Teaching your horse to rein back

The rein-back is a handy skill to have in many situations on the farm, for example opening a gate. It is also used in equestrian disciplines such as dressage, showing, reining and working equitation, says Dr Mac.

- Dr Mac.

While it’s fairly easy to teach a horse to go forwards, persuading it to go backwards can be a rather complicated matter.

Being able to get a working horse to ‘rein back’ is useful, not only when it comes to opening gates, but also for getting the animal out of a dangerous situation, such as when coming across a snake or a large hole in the ground.

Backing up calmly and quietly is also very important for when it comes to unloading a horse from a horsebox.

When used in dressage, showing, Western pleasure, reining and working equitation classes, the rein-back is always preceded by a balanced halt. After completing a showing class, all riders line up on one side, facing the judge, and each, in turn, is expected to back up three paces as the judge stops to look at the rider.