| Every equestrian likes the challenge of teaching their | | | | Hold the slice of carrot or apple right in front of your |
| horse a new trick or two. Maybe you want them to | | | | horse's nose. Once they have smelled it - and are |
| paw the ground or be able to turn in a quick circle. | | | | moving in to eat it - begin to lower it. Once the horse's |
| Asking your horse to do something that isn't | | | | nose has gone below the approximate region of its |
| necessarily a natural activity is okay so long as you | | | | chest, let it have the treat. |
| are gentle and patient in the training. Horses appreciate | | | | This is called conditioning. You are sending a message |
| a challenge and they like to interact with their human | | | | that in order to achieve a particular result - eating a |
| companions. | | | | tasty snack - the horse has to perform a particular |
| And a nifty trick for equestrian competitors is the old | | | | task - dipping its head. |
| getting your horse to bow trick. Audiences love this, | | | | Don't forget to add some verbal praise and physical |
| and it's not a particularly difficult trick to teach your | | | | loving. Let them know you appreciate their efforts. |
| horse. | | | | Take it slow. Repeat this a few times. Don't overload |
| Of course, easier said that done. The most important | | | | your horse - after he or she has done it successfully, |
| aspect of any horse training is communication. Talk to | | | | take a break. Maybe come back to it tomorrow. |
| you horse - and listen to it! Teaching a horse how to | | | | Once you have your horse bowing the way you like, it |
| bow is not something that will happen in just a few | | | | is time to add a cue. Something other than a bit of |
| lessons. You need to be committed to the long haul - a | | | | delicious food! Some equestrians like to use a voice |
| lot of regular training. Some of it is tedious - but the | | | | command, but you can also give it a physical cue such |
| rewards can be great. | | | | as caressing its nose or gently stroking its chest. |
| Start with a good treat. Horses respond to food and | | | | Give the cue, wait for the bow, offer the reward. |
| it's a great way to begin training them. Be sure that | | | | And that's it! Be super patient and let your horse ease |
| what you feed them is natural and healthy. Not all | | | | into this new trick. Once he's got it, don't be shy. Give |
| horses need the extra calories or the additional sugar. | | | | him or her plenty of opportunities to show off for the |
| Be smart about this. | | | | crowd! |