How to Train a Horse to Flat Spin

The flat spin is the basis of many advanced maneuvers, from lateral work to classic reining patterns. At first blush teaching the flat spin can seem like a big challenge, but breaking the move down into its component steps can make it a lot easier.

Things You'll Need

  • Saddle
  • Bridle
  • Snaffle bit
  • Split reins
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Instructions

  1. Teaching Your Horse to Flat Spin

    • 1

      Make sure your horse has mastered the basics of riding before attempting to teach any advanced moves. Before you attempt to teach your horse a flat spin be sure he has mastered the walk, trot and canter. Make sure he knows his leads and that he is responsive to your cues both on the ground and under saddle.

    • 2

      Teach your horse to move away from leg pressure -- this will be the basis of the spin you will teach later on. Ask your horse to move forward, then gently press your outside leg against his side. Your horse should immediately begin to give to the pressure -- if not, apply additional pressure until your horse responds. As soon as the horse responds relieve the pressure and allow the horse to relax.

    • 3

      Continue your lateral work by teaching your horse the basics of the sidepass. Once your horse has learned to move away from pressure while at a walk you can start to teach the sidepass. Stop your horse and slowly apply pressure with your outside leg. Some horses will attempt to move forward; if this happens pull gently on the reins and say "whoa." If your horse continues to move forward you may want to place him in front of a fence until he has learned to move sideways instead of forward. Do not attempt to do too much at once -- a few steps of sidepassing is plenty at first.

    • 4

      Begin to teach the spin by moving your horse forward then stopping him with the "whoa" voice command. As soon as you feel your horse's back end come underneath him lift up on the inside rein, squeeze with your inside leg and apply pressure with your outside leg. As soon as you feel your horse give to the pressure relieve it and allow him to relax.

    • 5

      Continue this process, lifting up on the inside rein and framing your horse with your legs. Your horse will learn how to move away from the pressure while using his body to balance. Each time your horse takes a step to the side be sure to reward him and allow him to relax. Begin with small turns and slowly progress to larger ones. Once your horse is able to turn halfway around you are ready to continue to the full spin. Do not attempt to add any speed until your horse is able to turn the whole way around without losing momentum or balance.