True or False - During a sliding stop, the horse's hind feet should maintain ground contact.

The assertion that during a sliding stop, the horse's hind feet should maintain ground contact is indeed true. During a sliding stop, a horse performs a maneuver that allows it to come to a near-complete halt while simultaneously sliding on its hindquarters. This requires the horse to shift its weight back, engage its hind legs, and utilize its muscular control to maintain balance and stability.

The hind feet play a crucial role in the sliding stop as they provide the necessary traction and control to effectively execute the stop. If the hind feet were to lose contact with the ground, the horse would be at risk of losing balance and would not be able to perform the stop successfully. The balance and engagement of the hindquarters are critical for the performance and safety of this maneuver, especially in disciplines such as reining, where sliding stops are a key element of the performance.

Thus, keeping the hind feet in contact with the ground during a sliding stop is essential for the efficacy of the movement and contributes to the horse's overall athletic performance.