Do you ever feel like you are having to drag your horse backwards by the reins? Does he resist your backup cues? Does he throw his head up and drag his feet?

Too many times, I see people pulling their horses backwards by the reins. The horses head goes in the air and his mouth may gape. Sometimes people saw at the reins, trying to get a better response.

Riding is mainly a Porcupine Game (steady pressure). To improve the horse’s response to steady pressure, sometimes it is beneficial to add rhythmic pressure. We combine Porcupine Game with Driving Game on the ground or in the saddle. I’m going to show you how to add some Rhythmic pressure to improve your Backup in the saddle.

First, ask for a backwards motion from your horse. At least the thought or first steps of going backwards. Then you may add rhythm in a number of ways.

The first choice can be rhythm with your legs in time with the horse’s steps. It’s not a kick so much as opening your legs in time with his steps. That can add life to his legs. Reward the slightest improvement to start.

The second choice can be with your Carrot Stick. Rub your horse on the hindquarters to make sure he is not afraid of the stick. Shorten your reins and get a backwards motion as shown in the video. Rub, then tap him on top of the croup until you feel a change going backwards. At first, he may be confused and try forwards or sideways. Be ready with the reins and your legs to block those options and release on a step of backup.

The third option can be rhythmic motion added with a string, first on your shoulders, then the horses, as shown in the video. Don’t release for forward or sideways, only for at least a step of backup. Then repeat and ask for more.

As you can see with Annie, you can greatly improve your backup on a loose rein, by adding rhythm. Come ride with me at one of my upcoming clinics for more Savvy Tips. Hope to see you soon!