Tips for improving rein back

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Jo C

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Anyone got any good tips for improving rein back as I seem to have hit a block. We can either plant on the spot and refuse to do anything, stick our head in the air and run backwards or just go sideways - help!
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*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
 
Teach it from the ground first. Once the horse is entirely happy with this, ask a helper to give the aid from the ground whilst you are on board.
If it isnt essential for a dressage test, dont teach it- fastest way to teach your horse to rear if you ask me!!
 
Yep can do it from the ground no problem. He also does a nice line in launching off all 4 feet when mounted when he gets cross with me.
Am lightening my seat, closing my hands and moving my legs slightly back to ask.
 
Trouble is he can do it from the ground no problem, I need it for dressage tests otherwise I wouldn't worry about it. He used to be able to do it fine but has hit a mental block with it I think (or maybe I have!
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Presuming you use your voice when on the ground, make sure you use the same vocal when asking for it ridden, until the penny drops.
As Boss says, if possible have someone get him to step back with you on board using exactly the same signals that he's familiar with. At first don't you do anything other than lighten your seat, until Patrick gets used to going back under your weight.
Oooh, that sounds like you're a heffalump!
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Didn't mean that.......read under the rider's weight!!!
Once he's happy doing that for just a step or two then start to apply your aids as the helper asks him to go back.

Always apply the leg aid before the rein and if nothing happens, it's always more leg NOT more rein.
Always make a fuss of him if he shows the slightest inclination to do what's wanted and stop asking after each step, in other words to start with, ask for a step and stop, another step and stop, with praise in between.
 
Ha you wouldn't say that if you'd seen him the last couple of nights, I have tried explaining that we are only supposed to be walking but its like talking to a brick wall, we can either go sideways in trot or buck on the spot if I take him out for a walk round the farm or jog and launch in the school. In fact I think I'll send him to you anyway!
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Love your Santa in your signature by the way
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Glad P's feeling more like his old self by the sounds of it!

Don't know why, but I find if I incline my head down (I know, it's not proper!) when I ask for rein back, Twiglet gets it much more easily - it's obviously the shift in weight it results in.
 
Thanks Twigs will try that one too, although I am notoriously bad at looking down anyway so wouldn't be surprised if I already do this without realising
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