How to Teach Your Horse Tricks

Horses are creatures of habit and therefore willing partners when asked repetitive commands. A horse of any age can learn simple tricks with the right motivation. When it responds quickly to the cues, it can master more complicated ones. Problem horses can bond with a trainer by learning tricks, paving the way for learning more traditional riding skills. Trick training is also useful for days when the weather prevents riding or the horse is becoming ring sour.

Things You'll Need

  • Halter
  • Lead rope
  • Horse treats
  • Short whip
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Instructions

    • 1

      Select one trick that takes a simple cue to perform. Teaching a horse to nod "yes" or shake its head "no" are good requests to teach first.

    • 2

      Offer palm-size horse treats to entice a response. Commercial equine cookies, apple slices or carrot pieces will keep the horse's attention.

    • 3

      Request the action verbally while giving the cue. Softly touch the whip in the area you want the horse to move, such as behind the poll for a head shake. This will associate the word and touch with the command so that future requests will not always need a treat.

    • 4

      Praise the horse with tone of voice, a pat on the neck as well as the treat. Positive reinforcement is important even if the response is only slight.

    • 5

      Repeat the request and respond with praise a couple more times to reinforce the cue.