Backing Up Without Frustration

 Goal(s) :

To refine the rein-back for horses that easily become frustrated or tense, and to help the horse enjoy the exercise.

 Process :

Lead the horse forward between two ground poles, starting with just one stride. Ask for a very gradual rein-back, allowing the horse time to think. Once the horse has stepped back, ask them to touch a cone, barrel, tire, or jump standard, and reward the act of touching rather than the rein-back itself. Gradually increase the difficulty by extending the distance to be backed up.

 Difficulties :

Easy, but requires the horse to already know the 'touch' cue and have a basic understanding of the rein-back.