Instructions
Mount your fully tacked horse. For this exercise, start with two hands on the reins. When you pull you should feel your horse's mouth, but not bend his neck.
Ask your horse for the appropriate gait. For the first lesson or two, start him off at the walk. This technique works on all three main gaits: walk, trot or jog, and lope.
Sit down in the saddle. This is similar to when you ask for a halt. Close your hands on the reins. Pull back slightly. Release the pressure on his mouth. Repeat until the horse achieves the desired speed. Praise him. Then, just ride the horse quietly. If he speeds up, repeat the sit, close and release technique.
How to Get Your Horse to Slow Down
Speed control is a fundamental part of any horse's skill set. It teaches the horse to respond to your body. It gives you more control of the horse and precision to execute maneuvers. Teaching the horse to slow down increases your safety as the horse doesn't assume he has to rush. This skill requires repetition for the best comprehension.