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Step 1
Think about stopping before doing anything else. Horses are very smart and can read body language signs that you may not even realize you are giving out. Many times when you think about stopping your body will give cues to the horse.
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Step 2
Shift your weight to the back of the saddle. This lets your horse know that you are preparing for a stop. After repeated stops your horse will learn to stop when they feel this weight shift, with no further instruction.
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Step 3
Pull back evenly on the reins while remaining shifted to the rear of the saddle. Don't jerk the reins, but keep a steady, even pressure until the horse starts to give to the bit and stop.
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Step 4
Say "Whoa" loudly and firmly.
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Step 5
Back the horse a few steps or turn to a new direction after he stops. This helps him learn not to just slow down and then keep going.
