A correctly-executed rein back will show a clear two-beat rhythm, with the legs moving in diagonal pairs. The legs should lift from the ground and not drag; dragging is a sign that the horse has lost the connection, either by dropping behind the contact or by dropping the back and coming above the bit. The frame should stay correct for the level at which the horse is performing; a second level horse will not have the same carriage and lowering of the hindquarters as a grand prix horse.

The rein back should be performed in the same balance as the gait the horse was in before the rein back and the gait in which he departs afterward. What makes the rein back complicated – even counterintuitive – is that even though the horse moves backwards, he must remain in front of the rider’s seat and legs. The test of whether the horse is still in front of the aids is whether he is ready after each step back to immediately step forward the moment the rider asks him to do so.

As with the introduction of any new exercise, the correctness with which you first train the rein back will influence how quickly the horse will learn that movement correctly. You should not train the rein back until the horse has learned to go forward into the hand and remain on the bit – not behind it – in the halt.

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