What Judges See in the Backup
In an NRHA pattern, the backup is performed after the final stop and is judged on willingness, straightness, speed, and the quality of the halt when the horse is asked to stop backing. A horse that backs with energy â moving rearward in a crisp, diagonal two-beat footfall without dawdling â scores better than a horse that backs slowly. A horse that backs crookedly, that anticipates the stop by slowing before being asked, or that braces against the rein loses points. The horse that backs straight, quickly, and stops the instant the cue is given is the horse that earns marks.
Building the Backup from the Ground
Warwick Schiller's approach to the backup begins on the ground. He teaches horses to back away from light rope pressure before any mounted backup work is attempted, establishing the correct footfall pattern â diagonal pairs moving rearward â and the horse's understanding that backing is a response to pressure, not a punishment. A horse that understands and accepts the backup on the ground transfers that understanding directly to the saddle.
The ground backup should be straight, rhythmic, and responsive to finger pressure on the halter alone. If the horse requires significant pressure to back, or backs crookedly, or stops backing the moment you soften your pressure, more groundwork is needed before mounted backup training begins.
Mounted Backup â Developing Straightness and Speed
From the saddle, the backup cue is typically a light pick-up of both reins with even pressure on both sides, combined with a shift of weight slightly back in the saddle. The horse should step rearward immediately from this cue, in a straight line, maintaining its rhythm for as many steps as asked. When the rider releases, the horse stops immediately.
Straightness in the backup is maintained by keeping both reins even and using leg pressure to correct drift â if the hip drifts right, a light right leg cue redirects it. A horse that consistently backs crookedly to one side has a lateral softness deficit on that side and needs additional lateral flexion work before the backup will straighten.
Speed in the Backup
A quick, energetic backup begins with a horse that is already confirmed in the slow backup. Never attempt to rush a horse's backup before it is backing straight and willingly. When the horse understands the maneuver, speed can be developed by releasing the rein the instant the horse takes a step rearward, then re-applying if the horse stops, creating a rhythm. The horse that learns to back in rhythm and maintain that rhythm without being constantly re-cued is the horse that backs with energy and impresses judges.
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