horse pivots to the right when backing

Palomino06 · 08-19-2007, 04:14 PM

Missy has some backing up issues...she likes to pivot to the right when i try and back her up...she may back up a few steps (three tops) and she gets rewarded when she does. but if i try and back her up more than that, she pivots to the right, everytime. and she tucks her head in close to her chest to avoid the bit pressure in her mouth. she doesn't have a problem with it when i stop her, only when i ask her to back up. any advice?

ShawneeAcres · 08-19-2007, 08:00 PM

You need to make sure YOU aren't causing this, often the rider places pressure unevenly on one rein when the horse is backing or leans off to one side causing this. Go back to basics, teaching the hors to move away from your leg first, then work on the back ON STEP AT A TIME. Don't wllow her to back more than one step, then release all pressure, if she steps sideways, apply the leg and rein on that side to straighten her, then take one step back. Go slowly and make sure of your aids and body position. It is important when backing that you release pressure IMMEDIATELY when the horse begins to take a step back. Then apply light steady pressure for the second step, RELEASING immediately when the horse begins to take a step back. Otherwise your horse will curl up behind the bit to avoid the presure, or worse, raise the head and p[ossibly threaten to rear. Best to teach this from the ground on young horses at first, being slow and patient to get good resuslts. Then when you get the finished product a light touch of the rein and leg pressure will get you a smooth, slow back

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08-19-2007, 04:14 PM
Palomino06 Weanling Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Ontario Posts: 355	horse pivots to the right when backing Missy has some backing up issues...she likes to pivot to the right when i try and back her up...she may back up a few steps (three tops) and she gets rewarded when she does. but if i try and back her up more than that, she pivots to the right, everytime. and she tucks her head in close to her chest to avoid the bit pressure in her mouth. she doesn't have a problem with it when i stop her, only when i ask her to back up. any advice? __________________ \"If horses knew their strength, we should not ride anymore.\" - Mark Twain \"You cannot train a horse with shouts and expect it to obey a whisper.\" - Dagobert D. Runes

08-19-2007, 08:00 PM
ShawneeAcres Halter broke Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 176	You need to make sure YOU aren't causing this, often the rider places pressure unevenly on one rein when the horse is backing or leans off to one side causing this. Go back to basics, teaching the hors to move away from your leg first, then work on the back ON STEP AT A TIME. Don't wllow her to back more than one step, then release all pressure, if she steps sideways, apply the leg and rein on that side to straighten her, then take one step back. Go slowly and make sure of your aids and body position. It is important when backing that you release pressure IMMEDIATELY when the horse begins to take a step back. Then apply light steady pressure for the second step, RELEASING immediately when the horse begins to take a step back. Otherwise your horse will curl up behind the bit to avoid the presure, or worse, raise the head and p[ossibly threaten to rear. Best to teach this from the ground on young horses at first, being slow and patient to get good resuslts. Then when you get the finished product a light touch of the rein and leg pressure will get you a smooth, slow back __________________ Horses for Sale Shawnee Acres Last edited by ShawneeAcres : 08-19-2007 at 08:02 PM.