The Basics of Backing, part 1 of 3

A practical approach to teaching a straight and light back

by Patrick Wyse and Sue Muir

A basic that every horse should know, the backup is an indicator of the horse’s responsiveness to the bit and his level of education. A smooth, light back is an advanced maneuver that is not only useful on trail, ranch, and pleasure horses, but also is a requirement in many competitive show events. In cow horse training, the backup is a very important tool, and backing can be used to intensify a stop for a wide range of events.

Beginning to Back
Before being asked to back, the horse needs to be reasonably well started and well past the panic stage. He should be willing to go forward at the walk, trot and lope. Training for the turn on the forehand should be started by this stage. Most importantly, he should understand how to flex laterally at all gaits.

A snaffle bit (non-leverage/shankless bit) and running martingale are recommended, along with any type of saddle that is comfortable for both horse and rider. We also recommend a dropped noseband or cavesson. The martingale should be adjusted with the ring about one inch from the horse’s throatlatch while he’s standing in a natural position. Note that the reins have rein stops on them--in this case they are the large button on the rein--to prevent the martingale rings from getting caught on the reins’ bit attachment.

Techniques for the Untrained Horse
The beginning steps of training the back will require the horse to modify his instinctive resistance to pressure. Most horses' first reaction to a backward pull on the bit is to oppose it. If the pressure persists, he may try to rear. To discourage these undesirable behaviors before they occur, tip the horse's nose slightly to one side. A slight offset of the horse’s head decreases the amount of pressure needed to get the horse to respond, which in turn reduces the risk of a violent reaction. This technique becomes even more important as speed is added to the backing maneuver.

Start by pulling on the right rein to turn the head slightly. Next, keeping both hands just above the withers, add left rein pressure so a coordinated rein effect exists. Start with a very soft pull; without releasing, gradually increase the pressure, keeping the nose tipped, until the horse yields. Some horses will yield by taking a step back, while others will just lean back. At the moment the horse gives, the rider must immediately release all bridle pressure. Make sure the release of bridle pressure occurs instantly upon feeling the horse yield. Delaying the release, even by half a second, will make it difficult for the horse to associate his effort with the relief from pressure. After multiple repetitions, the horse will discover that moving backward causes the pressure to cease. Avoid using leg at this stage of training, as it confuses the horse.

During this process, be careful not to yank or seesaw, just patiently wait for a response. After the horse leans or steps back, wait a moment, then press him back again with nose angled slightly in the other direction. Alternate the angle of the horse’s head with each step you request.

Getting it Right
Two common problems that may occur at this stage are:
1) getting light in the front end, and
2) locking up and refusing to move at all.

If the horse begins to elevate his front end, release and immediately pull him around in tight circles to the same side his head is turned. You may also want to bump him with a leg on the inside of the circle. Do this assertively, so he is not rewarded for threatening to rear. Then start again softly. Be extremely alert to any “give” by the horse, and instantly reward correct behavior by releasing pressure. Give the horse a break for even a modest effort by walking around on a loose rein for a few minutes.

If the horse locks up, refusing to move at all, he might suddenly rear to escape the pressure. You want to do everything possible to avoid this. An effective method is to use the leg on the same side to which his nose is tipped, bumping or kicking well back on the barrel to push his hindquarters over. When the hind end moves, completely release both bridle and leg pressure.

Don't allow the horse to remain in the locked-up posture for long before moving the hind end. Pushing the hindquarter isn’t as desirable as a back, but at least he is moving in response to the bit. Some horses need to have this done numerous times, but eventually they will attempt to lean or step back to escape the bit pressure. If they are repeatedly rewarded for that accidental response, they will soon discover that moving backward spells relief.

The first day you may only get one or two steps. That's a great time to quit. Remember, for many horses in early training, backing is not an easy task, so you need to work on single steps for a few rides.

A Few More Steps
When the horse appears to understand and responds promptly, you can begin linking a few steps together by giving only a very soft release between steps. When he will take two steps willingly and calmly, you can gradually link in additional steps. Keep your training sessions short, usually less than five minutes. Then move on to teaching other maneuvers.

During the training process you will occasionally have setbacks where the horse reverts to earlier problems. Don't worry about this – it’s normal. Instead of getting upset with the horse because he did it just fine yesterday, look at it as a typical obstacle in the horse's education. Young equine minds can be fragile, and if a horse is punished at every roadblock, he will become frustrated or intimidated, or may even choose to fight back. Instead of punishing the horse, just go back to the basics. You may be surprised by how quickly he returns to correct behavior.

In the horse's early training, don't use your leg when asking for the back. At this stage, the horse would be confused by leg, since its meaning in prior training has always been to move forward. Leg will be added later in the horse’s education (the only exception to this is in the instance of the locking up problem discussed earlier). Furthermore, don’t be concerned if the horse backs to one side or the other. At this stage of training, straightness is not an important issue. Focus on teaching him to willingly step back from bridle pressure.

Next month, we'll take a look at refining these steps as your horse learns to back.

PATRICK WYSE, nationally acclaimed trainer and teacher, has instructed many accomplished trainers. He studied with the late Monte Foreman, who called Wyse his “first and best certified instructor.” Today, Wyse and his wife, Doreen, travel the United States and abroad teaching community clinics. They reside at HorseWyse Ranch in Townsend, Montana.

SUE MUIR began learning from Patrick Wyse over 35 years ago and has gone on to train and instruct professionally. After showing and training many breeds and disciplines, she now specializes in working western horses. Muir is a National Reining Horse Association and Washington State Horsemen certified judge. Lynnwood, Washington is home to Muir, her husband and three children.

For more information, visit www.HorseWyse.com.