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What can I do to get a horse to stop better?

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LRQHS
Reg. Nov 2011
Posted 2014-10-31 7:16 AM
Subject: What can I do to get a horse to stop better?


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 Ok, so, I may have hit my head and have decided to try to ride my sister's barrel horse, as he is just sitting in the pasture right now and being hugely wasted. My problem, is I'm out of shape and he is hard to stop coming out of the arena only. I have no intention of riding him as fast as he will go, so it's going to take us a while of legging back up and myself trying to get back in shape to ride. My question is are there any exercises, things I can do to work on a good stop coming out of the arena. I'm serious when I say he will run out and around the whole arena before actually coming to a stop. Otherwise, he stops fine. I know this is probably a dumb question and just slow work with him will make a difference, but I thought I'd ask in case any one had some drill that I could perform with him. Thanks in advance!!
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Dreamin of 3cans
Reg. Nov 2004
Posted 2014-10-31 7:37 AM
Subject: RE: What can I do to get a horse to stop better?


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I have a big 16.2h Little Corona gelding that does the same thing.  It's like he doesn't get to really moving until on the way home so he's going to take advantage of the opportunity to really stretch out.  Durning my slow work I'll make him stop two or three times after leaving the third barrel just to get him paying attention.  If he's not paying attention I'll back him up to the third barrel.  We've been doing a lot of backing lol.  We don't back two or three steps.  It's normally 20 to 90 feet when he doesn't listen to a stop request.  I live on a dirt road and will let him run full out and really stretch for a mile or more about once a month.  This has really helped.  But he is a smarty pants and has one arena where he knows he can get away with it.  Dang kids. 
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LRQHS
Reg. Nov 2011
Posted 2014-10-31 7:43 AM
Subject: RE: What can I do to get a horse to stop better?


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Dreamin of 3cans - 2014-10-31 7:37 AM I have a big 16.2h Little Corona gelding that does the same thing.  It's like he doesn't get to really moving until on the way home so he's going to take advantage of the opportunity to really stretch out.  Durning my slow work I'll make him stop two or three times after leaving the third barrel just to get him paying attention.  If he's not paying attention I'll back him up to the third barrel.  We've been doing a lot of backing lol.  We don't back two or three steps.  It's normally 20 to 90 feet when he doesn't listen to a stop request.  I live on a dirt road and will let him run full out and really stretch for a mile or more about once a month.  This has really helped.  But he is a smarty pants and has one arena where he knows he can get away with it.  Dang kids. 

Thanks. That is something I can definitely work on. He is about 15.0, but he gets so dang excited in the arena.....plus, he was on the track and I guess he just wants to keep going around the track lol. He looks dead standing outside, lip hanging, head down, but you step in the saddle and he's ready for the run lol.

Thank you for the help. 
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astreakinchic
Reg. Sep 2011
Posted 2014-10-31 7:47 AM
Subject: RE: What can I do to get a horse to stop better?


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Be lighter with your hands and rougher with your feet. Get split reins or a very long rein until you feel comfortable in split reins.

At a walk ask him to stop by just holding pressure with your reins then correct him to back with your feet when he does not. You may need spurs if the horse is dead sided.


Progress through this with the trot and lope. Each time asking lighter and lighter with hands. Ride with your finger tips and absolutely no jerking with your hands. Remember your hands ask then your feet correct when he does not do what you ask.

Warning this well make your horse very light and very broke and some people have a very hard time ridding a very broke horse. If you needed spurs at the walk each time you haft to ask him to back with your feet try to get lighter and lighter.

Always think about your hands. Do not be holding pressure in his mouth when you do not need to be holding. Trust and teach them to stand still when they are not working...pitch the reins away.

When you go to make a run they will be lighter. Don't go jerking it will hurt all the work you've done.
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LRQHS
Reg. Nov 2011
Posted 2014-10-31 7:54 AM
Subject: RE: What can I do to get a horse to stop better?


