Many horse owners wonder if it’s possible to teach an older horse new tricks, especially when it comes to reining. If you have a gelding who has spent his life being direct-reined, you might be questioning if teaching him to neck rein is a feasible goal. The good news is that it is absolutely not too late to introduce your 13-year-old gelding to neck reining. With the right techniques and a patient approach, you can successfully transition your horse to this method of communication. This guide will walk you through the process, addressing common concerns and providing clear steps for success. For those interested in advanced training, exploring resources like the No Worries Club can offer further insights.
The Benefits of Neck Reining
Neck reining is a riding technique where the rider uses the rein on the horse’s neck to cue a turn, rather than pulling directly on the horse’s mouth. This method is often preferred for its ability to allow the rider to control the horse with one hand, which is crucial for disciplines like Western riding and for tasks that require the rider to use their hands for other purposes. Introducing neck reining can lead to a softer mouth on your horse, as the cues are less direct and rely more on subtle pressure and body language. It fosters a deeper understanding and partnership between horse and rider, promoting a more refined communication system.
Getting Started: The Right Equipment
When embarking on the journey of teaching neck reining, the choice of bit is an important consideration. For initial training, Clinton recommends using a snaffle bit. This is because horses are typically accustomed to being ridden in a snaffle, making it easier for them to understand the new cues without the added complexity of a different bit type. The snaffle provides a clear and direct communication channel that can be leveraged to teach the nuances of neck reining.
However, if your goal involves showing your horse and riding one-handed in competitive settings, you will eventually need to transition to a shank bit. Shank bits offer more leverage and can provide a more refined cue for experienced riders and horses in specific disciplines. The key is to introduce these changes gradually and ensure your horse is comfortable and responsive at each stage.
Step-by-Step Techniques for Teaching Neck Reining
The process of teaching a horse to neck rein begins with establishing a solid foundation of control and responsiveness. Here’s a breakdown of the techniques:
Collection and Trotting: Start by collecting your horse and asking him to trot. Maintain contact with both hands on the reins, ensuring your horse is soft and responsive to your aids.
Initiating the Turn: With your horse trotting softly, prepare to ask for a turn. To initiate a left turn, first look in the direction you want the horse to go. Then, gently lay the indirect rein (in this case, the right rein) against the middle of the horse’s neck. This initial contact is a cue for him to begin turning.
Applying Reinforcement: It’s common for a horse not to understand the neck cue immediately. If your horse doesn’t respond to the indirect rein, apply pressure by drawing the rein across his neck towards your left hip. Simultaneously, bring the direct rein (the left rein) up to your left hip. This action encourages the horse to tip his nose in the direction of the turn.
Utilizing Leg Aids: As you bring the reins to your hip, apply pressure with your outside leg (your left leg for a left turn) positioned just forward of the girth. This leg cue reinforces to the horse that he needs to engage his shoulders and move through the turn.
Developing Responsiveness: Through consistent repetition, your horse will begin to associate the light pressure of the indirect rein on his neck with the intention to turn. Eventually, you will be able to simply lay the indirect rein against his neck without needing to pull the direct rein – he will naturally start to look and turn on his own.
Reinforcing Softness: As soon as your horse successfully turns approximately 90 degrees and remains soft in the bridle, release the pressure. Move your hands forward and allow him to trot straight on a loose rein. This release is crucial as it gives the horse an opportunity to relax and process the cues. Constant pressure can lead to frustration.
Practice and Progression: Continue practicing turns in one direction until your horse clearly understands the concept. Once he is proficient, begin working on turns in the opposite direction. After he demonstrates competence in turning at the trot in both directions, apply the same steps to teach him the exercise at the canter.
Transitioning to One-Handed Riding: Once your horse is guiding well at both the trot and canter, you can begin transitioning to using only one hand on the reins. The principle remains the same: bring both reins to your hip, but execute the action with a single hand. For more in-depth instruction on this advanced technique, including common rider errors and troubleshooting tips, the aforementioned resources can be invaluable.
Overcoming Challenges and Ensuring Success
Patience is key when teaching any new skill to a horse, and neck reining is no exception. Some horses may pick it up quickly, while others may require more time and repetition. Pay close attention to your horse’s body language to gauge his understanding and comfort level. Avoid getting discouraged if progress seems slow. Celebrate small victories and always end training sessions on a positive note. The goal is to build trust and clear communication, not to force the horse into submission. By consistently applying these techniques and maintaining a positive attitude, you can successfully teach your gelding to neck rein, enhancing your partnership and opening up new possibilities for your riding.
