Teach your horse to stop

We should try to use as little unpleasantness as possible at every phase of horse training.

Everyone thinks horses stop when you pull on the reins.

However, before you apply pressure on the bit, bring your legs on and sit in the stand and relax position.

If your horse is ‘giving’ and ‘listening’, he’ll understand the signals and he’ll stop.

If you ask your horse to stop and he doesn’t respond, apply unpleasantness by pulling gently on the bit.

It’s always better to apply more pressure on one rein than to pull both reins together.

If your horse doesn’t respond, be a little firmer with your hand.

After a few repetitions, your horse will learn that it’s easier to stop when you ask –

he won’t wait to be pulled in the mouth.

First, ask your horse to stop with your seat and legs.

If he doesn’t respond, pull gently on the reins.

If there’s still no response, be firmer with your hand and your horse will stop.

This way, there are at least three signals to your horse before firm pressure is applied.

Any horse will soon learn to stop from your seat and legs.

You’ll no longer be ‘pulling him up’.

When you ask a well-trained horse to stop, there’s no difference in rein tension.

The horse will feel your seat and legs and understand the signal.

Remember, no horse wants to be pulled in the mouth.

Read Neil’s book and learn more

Book & Online Video Clinics

PURCHASE MY BEST-SELLING BOOK

The ultimate guide to training and understanding your horse – using co-operation and trust.

Step-by-step instruction for everything you’ve ever dreamed of being able to do with your horse

Over 300 colour photographs across 224 in-depth pages

Comprehensive guidance on leg handling, trailer loading, riding and leading problems

Free shipping worldwide

Instant access in PDF or classic hard-cover

WATCH THE FEAR-FREE FUNDAMENTALS ONLINE CLINIC

A step-by-step approach to change your horse's attitude from confrontation to co-operation without fear, fight or force.

19 video based lessons

Over 6 hours of training

Unlimited streaming access

Stream online on any device

Starting a Horse Under Saddle Online Clinic

See how every horse should be started under saddle. No chasing, no bucking no fighting.

16 video based lessons

Over 7 hours of video training

Unlimited streaming access

Stream online on any device

GIVE YOUR FOALS THE GIFT OF THEIR LIFETIME WITH MY FOAL HANDLING ONLINE CLINIC

If you breed a foal, it’s your responsibility to take care of him from day one.

14 video based lessons

Over 6 hours of training

Unlimited streaming access

Stream online on any device