Rein Back Aids

[Lippyx]

Can someone tell me the right way to ask for Rein Back? I struggle sometimes with this movement.

Cheers!!

*Edited by admin* See how Michael Eilberg teaches his horses to rein back: http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/features/how-to-teach-your-horse-rein-back-509828

 

[china]

it might not be completley correct but i just put my legs back slightly and squeeze and give a squeeze on the reins, thats how i taught him, but i had to ovbiously pull him a little harder when teaching him but when he went back a released the contact now he has prety much learnt legs back equals go backwards

 

[Paint it Lucky]

I would get the horse to halt squarely. Make sure you have an even contact on both reins and hold the contact quite firmly if nessecary whilst slightly raising your weight out of the saddle (helps on horses that don't know the aid), and putting your legs on gently so the horse knows to move but because you are holding a rein contact they shouldn't be able to go forwards. Initially make sure you reward the horse even if they only step back a tiny bit. Over itme you can build this up.

Probably haven't explained this very well!

 

[Paint it Lucky]

Legs back does help as Miss Buffay says. I find it sometimes helps to put one leg back, then the other as if walking to stimulate each of the horses legs to go back in turn.

 

[Roody2]

one of the BD magazines from 2009 had a very good article on it written with Isabel Werth. If you want PM me your details and I'll try to get a photocopy and send it to you.

 

[Storminateacup]

I teach it from the ground first. Teach them to go back using the word "back, back" and lightly press on chest and pull back with both reins behind chin, give lots of praise when they get it right. When that's established use the words again when in the saddle at the same time as you sit very still put both legs firmly on the horse sides as if to ask forward, but pull gently backwards with alternate reins in a squeezing motion and tip yourself a little forward out of the saddle to lift your bum so that the horse can move back easily, give lots of praise and gentle regular practice and it will soon get sharper and straighter.
My horse is perfect at this now and my friends horse is learning it fast too

Dont try it if your horse does not soften into your contact to start with or it may rear. You will have to get the basics sorted out first if thats the case. Also its not a good thing to teach a youngster too soon in its education as you want them going forward, not backwards yet, and they need to be mature and strong enough to cope.