If you build a bond with your horse through trust and communication, they will do just about anything for you.
A few days ago I was training Bella (my new trick horse) in her new paddock. I’m always looking for opportunities and new things to do with Bella. There were lots of flat rocks around. I thought it would be fun to ask her to stand on one. She’s never stepped UP onto something for me but we have been practicing walking onto a mat.
So I asked her to step onto a very low rock a few times and then I asked her to hop up on this higher one. She didn’t hesitate as you will see in the video.
This is because we have trust and communication.
Firstly she understands what I am asking her to do. We have good communication. She’s learned the cues that mean I want her to stand on something (and it doesn’t matter what that is).
And most importantly she trusts me. She knows that I won’t ask her to do anything that will hurt her.
So here’s Bella standing on a rock. I also practiced a few other tricks she knows while she was up there (Kiss and Leg Forward).
Here’s Bella…
