Western
Beginner
25 min
Reining Rundown and Stop at the Trot
Focus: Speed, Collection, Technique
Equipment: Splint boots, Bell boots
Step-by-Step Instructions
- The rundown is a straight-line gallop leading to a sliding stop. This exercise develops the approach.
- Start at the far end of the arena. Build from a trot to a trot to a hand-gallop down the long side.
- The build-up should be gradual: first 1/3 is trot, middle 1/3 is fast trot, final 1/3 is hand-gallop.
- At the end of the long side, sit deep, say 'whoa,' and let the horse stop from its haunches.
- The stop doesn't need to slide (that requires proper ground and shoeing). Just sit and decelerate from behind.
- Trot back to the start. Rest for 1 minute. Repeat 3-4 times maximum.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Starting the gallop too close to the stop point, not building speed progressively.
- Pulling on the reins to stop instead of using seat and voice.
- Practicing rundowns on hard or slippery ground.
- Too many repetitions — stop work is demanding on the horse's hocks and back.
Variations & Progressions
- Add a rollback after the stop for a more complete reining maneuver.
- Practice the rundown in the center of the arena for competition simulation.
- Vary the stop point to prevent the horse from anticipating where to stop.
Tip: The rundown builds speed that the stop converts into a maneuver. Without a proper rundown, the stop has nothing to work with.
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