The Easiest Way to Teach a Horse to Back Up

If you have ever had a problem with teaching your horse to back up - here's an easy solution. First get some very small but aromatic horse treat. Yes this technique will involve treats so if your horse is not use to eating from your hand you will have to teach the horse that first. The horse must take treats from your hand with out any fuss or you having any fear of the horse bitting you.

Next isolate the horse from any other horses. Train your horse in an arena, paddock, pasture or even a very large stall. The horse can be on a lead line wearing a halter or left loose. Stand in front of the horse. Put the treat in your closed fist. Hold your hand under your horse's head in front of the chest area. While holding the treat palm down, point with your index finger towards your horse's chest and say "back". Your horse will lower it's head in order to follow the treat and will back up in order to get at it. When the horse has backed up, give the horse the treat. Repeat the process over and over again until your horse backs up to the length and timing you are happy with.