Understanding the Stop Response in Horses

Oct 31, 2024

Lecture Notes: The Stop Response in Horse Training

Presenter

  • Jodie Hartstone
    • Grand Prix dressage rider
    • Proponent of academic horse training

Key Concepts

The Four Fundamental Responses

  • Go
  • Stop
  • Turn
  • Yield

Focus on Stop Response

  • Negative Reinforcement
    • Removing rein pressure as a reward for the correct response

Understanding the Stop Response

  • Rein Functions for Deceleration
    • Slowing down from rein pressure
    • Stepping back and stopping from rein pressure
    • Shortening stride
    • Downward transitions

Key Points

  • Reins are used for deceleration
  • Legs are used for acceleration
  • Horses cannot process two signals at once

Demonstration of Stop Response

  • Stop from Rein Pressure
    • Apply pressure to horse's mouth
    • Release pressure immediately when the horse stops all four legs
  • Stepping Back
    • Apply pressure from a halt
    • Transition from walk into two steps of reverse
    • Improves lightness and obedience to rein signals
  • Shortening Stride
    • Use a rhythmic "woo-give" until the horse walks with small steps
    • Slow stride with a long "woo" without halting

Training Principle

  • Negative Reinforcement
    • Pressure motivates
    • Release of pressure trains

Outcome

  • When mastered, the horse will be light and obedient in the mouth to the rein signals

Conclusion

  • Thanks given by Jodie Hartstone
  • Episode brought by Fibre Fresh
  • Encouragement to watch future episodes of Equine TV