Proper neck rein training

equusteacher · Oct 12, 2008

Jen said:

What in your opinion is the best way to train a horse to neck rein?
The horse is 6, been direct reined all his life but I'd love to teach him to rein so I can be as lazy as possible on the trail
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TwistedWire said: ↑

IMO, reins should only be used to reinforce your leg and seat. If you are consistant with your leg and seat cues, you'll find you aren't really "neck reining" at all. It'll all come together very easily.

They'll figure out that the indirect, or bearing, rein means to turn if your hips are also directing them to turn.
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equusteacher said: ↑

Any horse canbe taught to neck rein and at any age too.
If you've done your homework on a direct reined horse and they are responsive off your seat and legs it'll go faster.
Once they "get it' you can be more "lazy" and just mostly rein and not have to use so much leg.

Practice and consistancy are the keys.

Remember to keep your hands with in the scope of your body's width. (think inside the width of your shoulders).
Lay the directional rein on the neck with out pulling back and use your seat/hips/outside leg to push the horse to move the direction you want.
If they do not move over then add a touch of direct rein into the mix to tip that nose the correct direction and add a bit more leg.
The minute they step over/around, release the leg and center up the hands and go straight for a few steps.
Repeat, Repeat, Repeat!
Reward every step in the right direction.
I've found doing several all tothe same direction before switching, in the early learning stages works best. (ie: go left, left, left, left, then switch to right and repeat right a few. Don't try to go left, right, left etc...)

If you need a visual, set your self a line of cones (6 people steps apart - aprox 18') and weave in and out of them. Eventually add a full circle at each end working up to circling each cone.
Be VERY centered! I see way too many people leaning the direction they want trying to "help" the horse. This only adds confusion and throws them off balance.

You've got to get it well established at the walk first. then and only then add it at the jog and eventually lope.
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syndiego said: ↑

TwistedWire said: ↑

IMO, reins should only be used to reinforce your leg and seat. If you are consistant with your leg and seat cues, you'll find you aren't really "neck reining" at all. It'll all come together very easily.

They'll figure out that the indirect, or bearing, rein means to turn if your hips are also directing them to turn.
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Ditto. I guess I never really understand what the deal with "neck rein training" is about. I've never done anything special or formal with my reins to enable me to ride with one hand, because my horses move off my legs and seat. It's especially fun to trot through knee knocker trails on a well trained horse that will work off your legs. So, yeah, that's the answer,
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Proper neck rein training

equusteacher New Member