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astreakinchic - 2014-10-31 7:47 AM Be lighter with your hands and rougher with your feet. Get split reins or a very long rein until you feel comfortable in split reins. At a walk ask him to stop by just holding pressure with your reins then correct him to back with your feet when he does not. You may need spurs if the horse is dead sided. Progress through this with the trot and lope. Each time asking lighter and lighter with hands. Ride with your finger tips and absolutely no jerking with your hands. Remember your hands ask then your feet correct when he does not do what you ask. Warning this well make your horse very light and very broke and some people have a very hard time ridding a very broke horse. If you needed spurs at the walk each time you haft to ask him to back with your feet try to get lighter and lighter. Always think about your hands. Do not be holding pressure in his mouth when you do not need to be holding. Trust and teach them to stand still when they are not working...pitch the reins away. When you go to make a run they will be lighter. Don't go jerking it will hurt all the work you've done.

Ok. So, to correct him to back with my feet. How does he know that I want him to back? Normally, I give him small tugs with the reins, repeatively until he backs and he does that well. So, where would I place my feet to cue him that it's back up time?

Thanks for the info. I totally understand what you're saying and have something to work on. I appreciate it. 
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barrelracr131
Reg. Aug 2011
Posted 2014-10-31 7:58 AM
Subject: RE: What can I do to get a horse to stop better?


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What bit does he run in?

Some tend to stop better with a combo or hack, but will run through just a bit.

Also, if this was an only "sometimes" problem for her, check hocks and stifles... sometimes if they are in pain, stopping hard hurts them and they become fearful of the stop.

You can also practice circling at the end of your run instead of running flat out, or training him to run out and then circle to slow down. I run at a lot of closed gate arenas, and so I circle as I'm at the arena fence. At an alley setup we run out and circle to stop in the holding pen or as we make it out of the chute.  
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astreakinchic
Reg. Sep 2011
Posted 2014-10-31 8:01 AM
Subject: RE: What can I do to get a horse to stop better?


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At the walk pull him up to stop. He will most likely try to walk on out or pull on you a little and when he does this and you feel the resistance do not pull, jerk, or tug on the reins just hold the same pressure on the reins with which you asked him to stop (so don't let go from the first ask and don't do what everyone's first reaction to do is and that is to start yanking DONT!). Now we are holding pressure and he's resisting so you correct him with your feet by kicking him. He will try to go forward but your holding pressure and preventing him from going forward so he must back up eventually.

You may haft to stay at the walk for a good hour NO JOKE with some horses. And you may haft to get very rough with your feet. Don't expect a big pretty Reiner back up the first time. As long as you get a step or two be happy and keeping walking and stopping then backing. Once they have the hang of it you can ask for more steps and with lighter pressure.

This may sound crazy but I promise you if you work him on this for just two nights you will see a big difference in how light he will be even in a run.

Hope this was a little clearer.

Edited by astreakinchic 2014-10-31 8:03 AM
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LRQHS
Reg. Nov 2011
Posted 2014-10-31 8:05 AM
Subject: RE: What can I do to get a horse to stop better?


Military family

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barrelracr131 - 2014-10-31 7:58 AM What bit does he run in?



Some tend to stop better with a combo or hack, but will run through just a bit.



Also, if this was an only "sometimes" problem for her, check hocks and stifles... sometimes if they are in pain, stopping hard hurts them and they become fearful of the stop.



You can also practice circling at the end of your run instead of running flat out, or training him to run out and then circle to slow down. I run at a lot of closed gate arenas, and so I circle as I'm at the arena fence. At an alley setup we run out and circle to stop in the holding pen or as we make it out of the chute.  

That's another problem. I have no idea what bit he runs in. I have it, but I don't know what it is. It does have a nose band on it lol. I think a lot of the problem is that my sister didn't do the practice and slow work like she should have and that if I do these things with him, he will pick up what I want quickly. Also, I need to teach him a slower pace, so we will be walking a lot at first. My goal is just to get to a point where we can trot a good pattern and stop lol. I, also, have no desire to break any records. I just want to ride and get us both back in shape.  
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LRQHS
Reg. Nov 2011
Posted 2014-10-31 8:08 AM
Subject: RE: What can I do to get a horse to stop better?


