DH 5-Second Training Tip: Using the Back Up to Improve Transitions

Training Tip: by Dana Hokana

“I like my horses to step off into the trot with a definite step. Some horses may woller off into the trot looking heavy and clumsy. You can correct this by using the back up.

Start by asking your horse to trot off. If you feel him drop to his front end or take several steps into it before he is truly committed in his gait, then stop him firmly, back him up and then send him off into the trot again. Continue this until he steps off with lift and brilliance.

This works because you are demanding he use his shoulders in his back up and that’s the correct way to trot off, by lifting and using his shoulders and stepping off.”

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