Basics: Pivot to Backing Problems

The pattern calls for a pivot of some sort and then a back, but you back crooked? Why, you did you pivot, but your horse still backed crooked...here's 2 scenario's WHY.

In this first photo our exhibitor has over spun, look at her horse's feet, they are not aligned front to back, so if she backs at this point (her horse's hip is canted to the right), her horse will back crookedly to the right...
In our 2nd photo our horse has NOT completed (or under spun) his pivot, and if she asks him to back at this point he'll back crooked to the left

To avoid either of these problems, as you are completing the your pivot (the last step or two), look up to WHERE it is you are GOING to go, this way you can either continue that next step or stop to prevent an over pivot. Having someone watch you also helps... Happy Practicing!