Start and Stop a Spin

Don’t let your spin put you in the penalty box. Use my techniques to teach your horse how to properly start and stop a spin.

- BUD LYON, WITH NICHOLE CHIRICO

Being able to properly start and stop a spin will not only help improve your score in the show pen, it’ll also help you with overall steering and control when you’re in the saddle. While I adjust my riding to fit the horse I’m working with according to his ability or style, here are a few of the things I do when working on a spin.

The Start

Before I even ask for my horse’s legs to move in the turn, I ensure he’s wanting to look in the direction I want to spin. If he doesn’t, I’ll emphasize the neck rein. If my horse still ignores my cue and doesn’t turn his head slightly in the direction I’m turning, I’ll take my direct rein (the rein closer to the direction I’m turning) and pull his head to the inside.