience and understanding of aids but also strengthens their hindquarters and improves their overall balance and agility.
Prerequisites for Reining Back
Before attempting to teach your horse to rein back, ensure they have a solid foundation in basic training:
- Forward Movement: The horse should confidently move forward at the walk and trot with clear impulsion.
- Halt: The horse should execute a square, responsive halt on command.
- Responsiveness to Aids: The horse should understand and respond to independent rein and leg aids for steering and maintaining pace.
- Rider's Balance: The rider should possess a stable, independent seat and the ability to apply aids separately without losing balance.
Step-by-Step Guide to Teaching Rein Back
Teaching the rein back should be approached systematically, focusing on clear communication and positive reinforcement.
1. Preparation: Setting the Horse Up
Begin by establishing a good foundation:
- Walk Forward: Start by walking your horse forward in a straight line for several steps. This ensures the horse is thinking forward and is engaged.
- Ask for Roundness: As you walk forward, gently encourage your horse to become a little rounder and bring their hindquarters underneath them. This helps to engage their core and prepare their body for the backward movement, preventing them from hollowing their back or trailing their hind legs. This engagement is crucial for a collected, balanced rein back.
2. Applying the Aids
Once your horse is set up correctly, combine the following aids smoothly and simultaneously:
- Rein Aids (The "Wall"): Gently apply steady, equal pressure on both reins. Think of creating a "wall" with your hands that prevents forward movement without pulling the horse's head in or back aggressively. Your hands should stay in front of the saddle, not pull towards your chest.
- Leg Aids (The "Push"): At the same moment you apply the rein aids, put your legs on a little bit at the girth. This gentle pressure encourages your horse to step actively with their hind legs underneath their body, engaging their hindquarters and preventing them from simply dragging their feet or bracing their back. This is key to a powerful, correct rein back.
- Seat Aids (The "Shift"): Slightly deepen your seat in the saddle and subtly shift your weight back, without leaning excessively. This minor shift in your center of gravity signals to the horse to prepare for a backward step.
3. Encouraging the Backward Step
As you apply the combined aids, the horse should ideally respond by taking one or two backward steps. The goal is a controlled, deliberate step, not a frantic rush. Praise your horse immediately for any correct attempt.
4. Release and Reward
The moment your horse takes a correct backward step, no matter how small, immediately release all rein and leg pressure. Soften your hands, relax your legs, and praise your horse with your voice ("Good boy!" or "Good girl!") and a gentle pat on the neck. This immediate release and praise is the horse's reward and helps them understand what you are asking.
5. Repetition and Refinement
After the release and reward:
- Walk Forward Again: Allow your horse to stand still for a brief moment, then walk forward a few steps. This forward movement helps keep the horse thinking forward and prevents them from becoming "stuck" in the rein back.
- Repeat the Process: After walking forward, ask for the rein back one more time, repeating the sequence of preparation, aids, and release. Initially, ask for only one or two steps at a time. As your horse understands, you can gradually increase the number of steps.
Aid Summary Table
| Aid | Action | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Reins | Steady, even pressure to block forward movement | Signals to halt and shift weight back, defines the "wall" |
| Legs | Gentle, active pressure at the girth | Encourages hindquarters engagement, prevents hollowing, promotes active steps |
| Seat | Deepen seat, subtle weight shift back | Balances the horse, signals backward movement |
Common Mistakes and Troubleshooting
- Horse hollows its back or throws head up: This often indicates too much rein pressure and not enough active leg. Ensure your legs are actively engaging the hindquarters and asking for roundness before and during the back.
- Horse jigs or trots backward: Your aids might be too strong or abrupt. Aim for subtle, synchronized cues.
- Horse backs crooked: Use more leg on the side the horse is drifting away from, or a slight leading rein on the side the horse is leaning towards to straighten them.
- Horse resists or becomes confused: Go back to basics. Ensure your horse truly understands halt and forward movement. Break the rein back into smaller steps, perhaps starting by simply asking for a slight weight shift backward.
Benefits of Reining Back
Beyond being a show movement, teaching your horse to rein back offers several practical advantages:
- Improved Balance and Strength: It engages the horse's core and hindquarters, building muscle and improving their ability to carry themselves.
- Enhanced Responsiveness: It sharpens the horse's understanding of subtle aids, making them more attentive and supple.
- Increased Suppleness: Encourages the horse to yield to the bit and soften through the poll and jaw.
- Practical Use: Essential for navigating tight spaces on trails, in the barn, or for general obedience.
For further information on advanced training techniques, consider resources like those found on Practical Horseman. Consistent, patient training with clear aids and timely rewards will help your horse master the rein back beautifully.
