Ask your horse to back up lightly and willingly with the halter for a positive horse-showing experience.
Backing your horse is a standard maneuver in showmanship classes, so it’s important to do it correctly and seemingly effortlessly.
Objectives:
1) To cause your horse to back up with very light action on his halter
2) To obtain positive responses and flexion
How will this help me?

 If I can get my horse to back up in response to a very light action on his halter, I will diminish his “opposition reflex.” The natural reflex of all horses is instinctive to oppose pressure instead of yielding to it.
Having a horse that yields to the slightest demand will allow me to gain respect and safety, increase control and obtain a light, vertical flexion that will prepare my horse for collection and improve his stops.
CLICK HERE to read the rest of the article from America’s Horse Daily