Is it too late to teach an older horse a new skill? This is a common question among horse owners, and the answer is a resounding no. Even a 13-year-old gelding, accustomed to direct reins his whole life, can successfully learn to neck rein. This guide will walk you through the techniques and considerations for teaching this valuable riding skill, ensuring a positive and effective learning experience for both you and your horse. With patience and the right approach, you can enhance your communication and control in the saddle.
Understanding Neck Reining
Neck reining is a method of steering a horse by applying pressure with the rein on the side of the horse’s neck opposite to the direction of the turn. This technique allows for one-handed riding, which is essential for many equestrian disciplines and can significantly improve your ability to handle other tasks while mounted. While a horse can learn this at any age, older horses may require a bit more patience as they unlearn ingrained habits of direct rein steering.
Bit Selection for Neck Reining
When beginning to teach neck reining, it’s advisable to use a snaffle bit. Horses are typically accustomed to snaffle bits, making it easier for them to understand new cues given through this equipment. The direct and indirect pressure from a snaffle provides clear feedback. As your horse becomes proficient and if you plan to participate in showing or require consistent one-handed control, transitioning to a shank bit might be necessary. However, for the initial learning phase, the snaffle is the preferred choice for its simplicity and the horse’s familiarity with it. For more advanced training techniques and bit considerations, exploring resources like the No Worries Club can provide in-depth knowledge.
Step-by-Step Neck Reining Techniques
The process of teaching neck reining involves a gradual introduction of cues, starting with gentle pressure and progressing to more direct communication as the horse understands.
Initiating the Turn
- Collection and Trot: Begin by collecting your horse and asking him to trot. Maintain contact with both reins.
- Setting the Direction: As the horse becomes soft and responsive in your hands, prepare to ask for a turn. For a left turn, first look in the direction you intend to go.
- Introducing the Indirect Rein: Gently lay the indirect rein (in this case, the right rein) against the middle of the horse’s neck. This serves as an initial cue for the turn. Expect that your horse may not understand this cue immediately.
- Reinforcing the Cue: If the horse doesn’t respond to the neck cue, apply more pressure by drawing the indirect rein across his neck towards your left hip. Simultaneously, bring the direct rein (the left rein) up to your left hip. This action helps to guide the horse’s nose in the direction of the turn.
- Leg Pressure: At the exact moment you bring the reins to your hip, apply pressure with your outside leg (your left leg for a left turn) near the girth. This leg cue reinforces the turn by encouraging the horse’s shoulders to move through the arc of the turn.
Developing Understanding and Softness
Through consistent repetition, your horse will begin to associate the pressure of the indirect rein on his neck with the intention to turn. Eventually, you will only need to lay the rein on his neck for him to initiate the turn, without needing to pull the direct rein or rely as heavily on leg cues.
Reinforcing Correct Responses
- Release and Reward: As soon as your horse successfully turns approximately 90 degrees and softens through the bridle, release the pressure by moving your hands forward and allowing him to trot straight on a loose rein. This release is crucial; it allows the horse to relax and process the learning. Constant pulling can lead to frustration and resistance.
- Practice in One Direction: Continue practicing turns in one direction until the horse grasms the concept. This builds confidence and solidifies the learned behavior.
- Introducing the Opposite Direction: Once the horse is comfortable turning in one direction, follow the same steps to teach him to turn in the opposite direction.
- Canter Work: After the horse demonstrates good understanding at the trot, begin applying the same neck reining principles at the canter.
Transitioning to One-Handed Riding
Once your horse guides well in both directions at the trot and canter using two hands, you can progress to using only one hand. The fundamental concept remains the same: bringing both reins to your hip to initiate a turn, but now executed with a single hand. This final step requires precision and continued practice to ensure clear communication and responsiveness. Mastery of one-handed neck reining opens up a new level of partnership and control in your riding.
References:
- Down Under Horsemanship: No Worries Club. https://downunderhorsemanship.com/
