I have trouble stopping my reining horse anyone?

Question

i'm riding since a year ago, i' don't have any major problem with lead changes, circles, turn arounds, but i have hard time stopping my mare, who got six month of training by a professional trainer, my trainer can stop it fairly good, but i miss my stops. the funny thing about it is i can stop pretty well my wife's gelding who got 2 years of training by a different trainer.

IS IT POSSIBLE THAT MY CUES ARE DIFFERENT THAN THE CUES OF MY TRAINER?

Answer 1

It is possible. Everyone rides different, so that might be another reason. Ask your trainer what exactly the cues are the he/she is giving your mare. There is another option as well. You can send your horse to a professional trainer and get he or she to teach you what you are doing correctly/incorrectly. They will help you to be sure you are giving your mare the right cues. Good luck!

Answer 2

I would definitely check into different bits.  Take the time to simply work on stopping.  First at the walk until it stops when cued, then a faster walk and work your way up.  Stick with the each speed until it GETS it then move up a speed.  Of course praise it when it does well or at least gives a good try.  Lots of patience...

Answer 3

You don't say what cues you're using.

Do you bring your feet forward and sit on your pockets?

(Bringing the tilt of your pelvis back, ya know...)

Sometimes the horse might need dental work - you might look into it.

Answer 4

Maybe try a different bit, I can't say which but a good tack shop should be able to help or ask your trainer

Answer 5

It is possible that your trainer has trained your mare to stop with a different cue.  They should have had you ride your mare before you brought her home to make sure you understand the cues and how they trained her.  I can't imagine that a sliding stop would have a different cue though, it may just be your mare and the fact that she isn't up to the reining discipline?  Maybe you can contact your trainer and ask about the cue they utilized in their training.