The one-rein stop is an emergency brake used primarily for young, inexperienced horses. It operates on the premise that it is much more difficult for a horse to go in tight circles, since it requires a lot more balance. A young horse doesn't understand to stop off of a two-rein pull, so you simply pull its head around to one side to slow and control the horse. Hold the rein until the horse comes to a stop. If a horse gets scared, tries to buck, or run off, the one-rein stop is used to control the horse. In a short time of regular work, the horse will learn to give its head and stop when one rein is pulled. Once the horse has been taught to give to the bit and back up, the horse can normally be controlled with a pull on both reins. If the horse fights the bit or resists when two reins are pulled, go back to the one-rein stop. Be careful when pulling a horse's head around to the side as you can throw him off balance and cause a fall. If your horse bolts and will not respond to a two-rein pull, taking his head to one side will cause him to circle and then you can pull his head around to your knee and hold until he stops. The one-rein stop will develop control until you can teach the appropriate response to the bit and two-rein stop.

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