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Teach Your Horse To Back [video]

Many horse owners never properly teach their horse how to back up. Instead, they just pull hard on the reins and try to pull the horse back. That's not good for you or the horse. It can hurt the horse's mouth, and usually the horse raises its head high, which can lead to a very unsafe situation for the rider.

Over the years, I've developed a very effective technique for teaching your horse to back up. In this article and video, I'll show you how to start the technique.

First of all, make sure you have established leadership by working with your horse in the round pen. Once you've established leadership, find a partner to help you out.

I recommend starting on the ground (no rider yet). Lightly—and I emphasize lightly—pull back on the reins, and the moment the horse takes a step backward—with his head down—give him a treat. Repeat this several times until the horse takes several steps backward each time. Never give the treat if the horse's head is up, even if he moves backward. This would teach them to keep their head up, which is the wrong thing!

Once the horse is backing up on the ground, then get in the saddle. Now, gently pull back on the reins, and when the horse steps back (even slightly), and has his head down, immediately release pressure on the reins and have your partner give the horse a treat. Only give the treat when the horse steps back with his head down.

Repeat this several times, always using very light pressure on the reins. Never jerk the horse back or try to force him to back up. Always end on a good note so it's a positive experience for your horse.

This is a very effective method to start teaching your horse to back up. In my 5-DVD training set, I'll teach you the complete technique to get your horse to back up willingly on your cue—with lots of demonstrations using real horses and real owners. It really works.

Stay safe and have fun,