Backing up from the ground

Goal

Teach the horse to step calmly backwards, one step or a few, on a light request.

Before you start

• The horse stands still and respects your space
• The horse leads in hand

What you need

• Halter and lead rope

Step by step

1. Stand beside the head or shoulder, not directly in front of the horse.
2. Apply a light, steady pressure back or a light touch on the chest, with a set word.
3. Release the pressure the moment the horse moves a foot back.
4. Reward that first step and build up one step at a time.
5. Ask only a few calm steps at a time.

The horse's body language

Watch whether the horse understands and tries: shifting weight back calmly is good. Throwing the head up or bracing means ask more lightly and clearly.

Common mistakes

• Asking too many steps at once
• Keeping up the push after the horse is already stepping
• Standing directly in front of the horse

Safety

• Stand beside the horse, not in front, so you are not under the forelegs.
• Use a light aid; never push or pull hard.

Stop at once if

• The horse rears, strikes forward or threatens
• The horse becomes tense

Supervision

This is an exercise built on light pressure and an immediate release. Young riders should do it with guidance; if the horse rears or strikes, stop and get a professional.

More about this

Backing up rests on the same principle as halting: the horse learns from the pressure going away. Ask in small steps and reward every good response at once.

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