Many horse owners wonder if it’s possible to teach an older horse new tricks, especially when it comes to riding cues. If you’re considering teaching your 13-year-old gelding to neck rein, rest assured, it is absolutely not too late. With patience and the right techniques, you can successfully introduce this valuable skill to your equine partner. Many horses are initially trained with direct reins, and transitioning to neck reining can enhance their responsiveness and your ability to ride one-handed.
The Transition to Neck Reining
The key to teaching any new cue is to make it as clear and understandable as possible for the horse. For neck reining, it’s often beneficial to start in a familiar bit, such as a snaffle. This is because your horse is likely already accustomed to cues from a snaffle, making the introduction of a new rein aid less confusing. While a snaffle is excellent for teaching, if your goal is to show your horse and ride one-handed in specific disciplines, you may eventually need to transition to a shank bit.
Step-by-Step Neck Reining Technique
The process begins by collecting your horse and asking him to trot. Maintain contact with both reins initially. When you feel your horse is soft and responsive in your hands, it’s time to ask for a turn. To initiate a left turn, first look in the direction you intend to go. Then, gently lay the indirect rein – in this case, the right rein – against the middle of your horse’s neck. This initial touch of the rein on the neck is the primary cue for him to turn.
It’s important to understand that your horse may not grasp the concept immediately. If he doesn’t turn with the neck cue alone, you’ll need to provide additional support. At this stage, pull the indirect rein (the right rein) across his neck towards your left hip. Simultaneously, bring the direct rein (the left rein) up to your left hip. This action will encourage your horse to tip his nose in the direction of the turn, assisting him in understanding the desired movement.
To further reinforce the turn, apply pressure with your outside leg (your right leg in this case) positioned near the girth. This leg cue is crucial as it signals your horse to bring his shoulders through the turn, completing the maneuver smoothly.
Developing Softness and Responsiveness
With consistent repetition, your horse will begin to associate the feel of the indirect rein on his neck with the act of turning. Eventually, you’ll find that you no longer need to pull the direct rein to achieve the desired response. He will naturally start to look and turn in the direction indicated by the rein on his neck.
As soon as your horse successfully turns approximately 90 degrees and feels soft in the bridle, release the rein pressure and allow him to trot straight on a loose rein. This brief period of slack rein is vital for allowing your horse to relax and process the cue. Constant pulling can lead to frustration and resistance. It’s recommended to continue practicing turns in one direction until your horse understands the exercise thoroughly. Once he’s proficient, you can then begin working on turns in the opposite direction. After mastering turns at the trot in both directions, apply the same principles to teach him the neck reining cue at the canter.
Advancing to One-Handed Riding
Once your horse is guiding well at both the trot and canter using neck reining, you can progress to using only one hand on the reins. The fundamental concept remains the same: bringing both reins to your hip to guide. However, this will now be accomplished using a single hand. For a comprehensive understanding of teaching a horse to neck rein, including common rider errors, troubleshooting, and advanced tips, the “No Worries Club” offers detailed instruction within their Advanced Series.
For those seeking more horsemanship guidance or training tips, exploring resources like the No Worries Club can provide invaluable insights and support for your training journey.
