How to Train an Arabian Horse for Halter Showing

Arabians are stunningly beautiful horses and look their best when they are prepped and shown in the halter ring. Halter is the equivalent of a beauty pageant for humans and nothing but the most perfect, the most fit and the most glamorous horse will win. Learn how to train a Arabian for halter showing.

Things You'll Need

  • Halter
  • Lead rope
  • Whip
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Instructions

    • 1

      Make sure that your horse can trot on the lead, has a healthy respect for your space, and will stop and pay complete attention to you. Before you can make any training for halter stick, all the basics must be in place.

    • 2

      Teach your horse to trot on a long, loose lead. This will need to be done as if the horse is on the long-line and they know to stay at shoulder level with you, but a good 10 feet or more away. This is important, as it allows the judge to see them moving. You must also be quite fleet of foot in order to make a good showing of your horse.

    • 3

      Teach the horse to "whoa" from the trot, and pay complete attention to you. It is often handy to train them to stop and then back up several steps as you walk toward them. Then, have them jump right back into the trot from the stop. The judge will want to see your horse lively and animated, so make sure that he will move for you at a moment's notice.

    • 4

      Ask your horse to walk towards you, then command him to stop with his hind legs one in front of the other. This will take some practice and timing on your part. You will then ask him to move one front hoof at a time by rocking his head back and forth until he takes one small step with a front hoof, then stop him again. You want his front feet to be even, and the back legs to be spread. This will take time and practice.

    • 5

      Teach him to reach for the whip by getting down low, with a paper bag or other interesting or spooky object, and having him reach down in curiosity towards it. Praise him when he extends his neck, but do not allow him to move his feet. Again, it takes practice, practice and more practice. Eventually, he will follow your whip hand and "give" his neck when you ask him to.