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astreakinchic - 2014-10-31 8:01 AM At the walk pull him up to stop. He will most likely try to walk on out or pull on you a little and when he does this and you feel the resistance do not pull, jerk, or tug on the reins just hold the same pressure on the reins with which you asked him to stop (so don't let go from the first ask and don't do what everyone's first reaction to do is and that is to start yanking DONT!). Now we are holding pressure and he's resisting so you correct him with your feet by kicking him. He will try to go forward but your holding pressure and preventing him from going forward so he must back up eventually. You may haft to stay at the walk for a good hour NO JOKE with some horses. And you may haft to get very rough with your feet. Don't expect a big pretty Reiner back up the first time. As long as you get a step or two be happy and keeping walking and stopping then backing. Once they have the hang of it you can ask for more steps and with lighter pressure. This may sound crazy but I promise you if you work him on this for just two nights you will see a big difference in how light he will be even in a run. Hope this was a little clearer.

Yes, it is. Thank you so much. I'll do this and come back with questions next week if we have problems.  
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LRQHS
Reg. Nov 2011
Posted 2014-10-31 8:10 AM
Subject: RE: What can I do to get a horse to stop better?


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LRQHS - 2014-10-31 8:05 AM
barrelracr131 - 2014-10-31 7:58 AM What bit does he run in?



Some tend to stop better with a combo or hack, but will run through just a bit.



Also, if this was an only "sometimes" problem for her, check hocks and stifles... sometimes if they are in pain, stopping hard hurts them and they become fearful of the stop.



You can also practice circling at the end of your run instead of running flat out, or training him to run out and then circle to slow down. I run at a lot of closed gate arenas, and so I circle as I'm at the arena fence. At an alley setup we run out and circle to stop in the holding pen or as we make it out of the chute.  
That's another problem. I have no idea what bit he runs in. I have it, but I don't know what it is. It does have a nose band on it lol. I think a lot of the problem is that my sister didn't do the practice and slow work like she should have and that if I do these things with him, he will pick up what I want quickly. Also, I need to teach him a slower pace, so we will be walking a lot at first. My goal is just to get to a point where we can trot a good pattern and stop lol. I, also, have no desire to break any records. I just want to ride and get us both back in shape.  

 That's right, ladies! Fear me not should we meet up at the Cajun Riding Club. You will, at least, beat me lol.
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Three 4 Luck
Reg. Sep 2003
Posted 2014-10-31 8:12 AM
Subject: RE: What can I do to get a horse to stop better?



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 I had one that would hit another gear at the gate and break land-speed records coming out of the alley.  Pulling on his head would make him go faster--I had to pick up lightly on the reins, sit down, and let him coast down.   
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hoofs_in_motion
Reg. Apr 2011
Posted 2014-10-31 8:18 AM
Subject: RE: What can I do to get a horse to stop better?



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can you sit and ask him to coast into a circle before coming out of the arena? I had a mare that I had to do that with, she was hard to stop after making her run, so I had to push her into a large circle to get her to slow down and eventually walk out of the arena.  
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LRQHS
Reg. Nov 2011
Posted 2014-10-31 8:21 AM
Subject: RE: What can I do to get a horse to stop better?


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Three 4 Luck - 2014-10-31 8:12 AM  I had one that would hit another gear at the gate and break land-speed records coming out of the alley.  Pulling on his head would make him go faster--I had to pick up lightly on the reins, sit down, and let him coast down.   

I'm mostly scared that I will run over someone. 
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barrelracr131
Reg. Aug 2011
Posted 2014-10-31 8:22 AM
Subject: RE: What can I do to get a horse to stop better?


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hoofs_in_motion - 2014-10-31 8:18 AM can you sit and ask him to coast into a circle before coming out of the arena? I had a mare that I had to do that with, she was hard to stop after making her run, so I had to push her into a large circle to get her to slow down and eventually walk out of the arena.  

