How to Back up a Horse Correctly, Part I

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In this video I explain in depth, and demonstrate with my school master Sundance, how to teach a horse to back up well, easily and correctly. This can only be done when 3 things happen physically in your horse: horse breaks at the pole, opens up their topline and uses their hind end.
This approach and technique is great for the following:
- Transitioning your bitted horse to a bitless bridle
- Helps the rider learn better feel and timing
- Helps both horse and rider learn the fundamentals of contact
- Great beginning for new riders
- Great for starting and re-starting horses
- Helps both horse and rider supple laterally and vertically
- Helps develop trust in horses that are afraid of harsh hands and cruel bits
- Develops a responsive and softer horse to light aids
- Develops softer hands in the rider
- Develops a more focused and connected horse
- Develops trust and relaxation
The 3 techniques, exercises, that teach your horse to back well, easily and correctly are, and in this order:
1) First, teach the backup correctly and on the ground and in hand
2) Second, develop lateral flexion, side-to-side
3) Third, develop vertical flexion, (when the horse’s nose is “on the vertical”)
Once all 3 of these areas, techniques, are working well on the ground, in-hand, you will take the same technique to the saddle. Key is paying attention to how I teach you to handle the rein, the level of feel, meaning when to ask gently and when to get stronger if needed and then get light again. Work on your feel and timing, pressure and release, positive reinforcement (lots of praise and love and quiet time).
One of the most important parts to training is taking your time so the horse understands what you are teaching them AND stopping often so they can process and digest. Two key areas to learning easily and becoming a confident learner!
#equestrian #horsetraining #horses #carolinebeste #taoofhorsemanship #masterymembership #horsetrainer #holistichorsemanship#holistichorsemanship #carolinebeste #taoofhorsemanship #ilovehorses #happyhorses #horsebackriding #ridinghorses #bitless #riding #horsevideos #horsetrainingvideos

[@RenaRego]

I tried this tonight after being so frustrated with my horse not backing up. Shaking the lead rope, shaking the whip, tapping her with it, using my hand, making scary noises even with the whip, even pushing her...nothing worked. I did this technique and she backed up immediately. And I didn’t even have a proper rope. Thank you so much!

[@TaoofHorsemanship]

Hi Rena and Welcome! So great to hear!

[@RenaRego]

I still can’t get her to back up from being in my space as she doesn’t seem to be afraid of anything. But at least we got this part down.

[@danipphoto]

For a new rider, would you recommend using a bit, or no?

[@TaoofHorsemanship]

Hi Danielle and Welcome! Great question! As I mention in this video, I follow many of the classical European dressage training principles including starting your horse in-hand and developing them without a bit. One of the reasons I don't use bits anymore is you don't need them to be safe, train classically, achieve all of the upper level maneuvers or control your horse. Your relationship and partnership is what "controls" your horse.

[@danipphoto]

@@TaoofHorsemanship Thanks. Just so I understand a little better. I haven't ridden in about 15 years and I am just getting back into it. I consider myself a new beginner with very little knowledge because I was about 11 years old and now I'm 25. I have began volunteering at some stables near my house in Florida and they offer leasing. With leasing here, I have to provide my own tack. I'm not looking to lease until next summer at the earliest because I want to learn more and be better prepared and I want to better understand the horses, get to know them better so I can choose a horse wisely. I just discovered your videos last night and I like your method in this video and I like the option of not using a bit if I can avoid it. So, when I decide to lease, will it be ok to buy a bridle without the bit or do I have to use what the horse is familiar with already?

[@TaoofHorsemanship]

@@danipphoto This video will help you transition your horse over to bitless.

[@debbienixon6584]

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