Trick horse training is a method used to develop intelligence, adaptability and predictability in the companion horse. The most compelling aspect of trick horse training is the fact that it provides your horse with an acceptable outlet for self expression and it provides the handler with a way to bring out the individuality of each horse. You can start trick training early in a horses life or you can start teaching them once they reach their mature years.
Performance is important when it is just you and your horse in the show ring and if you are happy then you are a winner. With trick horse training, you don’t measure your accomplishment in trophies or blue ribbons, but in the enjoyment and benefits you get from having a true companion horse. Trick horse training brings out a horse’s intelligence and concentration powers in order to increase their reliability. Reliability and probability play an important part in the safety and enjoyment of horse owners.
Types of Tricks
When animals are trained by humans, it is often done through the help of a “place” or “mark”. The mark is a safe place or a place to wait until the next cue is given and where they are rewards for performing good behavior. This is known as pedestal work. The pedestal allows the horse to elevate his position in relation to those around them.
After the pedestal work, you move on to the Salute. The pedestal is used as a way to help the horse associate the pedestal with other particular behaviors. If the horse understands this place association, they are less likely to offer the trained behaviors during inopportune times or an evasion. The Salute is the foundation maneuver for the Spanish Walk.
Next, you need to teach the horse to Rear. The best way to teach this is from the ground and only with landing on or targeting a specific pedestal. When taught in a process of control and increments, the Rear move can be something of great beauty. The horse ascertains what the handler is going to ask for by concentrating on the handler’s body language, whip cue and verbal cues.
In order to learn the Bow the horse has to balance three legs and lower his weight on an outstretched front leg. This requires a lot of strength, range of motion and conditioning on the part of the horse. In order to keep the horse balanced both physically and mentally, you simply need to allow the horse the necessary time to learn this trick. Often horses can mentally understand tricks like the Bow, but it will take them weeks to months to execute it because of the physical requirements needed for muscle memory.
The ultimate demonstration of cooperation and trust for a horse is the Lay Down trick. A horse’s life can be saved by learning to lie quietly without struggling or distress. It is also a foundation trick required for a horse to continue their trick horse training. It is a major leap of faith for a horse to lie down or sit down on cue. When a horse lies down, they are in a very vulnerable position since they can’t escape by running and they are exposing their flanks and belly.
Trick horse training offers you the benefits of adaptability, reliability and predictability. These traits are then transferred to any discipline you teach the horse that requires a saddle. There are many other tricks that you can teach your horse. But consider trick horse training for your horse since it offers a wide range of benefits and is very easy to learn and perform.