This is what I do


Post a picture of the bit

That really won't help but I just want to see it 
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LRQHS
Reg. Nov 2011
Posted 2014-10-31 8:23 AM
Subject: RE: What can I do to get a horse to stop better?


Military family

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hoofs_in_motion - 2014-10-31 8:18 AM can you sit and ask him to coast into a circle before coming out of the arena? I had a mare that I had to do that with, she was hard to stop after making her run, so I had to push her into a large circle to get her to slow down and eventually walk out of the arena.  

Not sure. I'll have to slow work him a lot. I know they have closed the arena gate for my sister before, so he had to make a circle.....Looks pretty dangerous to me. I'd just like a slower, more controlled ride. 
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LRQHS
Reg. Nov 2011
Posted 2014-10-31 8:24 AM
Subject: RE: What can I do to get a horse to stop better?


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barrelracr131 - 2014-10-31 8:22 AM
hoofs_in_motion - 2014-10-31 8:18 AM can you sit and ask him to coast into a circle before coming out of the arena? I had a mare that I had to do that with, she was hard to stop after making her run, so I had to push her into a large circle to get her to slow down and eventually walk out of the arena.  
This is what I do





Post a picture of the bit



That really won't help but I just want to see it 

 I'll take a pic of it tomorrow and send to you.
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astreakinchic
Reg. Sep 2011
Posted 2014-10-31 8:24 AM
Subject: RE: What can I do to get a horse to stop better?


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Teaching one to circle up to stop in the holding pen to stop is a good way to get hurt or hurt someone else.

Teach them to listen and get them broke.
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barrelracr131
Reg. Aug 2011
Posted 2014-10-31 8:37 AM
Subject: RE: What can I do to get a horse to stop better?


Hungarian Midget Woman


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LRQHS - 2014-10-31 8:23 AM
hoofs_in_motion - 2014-10-31 8:18 AM can you sit and ask him to coast into a circle before coming out of the arena? I had a mare that I had to do that with, she was hard to stop after making her run, so I had to push her into a large circle to get her to slow down and eventually walk out of the arena.  
Not sure. I'll have to slow work him a lot. I know they have closed the arena gate for my sister before, so he had to make a circle.....Looks pretty dangerous to me. I'd just like a slower, more controlled ride. 

At least get him turning as you don't want him hitting the gate.... I typically will stop mine in the alley as he is not difficult to stop... but I will circle if we have to run towards a closed gate and the timer is near the arena fence as I don't like going mach ten into a wall and the only other choice is slowing down at the timer. 

People don't have issues circling one down in a holding pen as long as the horse is able to be controlled. I have not seen anyone get hurt in that situation- I have however seen many a person get hurt on one that runs out, won't turn, keeps running into the warm up pen and then tries to run out of there (where the horse can hit concrete or gravel).

In our arenas you aren't allowed to park your butt in the holding pen though- you are typically only in there if you are in the drag or up (so there is like 2, 3 tops in there).

I prefer an easy stop or a circle over running full tilt and stopping a a closed gate straight on. A good horse that's listening can still trip and send you flying into the gate. JMO 

Lots of slow work and getting him broke should take care of your issue.
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lindseylou2290
Reg. Aug 2013
Posted 2014-10-31 8:45 AM
Subject: RE: What can I do to get a horse to stop better?



