The Basics of Backing, part 3: the advanced horse

Training for a straight and light back
by Pat Wyse and Sue Muir, photos by Doreen Wyse (click photos to enlarge)

For the last two months, we've developed the basics of backing. Now it’s time to put on the polish -- a quick, straight, light backup on a loose rein from a nearly invisible signal. That is a pretty impressive thing to watch, in or out of the show pen!

From the very beginning of training, using the following procedure will help to keep the horse’s mind fresh while maintaining steady progress:

1. In each training session, begin with a review of what the horse already knows, so he starts relaxed.
2. When he adequately executes the backup at his current level of training, push him more intensely a few times, looking for a slight improvement. This may generate some tension in the horse.
3. To relieve the tension, finish by asking him to back with little or no pressure. Most days, when you lighten up on him at the end, you’ll find his back superior to the beginning of the session, while his mind remains relaxed and quiet.

Advanced and Show Techniques
The two biggest obstacles to a great backup are straightness and speed. To teach the horse to back straight, continue developing the crooked backing exercise (see last month's Trainer's Corner online at www.nwhorsesource.com). Back in serpentines, focusing on body control and lightness, but not a great deal of speed. Through this method, any time the horse veers to one side, you’ll have a tool to correct him.

The second, more common, issue in the finished horse is executing a “draggy” backup. The horse leans on the bit, and the rider has to pull or lug on the reins to back him. Just remember, it requires two to hang on the bit. A human’s instinct is to reciprocate with a pull back against the horse, causing a slowly escalating tug-of-war. This may be so gradual that the rider is unaware it is occurring. The rider needs to break the instinct to pull. A horse can try to hang, but cannot without the rider’s participation. Remember to remain light on the reins, even when the horse tries to lean, and use legs or spur to “bump” him off the bridle. (Pictured at left: a "draggy" backup)

Setting up for Speed
The position of the rider’s legs will have a noticeable effect on the horse’s performance. A method that tremendously improves the finished back is to exaggerate the position of the legs, using them well back and out away from the horse. This leg position is somewhat awkward for the rider, but it assures that this will remain a distinct signal for the horse, and he will not confuse it with leg cues for other maneuvers. The rider will only place his legs in that position for one thing: backing.

This unusual leg placement also creates an ideal position for using spur to give meaning to the rein signal. If the horse doesn’t try strongly enough, the rider can instantly and effectively use spur to reinforce the original request. As he gains understanding of this positioning of the rider’s leg, the use of the spur will seldom be necessary. The horse learns that when the legs come back and out, it’s time to get in gear. This can make for a dazzling show pen backup. (Pictured at right: out and away positioning of the rider's leg)

To achieve a great backup on a finished horse, start with a soft, subtle rein, and lift the rein hand a few inches. Allow the horse to begin quietly. After a few steps, move your legs out and back to ask for more speed. If the training process has been applied correctly, the horse will quicken the tempo when your legs shift to this position. Don’t use spur unless the horse reduces his speed without being asked. When you are finished, return your legs to a normal position and drop your rein hand quickly but smoothly.

The Finished Horse
It takes a year or more and many steps for an accomplished rider to bring a horse’s backup from beginner to polished. Be patient, expecting only small daily improvements. Asking for too much can start a war. Even if you do push too far and get into a battle, you can quit at any time. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t always have to win, especially if you are asking too difficult a task in the first place. The worst that will happen is that you’ll start tomorrow in the same place you left off today. The difference tomorrow will be that the horse won’t have a bunch of adrenaline pumping through his system, and you should be more patient after analyzing the situation and detaching from it.

It is easy to forget the progress you have already made. When things seem slow, think back to where the horse was one month ago or three months ago. Hang in there and practice backing during every ride. One day you’ll saddle up and find that smooth, light back you’ve been awaiting for so long.