Training Tip: Build Confidence With the One Rein Stop

The One Rein Stop is the first thing I teach every single rider in my clinics as soon as they get on the horse’s back. Why? Because once they realize that they can stop their horses anytime, anywhere, whenever they want, you wouldn’t believe the amount of confidence it gives them. I often refer to the One Rein Stop as the emergency handbrake because that’s exactly what it is. If you can stop your horse anytime you don’t feel secure in the saddle, you’ve just given yourself control of the situation. Riders who are insecure have a lack of control – their horse is running off, bucking, etc., and they don’t know how to stop him. The horse is in control of the situation; they’re not. Once you know how to slide your hand down one rein and bring the horse to a complete stop, you’ll be able to take control and be a leader before any of that bad stuff even happens.