6/ FEBRUARY 2026 THE RIDER MY SPIN: Do You Feel Stuck? - Too Fast or Anxious on the Rollback ->


return to basic walk-throughs or simple repeti- tions until they wait on you. - Circles are Too Rushed-> focus on control


and balance, keeping them relaxed and not push- ing on the inside.


3. Refine Your Aids: - Lighten Your Cues -> If the horse is doing


the maneuver correctly, let them do it. - Consistency is Key -> Use the same, sub-


How Appropriate for January. Credit: Pixabay


By Susan Dahl. If you feel stuck then go back to


the basics but in a different way. Here are some tips I found on the


internet. You’ll notice that they are from different industries.


Back To Basics: 1. Focus on simplifying, consistency, and focusing on foundational health rather then complex, trendy solutions (from Coach Shawn on Coffee Talk).


2. Choose 1 simple skill and let the subject be whatever is in front of you. Skills build quietly over time. (Ian Fennelly, Urban Sketch Course). 3. AI Overview of Shawn Florida’s


(NRHA Hall of Famer) going back to the basics of reining emphasizes creating a willing, inde- pendent partner through consistent, quiet, and repetitive, yet not excessive, training. Flarida’s approach focuses on the horse’s mind, body and heart, ensuring they understand the maneuvers rather then being forced into them..


AI further summarizes:


1. Focus on the Mindset and Willingness: - Prevent Boredom and Resentment ->


Don’t drill a horse to death. Train to the point of understanding and then give the horse a break. - Let them work-> Allow the horse to per-


form maneuvers independently rather then mi- cromanaging every step. The goal is a horse that does the job on its own, making the rider smoother and more impressive. 2. Return to Fundamental Maneuvers (ie. Back to the Basics).


tle cues for every maneuver to avoid confusing the horse. - Positioning -> Keep your shoulders over


your hips and your weight in your heels to main- tain balance and avoid becoming crooked which hinders the horse’s performance.


4. Proper Groundwork and Foundation: Whoa!


My Take on Proper Groundwork and Foundation:


Well this is a big one for me! My training


business was called Foundation Reining Train- ing. It was all about proper groundwork and foundation. I believe it’s applicable to all disci- plines. I put a basic reining foundation using a lot of groundwork for many different breeds of horses. If interested in more back to basics articles


and information, I still maintain my website: www.reinersuehorsemanship.com. Nothing compares to going back to the ba-


sics! Credit: Pixabay


Putting My Spin on the Basics Reinersue @KISS Reiners 2026


About Susan Dahl Susan Dahl, ORHA/NRHA past multiple


champion, writer, blogger, author and clinician, retired certified professional horse trainer. Owner of Foundation Reining Training Centre in Durham, ON. She specializes in effective horsemanship, and reining. For more informa- tion on her services: judging, clinics or resale horses, please contact her on facebook, her web- site: www.reinersuehorseman ship.com or reiner- sue@hotmail.com


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