How to Back Up on a Horse

Is your horse not going the way you want it to? Are "forward" and "fast" the only words it understands? If you answered yes to either question, try these steps to learn how to tell your horse to back up.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Horse Reins
• Horses
• Horse Halters
• Riding Boots
• Horse Brushes
• Saddles

1. 

   Sit at attention with the horse standing square on all four legs.

2. Lower your hands.

3. Apply pressure with your legs and seat, as if to urge the horse to walk forward, and increase tension on the reins at the same time.

4. Squeeze and relax the reins repeatedly, indicating "back up." Do not pull on the reins.

5. 

   Back up as needed, and stop once the horse has responded.

6. Use your legs to keep the horse backing up in a straight line. Increase pressure with your right leg if the horse lists to the right, or with the left if the horse lists to the left.

Tips & Warnings

• If the horse puts its chin to its chest, it is trying to resist your command.
• Make sure the horse's head is down when you back up.
• Horseback riding is an inherently dangerous activity that can result in serious injury or death. We recommend that you seek proper training and equipment before attempting this activity.

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[baybeyyy]

on 1/2/2009 Welllllll...............................
I always try to say "back up" before doing anything with my legs/hands. When my horses are ready for showing (right now there kind of on break because of the cold) they will back by saying "back up" and that is all...no legs/hands...

on 8/8/2006 Another way to make your horse back up while riding him, is to gently move the bit left to right in the horse's mouth.

on 8/8/2006 My dad taught me how to back-up when he said to squeeze the horses sides and pull on the reins, remember to say 'back up' while your doing it or he will get confused.

on 6/30/2006 Make sure your horse's head is down before you ask him to back up. If it's up, seesaw on the reins to bring it down, then back up.

on 3/29/2006 First, get them used to backing on the ground with a halter. Try by saying "back back" over and over while pushing their lead rope or chest.