Why might a horse find rein back difficult?

[Ziggy_]

What possible reasons could there be for a horse finding rein back difficult? Horse in question understands the aids but takes shuffly little steps and does everything to avoid going backwards, on the ground too. Back/teeth are both ok and turning tight circles etc is not a problem.

 

[piebaldsparkle]

Back, pelvis or hock issues would be my 1st thought (if horse definately understands the aids).

 

[Shilasdair]

Inability to reverse can be a good sign of back pain.
S

 

[Ziggy_]

Hock issues - Could an old, fully fused spavin cause a problem?

 

[Bosworth]

does he back easily in hand without a saddle? If the answer is yes then he doesn't understand the aids under saddle or had pain issues related to saddle. if the answer is no - then the chances are he has back/hock problems.

 

[only_me]

sore back would be my first idea, and it so often is because they are uncomfortable of stepping back into themselves.

 

[flyingfeet]

Usually english riders are rubbish at going backwards and the aids are muddled and confused. So he might roughly understand what on earth you are on about.

 

[Box_Of_Frogs]

Horses with shivers can find walking backwards difficult. Can your ned do it in the field?

 

[Shilasdair]

[ QUOTE ]
Usually english riders are rubbish at going backwards and the aids are muddled and confused. So he might roughly understand what on earth you are on about.

[/ QUOTE ]

Oh, thank Satan I'm Scottish then.
I really feel for you - that's quite an admission to make online, about your lack of skills.

We are here to support you, though - perhaps someone will give you some tips on the aids? I am sure you will get better in time.
S

 

[Hippona]

Are you remembering to lean slightly forwards? - you need to give his back end space to move..

Altho i'm english and therefore quite possibly rubbish

 

[Ziggy_]

She struggles under saddle, she shuffles rather than taking proper steps.

Ditto in hand.

She can reverse in the field away from the water trough etc but thats only a step or two, and not usually in a straight line.


Think I'll be getting her back checked out again anyway. Thanks for the replies.

 

[flyingfeet]

Sorry I missed the word "Style"

So Shils it covers Scots and the rest of Europe to make sure I insult the lot of them.

However if you've ever seen Western horses, you'll know what I mean.

 

[Coffee_Bean]

My mare would not go back. I had had everything checked etc, but she just would not do it. She would do it on the ground if you made her. So one day I decided she was going to bloody do it. We were on a hack and she reared and practically sat on a nearby fence. She walks back whenever I ask her now, soon got the idea, maybe I was asking wrong, not sure.

 

[houdini]

Horse has to have trust in the rider to go backwards confidently as they cannot see directly behind them. Also, as horses are naturally claustrophobic if you pull the reins and kick at the same time they will get panicky and confused which can result in rearing.
Teach the horse on the ground first by getting the horse used to moving AWAY from pressure. When on the horses back just ask for one step with a casual rein (do not pull backwards) and be clear about what you are asking for - take shoulders back mirror the horse and take your weight back. You can back up your weight aids with a stick by tapping horse on chest (if you have taught your horse to move backwards on ground by moving away from rythmic movement and pressure).
Be happy with one step at a time and then build it up.
How well your horse goes backwards is often a reflection on how well the horse stops, so check out your transitions as well. Trot, walk, back up is a good exercise to do on a casual rein to build confidence and to teach the horse to react to weight aids.