Backup Your Horse Exercise

Use this backup your horse exercise to develop the powerful hind end that is essential for your horse's success as a performer.  Whether he’s slow loping Western Pleasure horse, a hard stopping Reiner, a high-bounding Jumper, a smooth moving gaited horse, or a terrain tackling trail mount, a bountiful butt will make it easier for your horse to do his job well. 

First, teach your horse to backup in a straight line by taking an even feel with both reins. Don't pull, just hold firmly with your fingers curled around the reins. Also use your posture to help him move rearward by sitting deeply with your heels down and your lower legs pushed forward slightly. If he doesn't move back, don’t pull harder on the reins. If you use force, he will become more resistant.

Shorten one rein and bend your horse's head and neck to the side to soften his poll and jaw.  When he relaxes and gives to the rein, try backing him up again. This time keep one rein about an inch shorter than the other to maintain a subtle bend in his neck. That will help your horse stay supple and help him to relax into the bridle instead of bracing against your hands.

If he still doesn't step back, lightly bump him with both calves up at the cinch. If he's really stuck, move the leg he's bent toward forward and press or bump your horse at the cinch to move his shoulders sideways. That will help to get his front end moving again. With a lighter forehand he'll be better balanced the backup. After he's moved his shoulders over a couple of steps, ask for the backup again. 

When your horse is backing up well he's ready to move on to the next level. Before you attempt this, make sure he responds to even rein pressure by softening his jaw and poll, immediately shifting his weight rearward, and moving back with ease. When he reaches that point, you can ask your horse to backup while following an arc.

Make one rein short enough that you have a view of the side of your horse's face, approximately 45 degrees off the centerline. Using the same leg that your horse is bending toward, ask your horse to move his ribcage over. Then ask for a couple of steps around that leg so that your horse goes backward with a bend in his body. Only ask for a step or two at a time when your horse is learning. Also, change directions frequently to ensure that your doesn't become sour and he works both sides of his body evenly. This backing up exercise arc is a difficult one for your horse, so walk him forward often to give him a break and praise him for the smallest try.

If you make this backing your horse exercise a regular part of your horse’s training program, it will help him develop the strength he needs for optimum performance.  A powerful hind end means better transitions, improved balance, and a higher level of responsiveness to your hands. All it takes is a few steps in reverse to get your horse's rear in gear!

Return to Horse Training Tips

Return to Home Page