Here’s just some of the things you will discover in the HORSE TRICKS ACADEMY. (Plus each month we add new tricks and activities!)
The ACADEMY only opens to NEW members a few times a year.
UPDATE: The Academy is open for new members until August 9
Category: Horse Training
3 Principles
Most horses will happily do anything you ask if these 3 principles apply:
- The horse is physically able to do it.
Your horse must be able to physically do what you are asking and it must not cause him any pain or discomfort. If your horse finds something difficult or painful they just won’t want to do it. (And we want trick training to be lots of fun for you – and your horse).
If you have an older horse or one that has injuries then look at tricks that are easier for him to do. For example I rarely ask Trigger to do a Full Bow (down on his knee) because of his age. But there is a trick called the Simple Bow which is much easier for older horses to do and still looks really nice.
How To Teach Your Horse Treat Manners
Some people worry that using treats during training will cause their horse to become pushy, nippy and turn them into a horrible food monster!
Unfortunately this is likely if your horse doesn’t learn how to behave around treats. For most horses food is their favorite thing and they just want some… NOW!
Thankfully it is easy to teach your horse to have perfect manners around treats.
Would you like to know more about your horse’s personality?
Is your horse an Extrovert or Introvert? Right or left brain? And does this relate to the whorls (swirls) on their face?
I am currently researching the connection between a horse’s facial whorls and their personality.
Please fill out this survey on horse whorls and find out more about your horse’s personality (it’s really interesting!)
Increase Your Horse’s Attention By Defining Your Training Sessions
If you want to teach your horse lots of tricks you need to clearly define the start and end of your training sessions. Your horse needs to know when you are about to start teaching them something new and to give you their total attention.
To signal to my horses that I am in training mode I wear a Treat Bag around my waist. This bag is a great place to store treats and it has a spring that holds the bag open so I can easily get to the treats.
But best of all… if I’m wearing the treat bag my horses know we are going to do some trick training and to pay attention. Even if it’s just a quick 5 minute session.
You can use other ways to signal the beginning of a trick training session. For example you could put a particular halter on your horse or train in a certain area reserved for learning new things.
If I am wearing a Treat Bag my horses really come to attention and watch every movement I make.
My hand movements and other cues now contain important information for my horses on what they need to do to earn a tasty reward (VERY important stuff for horses). Continue reading “Increase Your Horse’s Attention By Defining Your Training Sessions”
Building Trust and Communication
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 fun to ask her to stand on one. She’s never stepped UP onto something for me but we have been practising walking onto a mat.