How to Steer a Horse Without Reins

Steering a horse without reins is advanced technique for both the rider and the horse. You need a horse well past the beginner stage and you need an excellent seat with knowledge of leg cues. Trust between horse and rider means you know the horse isn't going to take off when you have no option to stop him. Steering a horse without reins involves your seat, legs and body to cue the horse to do everything he would normally do with reins.

Things You'll Need

  • Bridle
  • Saddle
  • Lead rope
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Instructions

    • 1

      Saddle your horse normally with your bridle, saddle and reins. For the first couple of times that you ride without reins you should have the safety of having them on.

    • 2

      Mount your horse and use your reins to set him in the direction you want to go. Place them over the horn if you have a western saddle or if not, over his neck. You want them in reach. Knot the reins to make them shorter if necessary.

    • 3

      Rest your hands on your thighs. Turn him right or left with your legs. You can use your body to direct the horse into circles and spins by dropping your inside shoulder, tilting your head in the direction you want to go and shifting your weight to the inside stirrup. How much dropping, shifting and tilting determines how tight or wide the circle. To stop, you will sit down deeply while leaning back slightly and say "whoa." Eventually, you will stop needing vocal commands. To go faster, press with your legs and lean forward slightly. To go slower, sit deeply in the saddle while sitting straight.

    • 4

      Correct him with the reins, if he's not listening to you. Be repetitive. Once you can steer the horse without resorting to reins, try the same at the trot and lope.

    • 5

      Remove the bridle and put a lead rope around the horse's neck. You will wrap the length around the horse's neck and use the snap to close the loop. Use this like reins. Start the process over again.

    • 6

      Remove the lead line and repeat the process over again. You should be using your body and legs instead of reins to cue the horse to stop, speed up or down, and turn.