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LRQHS - 2014-10-31 7:54 AM
astreakinchic - 2014-10-31 7:47 AM Be lighter with your hands and rougher with your feet. Get split reins or a very long rein until you feel comfortable in split reins. At a walk ask him to stop by just holding pressure with your reins then correct him to back with your feet when he does not. You may need spurs if the horse is dead sided. Progress through this with the trot and lope. Each time asking lighter and lighter with hands. Ride with your finger tips and absolutely no jerking with your hands. Remember your hands ask then your feet correct when he does not do what you ask. Warning this well make your horse very light and very broke and some people have a very hard time ridding a very broke horse. If you needed spurs at the walk each time you haft to ask him to back with your feet try to get lighter and lighter. Always think about your hands. Do not be holding pressure in his mouth when you do not need to be holding. Trust and teach them to stand still when they are not working...pitch the reins away. When you go to make a run they will be lighter. Don't go jerking it will hurt all the work you've done.
Ok. So, to correct him to back with my feet. How does he know that I want him to back? Normally, I give him small tugs with the reins, repeatively until he backs and he does that well. So, where would I place my feet to cue him that it's back up time?



Thanks for the info. I totally understand what you're saying and have something to work on. I appreciate it. 

When you ask for the stop, he should give to the bit, drop his head a little and round his back - and obviously stop.  Now, to get him moving his feet in reverse, roll your pelvis so that you are exagerating sitting on your pockets, bump (gently tug) each side of the bit, and squeeze or bump at the same time with your legs.   Rolling your pelvis encourages the roll in his back to stay, the gentle tugs/ bumps on your reins will signal and encourage the reverse movement, and the squeeze and bumping with your legs (spurs) says GET YOUR BOOTY MOVING NOW!!!   So, it all works together.  As astreainchic said ... don't get aggressive with the reins, get aggressive with your feet/legs if he chooses to ignore you :

Another thought, when you ask for the stop, do you just passively ask with your reins or are you rolling your pelvis, sitting on your pockets, and asking with your hands all at the same time?  Things to think about! 
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barrelracr131
Reg. Aug 2011
Posted 2014-10-31 8:47 AM
Subject: RE: What can I do to get a horse to stop better?


Hungarian Midget Woman


50002000100100
Location: Midwest
lindseylou2290 - 2014-10-31 8:45 AM
LRQHS - 2014-10-31 7:54 AM
astreakinchic - 2014-10-31 7:47 AM Be lighter with your hands and rougher with your feet. Get split reins or a very long rein until you feel comfortable in split reins. At a walk ask him to stop by just holding pressure with your reins then correct him to back with your feet when he does not. You may need spurs if the horse is dead sided. Progress through this with the trot and lope. Each time asking lighter and lighter with hands. Ride with your finger tips and absolutely no jerking with your hands. Remember your hands ask then your feet correct when he does not do what you ask. Warning this well make your horse very light and very broke and some people have a very hard time ridding a very broke horse. If you needed spurs at the walk each time you haft to ask him to back with your feet try to get lighter and lighter. Always think about your hands. Do not be holding pressure in his mouth when you do not need to be holding. Trust and teach them to stand still when they are not working...pitch the reins away. When you go to make a run they will be lighter. Don't go jerking it will hurt all the work you've done.
Ok. So, to correct him to back with my feet. How does he know that I want him to back? Normally, I give him small tugs with the reins, repeatively until he backs and he does that well. So, where would I place my feet to cue him that it's back up time?



Thanks for the info. I totally understand what you're saying and have something to work on. I appreciate it. 
When you ask for the stop, he should give to the bit, drop his head a little and round his back - and obviously stop.  Now, to get him moving his feet in reverse, roll your pelvis so that you are exagerating sitting on your pockets, bump (gently tug) each side of the bit, and squeeze or bump at the same time with your legs.   Rolling your pelvis encourages the roll in his back to stay, the gentle tugs/ bumps on your reins will signal and encourage the reverse movement, and the squeeze and bumping with your legs (spurs) says GET YOUR BOOTY MOVING NOW!!!   So, it all works together.  As astreainchic said ... don't get aggressive with the reins, get aggressive with your feet/legs if he chooses to ignore you :



Another thought, when you ask for the stop, do you just passively ask with your reins or are you rolling your pelvis, sitting on your pockets, and asking with your hands all at the same time?  Things to think about! 

 Very good description

Ask with your seat and legs moreso than your hands (really for all things)

Also have you ridden this horse yet???? You need to let us know how he's riding now.
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