Slowing Your Horse

© 2005-08, Josh Lyons & Keith Hosman - All Rights Reserved

To help slow my horse, I hum. I hum because it naturally changes my seat. So when I'm practicing loping, and my horse is going faster than I want, then I sit down and I count or hum. So, I'll pick up speed and I'll say go faster, then I'll sit down and hum. If I change my seat and the horse does not slow down, then I'm going to stop them. I'm going to say "No, you missed your cue to slow down back there." I'll go forward and do it again. I'll speed him up, then I'll sit down and hum. I can slow him down with the same "seat" I used to speed him up. Sometimes when were having trouble getting our horse to go, we're not riding forward enough with our seat. It's natural for the trainer's seat to actually cause the horse to slow down by sitting down too much or relaxing a little too much.

This article is part of the "Horse Riding Instruction" series. To read more, or to find a clinic or Certified John Lyons horse trainer near you, visit horsemanship101.com.

About the authors:

Josh Lyons: One of the most sought-after clinicians in the world, Josh Lyons offers you and your horse a second chance or an enhancement of your existing relationship. His gentle and objective methods, pioneered by his father John Lyons, have helped novice rider and pro alike. Josh continues the “Lyons Legacy,” teaching the John Lyons Certification Program in Parachute, CO and touring often.  He is a frequent contributor to national publications like "Perfect Horse" and "Horse & Rider.” Find out more about Josh Lyons at LyonsLegacy.com.

Keith Hosman: If your horse won't speed up, slow down, stop or turn, you missed the latest training methods from Josh and John Lyons.  Have you lost your confidence?  Want a horse to brag about?  Invest one weekend to make big changes with John Lyons Certified Trainer Keith Hosman.  Keith is based near San Antonio, TX and is available for clinics, private sessions and training.  He frequently conducts clinics and demonstrations — with an event coming soon to a town near you. For more horse training articles, or to attend a clinic or find a John Lyons trainer living in your area, visit horsemanship101.com now.  

No part of this article may be reproduced without the express written permission of Josh Lyons and Keith Hosman. To contact us regarding reprints or syndication of our articles (in print or online), please contact us via www.horsemanship101.com.