HOW TO MAKE YOUR HORSE MOVE
This is the start of your in-hand or trick training journey.
Make sure you have read the introduction section.
I will use the abbreviation “MYNAT” for “make your noise and treat”, which is the system I use.
This movement can be done anywhere- stable, yard, school, show ground, and can be used to get your horse’s attention back to you.
Sometimes, when I bring Jeff in from the field, he can be a bit of a baby, especially if he can hear dogs barking. If he tries to walk over me, or seems to be getting stressed, I do a little work on moving his direction, to get him concentrating on me again, before I continue on my way.
MOVING FORWARD
Make your horse stand.
Step in front of him, gently put pressure on his leadrope while using your command for him to step forward. I make a clicking noise but you could just say “walk on ” for example. Your command must be clear and distinct and always used for this movement.
If he-
A- Steps towards you MYNAT, then go to step 4
B- Does not walk forward, repeat your command and increase pressure until he steps forward then MYNAT.
C- Walks forward before you ask, push him back to where he was then try again. If he keeps walking forward just keep pushing him back until he stands. Make the distance very small until he gets the idea.
Repeat until your horse just moves forward from the word or signal.
Whilst teaching your horse these movements, have plenty of breaks, maybe allowing your horse to graze or just stand still and stroke his head. You can do anything that is pleasurable for you and your horse that is not excitable or demanding.
That’s it! That’s your first in-hand trick learnt.
Let’s continue.
MOVING BACKWARDS
Make your horse stand.
Say “back” and gently put pressure on his halter by pushing the leadrope back towards his chest.
If he-
A- Steps back MYNAT
B- Just stands, push, gently at first, on his chest until he walks back then MYNAT.
Keep repeating until he will walk backwards from the gentlest of aids. I aim to get them to walk back from saying “back” and putting my hand down.
Increase the amount of steps until he will reverse for as many steps as you want.
MOVING THE HINDQUARTERS
This is a very handy trick or movement, as it can help you position your horse for the vet, for mounting or for moving off a piece of rug. The list goes on.
Make your horse stand.
Go to the side of your horse and put your hand out and say “over”, or whatever cue you want to use. I use the word over but the aid I want him to listen to is my clicking fingers. This is because it is a very distinct noise and I have found it very effective.
If he-
A- Moves his hindquarters over MYNAT.
B- Just stands, gently pushing on his flank area until he moves his hind quarters over MYNAT.
C- Moves forwards or backwards, make your horse stand and repeat from step 2 until he understands.
Keep repeating until he moves from you just saying your command and putting your hand out.
Final Thoughts
Now you have the basic connection and respect to move your horse, and are on the first steps of your journey as a partnership.
Have fun and I look forward to seeing all that you get up to.