How to Teach the Jambette & the Spanish Walk

Teaching horses to Jambette and Spanish Walk is a bold way to show off their training and balance. Jambettes are extensions --- one at a time --- of the left and right front legs. The Spanish Walk is a continuation of the Jambette by incorporating forward motion. Take your time training your horse, using steady commands and rewarding the animal when it responds appropriately to your commands. Once you teach the horse the Jambette and Spanish Walk --- in this order --- you can show off your beautiful animal to family and friends or in exhibitions.

Things You'll Need

  • Pedestal
  • Halter
  • Reins
  • Guider whip
  • Carrots
  • Apple slices
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Instructions

    • 1

      Guide the horse to a halt using the halter and reins. Stand to the side of the horse. Place a pedestal 1 foot in front of the horse.

    • 2

      Lightly tap on the back of the left knee on the front leg with a guider whip. Tap repetitvely and gently. Say "ONE" as your command for this leg. Keep tapping and repeating the command until the horse raises its left leg and places the hoof on the pedestal. Reward any correct movement by saying "GOOD" and giving the horse a carrot or an apple slice. Rebuke the horse if it uses the right leg at any time by saying "NO" and turning your head.

    • 3

      Repeat step two for the right front leg. The pedestal is used to train the muscle memory of the horse. Train one leg at a time. Train the horse continuously in this movement for seven to 14 days.

    • 4

      Command the horse to lift each leg --- one at a time --- while standing still to perform the Jambette. Use the "ONE" and "TWO" commands at all times, as these will be useful in teaching the Spanish Walk.

    • 5

      Move the pedestal to continue into the Spanish Walk. Stand to the side of the horse and repeat the actions and commands for lifting the left leg. Usher the horse forward it lifts the leg and say "STEP" as it lowers the leg. Repeat for the right leg. Reward and rebuke the horse as necessary.

    • 6

      Stand in front and command the horse forward only through verbal commands. Watch the horse lift its left leg on "ONE", drop the left leg on "STEP", lift the right leg on "TWO and drop the right leg on "STEP" --- moving forward as it follows your commands. Allow at least 30 to 60 days of continual training to condition the animal.