How to Get a Colt to Trot

In trotting, the diagonal legs of a horse move together. Trotting comes naturally to some horses, but others need a bit of practice. Start teaching your colt to trot once he has mastered the basics -- the younger the horse, the easier it will be to teach something new. Take care not to strike the colt with the whip, or he will think he's being punished rather than being taught. As long as you're consistent and persistent with your training, the colt should catch on.

Things You'll Need

  • Halter
  • Lead rope
  • Lunge whip
  • Carrots or apples
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Instructions

    • 1

      Make sure your colt is comfortable with being handled and is familiar with basic training steps, such as walking on a line and stopping when commanded. If you try to handle an untrained colt, he may kick and cause severe injuries.

    • 2

      Allow the colt to sniff the lunge whip. Leave it in an area where he will notice it, near his feeding bin or on the corral fence. Make sure that he isn't afraid of the whip before you begin using it.

    • 3

      Begin leading the colt on your right side as you regularly would. After he is walking confidently, encourage him to speed up by clucking at him or using whatever phrase you use for "Go." Stick with one phrase so you do not confuse him.

    • 4

      Hold the lunge whip in your left hand and keep the tip at his rear end. Coax the colt on by running alongside him and telling him to "go." If he lags behind, tap his backside with the whip. When the colt picks up speed, praise him and keep pace with him.

    • 5

      Pull on the line to slow the colt into a trot if he takes off at a fast speed. Gradually slow him down to finish the lesson, and reward your colt with apples or carrots.