Teaching rein back

[catherine22]

My horse (and I) both know the aids for rein back - I have probably done it more than him, but i'm currently trying to teach him to pick his feet up and put them down rather than just dragging them backwards. any ideas on how to? i tried over a pole (just front legs) last night and that just resulted with him standing on the pole!

 

[maggiesmum]

If he's dragging them backwards then he's likely to be fixing his jaw against the bit and hollowing rather than softening his jaw rounding his back and properly stepping back.
Try it yourself, stand upright arch your back, tip your head back and try and step back - then try leaning forwards and dropping your head and see how much easier it is.

I'd recommend getting some eyes on the ground to help you out.

 

[dafthoss]

teach him to step back the way you want in hand with a vioce command and then do the same when mounted with someone on the ground to help

 

[catherine22]

Thanks, that does make sense. Will ask my instructor her opinion as well.
Good idea about teaching him in hand, i've never really noticed whether he drags his feet when he moves back, will have to look later!