Teaching horse rein back

[budatiger]

What aids should be used? So many conflicting opinions and not having much luck so far, so think I am confusing my poor horse! He does it in hand perfectly, but when I'm on board it all goes wrong, he gets het up (overly sensitive soul) and if he does it, he moves sideways.
Thanks!

*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

 

[Cedars]

I squeeze on rein, then I squeeze with legs. AT DIFFERENT TIMES, otherwise you just ask them to rear.

Have you tried having someone asking him from the ground as well? xxxx

 

[Katie__Connie]

I do what flamehead says

 

[Rollin]

I teach all my horses to 'back-up' to voice command e.g. when I enter the stable, re-inforce this 'in-hand' with a bridel and schooling whip and then do the same mounted.

 

[Troylimbo1]

Same as rollin. I say back up and he does just that. Might be helpful to have someone on the ground to reinforce it. Then plenty of praise. Good luck

 

[ChesnutsRoasting]

Remember to get a square halt before you ask and definitely have someone on the ground to ask the horse to take a step back when you apply the aids. After some practice you will be able to dispense with the helper!

 

[Booboos]

Teach the rein back on the ground with a voice command and if necessary a light touch on the chest, then get someone to repeat the signals while you are on-board and doing the ridden aids, when that works consistently do the ridden aids on their own.

If he has a tendency to go crooked try against a wall or fence.

I was always taught that the aids for rein back are both legs slightly behind the girth and then the hands stop the forward movement. Sometimes it helps to add a little personalised aid to give the horse a warning, e.g. halt, tiny scratch with a couple of fingers on the withers, then ask for rein back.