pat on the horse - slows down

Question
hello Lyn, my riding instructor told me to pat the horse neck so that she would slow down from fast trot. may I know how come horses slow down received a pat from riders?

Answer
Rohit,

A pat on the neck is usually an acknowledgement of a positive response from the horse.  I don't know about patting her on the neck to get her to slow down.  That would be a matter of training.  Anytime I get a correct response when I ask my horse to do something I reward her with a pat.