Backward Confusion 

Congratulations on moving up to the USDF Second Level, which is the first time the rein back is introduced. You will see the rein back in tests from Second Level through the Grand Prix. The difficulty of this movement increases which each successive level. For instance, the number of steps increases and the type of transition in or out of the rein back becomes more challenging.

The rein back demonstrates your horse’s degree of obedience and submission, as well as its “throughness.” The transitions in and out of the rein back also help to increase the collection that is required in Second Level tests and above.

Let’s look at the USEF 2012 rulebook definition of the rein back.

DR106 THE REIN BACK: 1. Rein back is a rearward diagonal movement with a two beat rhythm, but without a moment of suspension. Each diagonal pair of legs is raised and returned to the ground actively, with the forelegs aligned on the same track as the hind legs. 2. During the entire exercise, the horse should remain “on the bit,” maintaining its desire to move forward. 3. Anticipation or precipitation of the movement, resistance to, or evasion of the contact, deviation of the hindquarters from the straight line, spreading or inactive hind legs and dragging forefeet are serious faults. 4. The steps are counted as each foreleg moves back. After completing the required number of steps backward, the horse moves forward in the required gait immediately.

Keeping all these rules in mind, there is a lot of preparation and practice that goes into performing a high-scoring rein back. Here are some common faults and some tips for getting the best possible score.

Common Faults

1. The horse resists going backwards.

2. The horse gets crooked.

3. The horse takes way too many or not enough steps.

4. The horse displays too much tension or anticipation.

5. The horse comes off the bit or becomes too fussy with the mouth.

6. There are not clear quality transitions in or out of the rein back.

7. The horse does not back in diagonal pairs.

8. The rein back is inaccurately placed (not at the letter where it is supposed to start).

Some tips for a good rein back:

1.      oncentrate on a quality transition in and out of the movement.

2.      Stand immobile for three to four seconds before asking for the rein back

3.      Prepare to take the correct number of steps at the required letter with straightness. Count to yourself as each foreleg steps back.

4.      Stay soft and quiet with your hands so your horse is willing to accept your aids.

5.      In the last rein back step, immediately go forward into the next required gait. Do not make a second halt.

6.      Strive for large, rhythmic steps.

7.      Maintain relaxation and suppleness without losing concentration to the bit.

Possible Scores

8 and above:  A rein back that earns this score will display: Precision: The halt is exact and square, and the rein back is fluent and has the correct number of steps. There are clear transitions with no resistance. Rhythm: The movement is even, regular and displays clear, diagonal steps. Suppleness: The horse is elastic through the whole movement. Contact: The horse is light and steady on the bit with the poll the highest point. Impulsion: The horse takes active steps, maintaining his desire to go forward. In each step, the legs are well raised, with the joints bent. Straightness: The front legs are clearly in line with the hind legs. Collection: The high legs carry enough weight to show that the horse is in balance. Submissiveness: The horse has no resistances.

7: A rein back that earns a 7 is still a fairly good solid rein back, but it may have some of these attributes: The transition could have been clarity. The halt is almost square. The backward movement could be even more fluent. The horse might be slightly off the bit. The horse could bend his hind legs and joints even more than he is.

6: A rein back that earns a 6 is satisfactory. The horse is performing a rein back, but it may have some of these negatives: The transition may not be clear enough. The halt might not be square. There may be some small inaccuracy in the movement. The horse hesitates or seems reluctant, or the steps might be a little bit too hurried. The horse might have some tension, or not remain clearly on the bit. He might lose activity or drag his feet slightly. He may get somewhat crooked.

5:  A rein back that earns a 5 is marginal. The horse backs up, but he has some problems. For instance, the halt might be too abrupt and not square. There may be inaccurate placing of the movement or too many or too few steps. There may be too much hesitation. The backward steps may not be diagonal. The horse might be tense, or drag his feet, or get too hurried or too lazy. The horse has some resistance to the aids.

4 and below: Insufficient. The number of steps are far too many or too few, or the horse does not even back up at all. The gait is not diagonal and the steps are too hurried or too tense. The movement is very crooked. The feet drag. There is too much mouth and head fussiness. There is strong resistance to the aids, or other bad behavior and disobediences.

I hope this explained why lack of diagonal steps will keep you from getting a better score. Try to follow these guidelines while you practice and you will be sure to impress your judge.