Do you want to teach your horse to do tricks? Read this first.
It’s been a while since I shared a Fira update here on the blog. I post photos of her almost daily on my Instagram account but I wanted talk more here. One of the the things Fira and I have been working on are tricks. She’s mastered the bow and I’m working on the Spanish walk right now. I hope to add a couple of other tricks in the coming months.
I get a lot of questions when I post a video or photo on my stories about how to teach the tricks. I’ve been using the book below as my guide. When I was younger, my mom took me to see the horse and his owner perform. Jan’s horse, TS Black Tie Affair was stunning. I fell in love with him. He was also turned into a Breyer Horse. I am teaching Fira tricks because they give her something new to do and it keeps her mind sharp. There is always something new to learn.
Buy the Book
Building a Foundation
Before you teach your horse how to bow or any trick, your horse needs a basic foundation. If your horse is pushy or disrespectful on the ground, they are not ready to learn. It seems like a simple concept, but often times people who cannot get their horse to do a trick are missing out on basics. Your horse needs to be willing to learn and not aggressive. They need to look to you for guidance and understand how to move away from pressure.
A trick horse needs to be able to listen to soft cues with the whip. Think of tricks as teaching your horse a whole new set of manners and skills. If your horse has any behavioral issues on the ground or in the saddle, chances are you have holes in your training foundation. Work on those problems first before diving into tricks. When your horse is relaxed, trusting and respectful, they are ready to learn.
Above, the beginning of the Spanish walk. At first, Fira had a hard time understanding the difference between a left and right tap. I should add, being a patient trainer is another skill you will need to have.
If you have any questions, feel free to leave them below!
New reader? Learn more about Fira in the horses section on the blog.
The Backyard Horse Blog says
Go, Fira! What a pretty AND talented horse!
On an April 1st post on The Backyard Horse Blog, I included a video link to a short clip of my “one trick pony”, Bear, and me. A number of years ago, we learned together how he could bow down on one knee for mounting. Definitely one of the coolest things I ever learned to do with a horse.
https://mallorcajunocom.wordpress.com/2020/04/01/horsin-around-on-april-fools-day/
Raquel says
That’s awesome! Great job to both of you! Thanks for stopping by!
Tess says
Cuties!!!
Cheryl says
Very pretty! Nice job! My horse has mastered a few tricks too. Stealing unattended cell phones. Pulling stakes out of the ground. Untying himself. Untying other horses. Picking up a feed tub and dropping it on a dog. And he’s self-taught!