Western
Intermediate
20 min
Stop-and-Back from the Collected Trot
Focus: Transitions, Obedience, Collection
Equipment: 4 cones or markers
Step-by-Step Instructions
- At the collected trot, ride straight toward a cone. When you reach the cone, halt.
- The halt should come from your seat: sit deep, say 'whoa,' and close your fingers on the reins.
- Immediately back 4-6 steps. The back-up should be straight and rhythmic.
- Collected Collected Trot forward and collected trot to the next cone. Repeat the stop-and-back.
- Practice at all 4 cones for a complete exercise.
- The halt and back should feel like one connected movement.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- The halt not happening at the cone (too early or too late).
- The back-up being crooked instead of straight.
- Using too much rein to stop and back instead of seat and voice.
- The horse anticipating the stop and slowing before the cone.
Variations & Progressions
- Stop-and-back from the lope for increased difficulty.
- Back more steps (8-10) for longer backing practice.
- Add a 360-degree turn after the back-up before jogging to the next cone.
Tip: The stop-and-back appears in almost every western pattern. Make it automatic: halt at the cone, back 4 steps. No hesitation.
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