How to Train Your Horse to Stand Square

Horse events are as numerous and varied as horses themselves. Some events are judged on style, some on precision and others strictly on conformation. Training a horse to stand still and with all four feet squared is essential in many classes and a handy technique for your horse to know in and out of the ring. Teaching a horse to stand square is not a difficult process, although it does take a little practice.

Things You'll Need

  • Halter
  • Lead
  • Treats
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place the halter and lead on your horse. The halter will allow you to control the horse and will give her some guidance during your training session.

    • 2

      Train your horse in a level, enclosed pen. Working in a smaller area makes it more difficult for your horse to escape should anything go wrong.

    • 3

      Stand on the left side of your horse and walk a few steps forward. Give your horse the command to stop, and turn slightly to face her. This will give her the signal that she needs to stop walking and stand still.

    • 4

      Choose a command that you will use while training the horse to stand square. It can be something simple such as “square,” but you will need to use the same command every time. The horse will associate that particular word with standing square as long as you use it consistently.

    • 5

      Look at your horse’s feet. Some horses tend to stand naturally square while others will need to be adjusted to get the proper stance. If your horse is square when you stop, praise him and give him a small treat. If he is not square, you will need to adjust his feet.

    • 6

      Adjust your horse’s stance according to how his feet are placed. If one foot is further forward than the other three, step towards him and ask him to back up slightly. If one foot is father back, tug slightly on the lead rope to get him to take a step forward.

    • 7

      Reward your horse when he is standing relatively square. Do not expect your horse to stand perfectly square during the first training session, as it takes time to develop a proper stance.

    • 8

      Walk your horse forward a few steps and again give him the command to stop and square. Repeat the adjustment process and reward her once she is standing correctly.

    • 9

      Repeat this walking and stopping for approximately 15 minutes to give your horse a proper training session. Horses have a very short attention span, but if you consistently work in short, frequent training sessions, your horse will know how to stand square for any competition.