Neck reining tips please?

Question

I broke my 2 year old colt seven months ago and have been direct reining since then. A month ago I began training for neck reining and he's responding okay at a walk, and sometimes at a trot.

Does anyone have tips on training to neck rein? - I'm a big fan of ground work but don't know any ground exercises for neck reining.

Answer 1

Hi Symbo,
I have a couple things about neck reining to tell you.
1) I'm a western rider who wishes she could be in the dressage world. I think it's good for everyone. Make sure you tell your horse which way you want to go with your legs too, not just the reins. However - you may want to study this and work with a trainer, because the wrong leg aids can be very confusing to horses. I am of the beliefe that legs are NOT just for kicking to say go. If that's how you train your horse, it may be difficult to use leg aids, which I consider important. You will need to make a decision on how to ride your horse and you may need training to ride that way well.
2) When teaching young horses to neck rein a tip I got from my trainer is to cross the reins under the neck. That way, when you apply pressure to the neck, it's the opposite rein you're using and it 'pulls' their head that way along with the pressure. Try that for awhile and gradually wean your colt off it. Also - make sure you release pressure when your horse moves that way. I find it's not that hard to get your horse to understand, just be understanding of them too. Hope it works! Just remember - act like you have 15 minutes, it will take all day. Act like you have all day - it'll take 15 minutes. (my favorite Monty Robert quote)

Answer 2

I would break it to neck reining from his back. Do your direct reining, but with emphasis on the neck. Like when turing to the left, use more pressure with the right rein on his neck. Do this for awhile until you have to pull very little, then not at all, with your left rein. Start out at a walk and when he can neck rein comfortably at a walk, then move up to a trot, and go from there. I don't know any for ground work either, sorry. But that seems to be the best way to do it. If you're in the Americas, RFD-TV sometimes has good tips. Downunder Horsemanship and shows like it are good.

Answer 3

Consistantly lay the opposite rein over the next when you pull on the direct rein to go in that direction desired. So, when you turn right, pull on the right rein but be sure to lay the left rein into the neck. Learn by association.

Another option I have never used but have heard of is the cross the reins under the neck. This way, when you hold the reins then with one hand, you will be laying the right rein on the left side of neck, but it will be pulling on the bit from the right. Still associating the pull on the bit and the rubbing of the rein on the opposite neck.

Answer 4

I don't want to teach a riding lesson, but (and I don't know if this will help) but just try to add leg pressure along with laying the rein(s) slightly onto the colt's neck, along with turning your head. If he can listen to familiar cues, he will, with more training, neck rein without problems. That is what I did with my wild mare and she neck reins perfectly now. As for ground exercises, I am eager to see other tips as well.

Answer 5

I'm in the same boat as you.....my 2 year old is comfortable with direct contact, but responds OK to the neck reining....I just don't know any good exercises either. I'm eager to see what people suggest.

Answer 6

Don't pull such a lot with the rein within the path you are seeking to move. Instead push with the reverse rein and press with the reverse foot to type of "advisor" your horse into the right path. Some horses get it speedily even as a few simply do not. It takes a ton of making an attempt.

Answer 7

dont rush the horse he is young........ it sounds like he is doing very well for a two year old.... just keep slowly workin with him, if he is responding at a walk and trot that is good.... u dont want to ruin him so just take ur time.