Secrets To Stop The Spin

A precise end to a set of spins keeps you out of the penalty box and prevents your horse from developing bad habits.

- Bob Avila & Jennifer Paulson

Many competitive events—from ranch riding to horsemanship, reining to working cow horse— require at least one spin in the pattern work. The ability to precisely shut down your horse’s momentum on target, as directed by the pattern, makes a big difference between a clean run and one with penalties. 

Here I’ll share my four secrets to stop your spin on target, each and every time.

Know Your Limits

It’s all too common. A nonpro rider tries to get more done in the show pen than she can actually handle or control. It’s just a guess, but I’d bet that if you looked at judges’ cards, there are more penalties handed out for over- or under-spinning than any other maneuver. Overspinning is most often a factor of more speed than the rider can effectively stop. Under-spinning is simply a rider error, due to lack of attention; or because you’re afraid of overspinning.