How to Train a Horse to Slide

A sliding stop is a beautiful movement to watch and is the crowning glory of the equestrian sport of reining. The horse runs down the length of the arena, then, at a simple cue from the rider, drops his hind legs to the ground and takes the weight off his front end to slide to a complete stop. The key to training your horse to do a good sliding stop is starting slow and building up speed as your horse learns to balance back on his hindquarters. A horse that stops by propping his front legs is very uncomfortable to ride and no fun to watch.

Things You'll Need

  • Level riding area with soft footing
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Instructions

    • 1

      Walk your horse forward in a straight line. Ask your horse to stop by saying "whoa." Give your horse a few steps, then stop him by picking up your reins as you say "whoa" a second time.

    • 2

      Back your horse immediately by not giving the rein pressure when he stops. Only back a couple of steps, then let him stand for a few seconds and praise him.

    • 3

      Don't move on to a faster gait if your horse is throwing his head up in the air when you pick up your reins. Continue working at the walk until your horse is stopping with his head relaxed. If your horse is working faster before he learns to relax, you will never get him to stop on his hindquarters.

    • 4

      Walk your horse at a faster pace before you ask for a halt if he starts bracing on his front legs. That faster pace will help your horse lift his shoulders up as he goes to stop. If that doesn't help, squeeze your legs harder on your horse's sides as you lift up your hands to push him more into the bridle. This should also help your horse lift his shoulders.

    • 5

      Work up to a jog, then a lope after your horse is stopping to your "whoa" cue. Repeat steps 1 and 2 to teach your horse to stop at these faster gaits. Repeat step 4 if your horse begins to brace at these faster gaits, or return to working at a slower gait.