Sliding

By Caryn A. Tate

Teaching your horse to slide is usually a fairly simple process that enhances his abilities and knowledge, as well as your own. One of the great things about the sliding stop is that it gives you, the rider, a much smoother ride when you ask your horse for that stop.

The first thing I like to do with my horses is to teach them "whoa." By this, I mean that my goal for them is to get to the point where I say the single word "whoa" and they immediately stop with no need for a tug on the reins or any other stopping cue than my voice saying that one word.

This is a lot easier than it seems at first. Begin when you're just walking your horse. At some point say "whoa," and immediately following this, stop him. Each time you stop him, put your weight in your seat, on your pockets, and squeeze him slightly with your legs as you gently pull back on the reins. Repeat this several times, until when you say "whoa," your horse knows that he's supposed to stop and does so. Most horses will first begin stopping that way on their own somewhat hesitantly, just a little unsure that is what you want them to do. In this case, be sure to reward him for doing as you've taught him. Pet him, pat his neck, talk to him, scratch his ears.

After completing this at a walk, continue the process at a trot, then a lope. At a trot, you can begin to teach your horse the actual slide. Continue the process I explained above; be sure you put your weight in your seat and squeeze him a little as you stop him. (If you're wearing spurs, of course be careful not to touch your horse's sides with the rowels of your spurs. You don't want him to confuse this squeeze with the more urgent cue of asking him to speed up.)

The squeezing cue helps your horse to get his back legs underneath himself, which is necessary for him to slide; and the weight in your seat is simply another cue that lets your horse know that you either want him to slow down or, as in this case, stop. Be sure that every time you ask your horse to stop, you say "whoa," or whichever vocal cue you've chosen for your horse. Your horse's "whoa" is an invaluable thing for him--and you--to know, and gets easier and easier with time.

Practice stopping, and sliding, your horse whenever possible. It will become less and less of a challenge, and become a simple instinct for him. With time, practice, and patience, sliding your horse will come naturally!

About the Author:

I have lived around and worked with horses my entire life, and learned how to ride when I was a small child. Riding and training horses are great loves of mine, and I enjoy helping other people overcome training issues with their horses. I love working with horses and developing relationships with them, as well as talking about them with other people who are as passionate about the subject as I am.

Caryn may be contacted by email at  scribe_79@yahoo.com.

Article courtesy of Suite101.com.