How to teach backing straight from ground?

[Greentchr]

Kona backs up easily, but whether from the ground or in the saddle, she backs crooked. I want to teach her to do the L -shaped backing, but first we have to figure out how to back up straight...

Suggestions?

[cvb]

start next to a fence ?
give her plenty of time for each step - she may be wiggling to try and see behind her
also keep her head straight, and the body tends to self-correct over a few strides...

[Greentchr]

We actually have a real fence for the first time on our property- we have always just had electric fence- so that is a possibility!

What do you think of backing between two railroad ties?

[Shadowlark]

railroad ties, ground poles jump poles.. anything that will give her an indication she is off kilter by her knocking it - and tons of praise when she doens't hit anything!

[cvb]

electric fence doesn't really allow her to make mistakes and stay calm if she gets it wrong ;) I'd go fo something on the ground (railroad ties) first before the electric fence

[Keket]

Start by a fence or wall and hold a crop. Ask her to back. Because she's got a wall on one side, she can't swing her butt that way. If she swings it away from the wall, give her a light tap on the hind end with the crop and ask her to put it back where it's supposed. After awhile, you'll be able to correct her by just pointing at her hip. And then she'll be backing up straight. Once she can do it consistently on the fence, then move away from the fence.

[Greentchr]

This is a little tardy, but thank you for your helpful advice!

Our RI came today, and her advice was to first teach how to back 'crooked', meaning I was to bend her head to 11 or 1 (o'clock) and ask her to back, only releasing her when she swung her rear into line with her head while she backed- thereby straightening her own self.

By getting her knowing how to straighten up when she backs, asking her to straighten up will come easier...

I'll let you know if we (horse and I ) figure it out :p