How to Ride a Back Up that Improves Feel and Your Horse’s Balance

[@HorseClass]

Thank you for your comments! We're so glad this has been helpful in clarifying how to better feel and ask for the back up with the horse. Learn how to communicate more clearly with your horse from the saddle, with our free mini course here: www.horseclass.com/7days/

[@ellieelizabeth5627]

I ride western and we do the back up with most rides I do. I've been doing this for about 2 yrs. At first it was sloppy but we gradually progressed. I can now back him straight, cicle, straight. When he's giving me what I want I release pressure on the reins and use my legs to guide his hindquarters. I was told by an instructor that it works their back muscles which is important. I'm also working on collection (going forward) and that's why I wanted to strengthen his back muscles. Collection sure can be frustrating and I can't say it's coming easy. But as in all things, it's not going to come right away, especially since I have to work on the position of my own body. There's always something to work on with these beautiful animals, lol. But they're worth it! Loved your video.

[@HorseClass]

That is excellent! Yes, backing up can lengthen the long muscles of the back and strengthen them along with muscles in their hindquarters. Great preparation for collection. Thank you so much for sharing your experience! We are all life-long learners with horses. They have so much to share with and teach us.

[@dylonchaffee-hobbs6772]

A couple months ago I started cantering and I don't remember what video it was but it helped me a lot when I started to canter and I have improved a whole lot since then (I have 3 videos the first 2 is from my instructors POV the 3rd one is from my dad/grandmas POV)

[@marlinedowns6524]

Good video, thank you.

[@naunettemartin7450]

Can I you how do I get my horse in a canter thank you Nannette

[@mariehanson8357]

Really liked this, you could see, the subtle, use of her hand movements, that weren't, just a solid pull, but more of, a give and take with the, rein cues.

[@tiajewels2820]

Awesome. Trying to get a head down on my high headed saddlebred. And she drops her back.

[@moniquesaenzmyers3638]

I was moving my leg backwards and putting pressure there.