How to Train a Horse to Slide Stop

One of the most popular and widespread riding competition activities for horses is reining. A slide stop is a movement that is a common part of a horse's reining pattern. Basically, a sliding stop is a sudden and complete halt after a full-force gallop. After accelerating and then suddenly stopping, the hind feet of a horse continue to slide on the ground, while the front feet still move as in walking mode. This is a dramatic movement, since if often produces a cloud of dust, therefore it is an attractive part of a horse's reining performance.

Things You'll Need

  • Reins
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Instructions

    • 1

      Observe your horse's movement during a natural, simple two-foot slide. Check if the horse finishes the slide in a straight line, and how elegant and fluid is the movement during the slide itself. This information will help you see which aspects of this movement you should work on more intensively. If your horse does the two-foot slide with both grace and vigor, your task will be relatively easy.

    • 2

      Select a surface for the horse to practice the slide stop. It is best to choose a pathway with sand or soil on the top, so that the slide top could have the same effect as during a competition. It is important to have the horse get used to flying dirt and clouds of dust.

    • 3

      Begin with slow riding, using your body and a loud order, such as "Whoa!" to make the horse stop suddenly. Make sure to maintain a proper riding posture because a horse reacts to the rider's position the same way an instrument react in a player's hands. You should lean gently back every time you want the horse to slide stop.

    • 4

      Pull the reins in a strong, but not too strong, motion. Once you see that your horse is reacting to the pulling motion, and that he slide stops after you perform the combination of leaning back, the shout and the reign jerk, do not increase the strength of the pull on the reins. A stronger pull will shorten, not prolong, the slide.

    • 5

      Accelerate the speed of the maneuver gradually over the course of a few weeks. This way, the horse will have time to learn the details and the specifics of the slide stop on his own, and he will become more comfortable and confident.

    • 6

      Practice the slide stop with your horse frequently, always on a proper surface. As with any other maneuvers, this also can be forgotten if not regularly repeated and perfected.