Think carefully about which tricks you want to teach your horse.  There are some tricks that can be quite dangerous if not performed in a safe area and by an experienced person, for example rearing or lying down.

Some horse tricks can be dangerous

Horses will sometimes, particularly in the early stages of training, do tricks without being asked.  This is partly because they are keen to get a treat and they haven’t yet learnt that they ONLY get a reward when ASKED to do a trick.  You should never give your horse a treat unless you ask them to do something and they do it.

You don’t want to be out riding one day and your horse decides to perform his newest trick (without being asked) – lying down with you and your saddle on board.  Or even more dangerous – your horse decides to rear.  Rearing is a trick that requires strength, calmness and excellent balance from your horse.  Your horse could do enormous damage to himself (and you) if he doesn’t get it right and flips over backward.

Another reason I believe horses like to do new tricks spontaneously is because they are natural performers – they like to show off.  My horse, Trigger, will usually perform a new trick as soon as he sees me, as if to say “Hey, look what I can do!”

Also consider if children will be riding or handling the horse.  A horse trick such as counting with their front foot could knock a child flying.  Or a child might mistakenly give a horse a cue to rear.

If there is a chance you might sell your horse at any stage think about how your horse’s tricks might be viewed by future owners.  I believe that simple, well done tricks actually add to the value and appeal of a horse, but some tricks might be misunderstood by some people.

I remember reading an old book that talked about teaching a horse to pull a mean face, as if the horse was about to attack.  Imagine if you sold this horse to someone, who then sold the horse to someone else that didn’t understand that this horrible face was actually just a trick.  They would most likely reprimand the horse, which would cause the horse to become very confused.

Even worse, if you teach your horse to rear and a future owner accidently gives him the cue to rear then this horse would quickly get a reputation as a difficult or dangerous horse, when all they were trying to do was perform a trick.

Some of the safer tricks include kiss, hug, yes, no, pick things up, fetch and smile.

So think carefully about which tricks you want to teach your horse and who might be around your horse.  There are lots of fun, safe tricks that your horse can learn that will be enjoyable for you both and won’t cause your horse to develop a bad reputation.

A common problem when you first start showing off your horse’s new tricks is ‘Stage Fright’.

It goes like this…..Your horse performs a trick perfectly and promptly when it’s just you and him (or her). But tell some friends what a wonderful trick horse you have, invite them around for a demo and it’s almost as if your horse never knew the trick!

A trick not going to plan

Some horses don’t mind how many people are around or what is going on, but the majority of horses will see this as a new situation and at the very least will be a bit distracted. Your horse may also be nervous about having extra people around. To a horse, extra people can mean something is about to happen eg a visit from a vet or farrier; two very necessary professionals but people that your horse may not like or is worried about.

You could also be nervous or anxious about showing the new trick and your clever horse to your friends. We all know that horses pick up on nerves and your mood.

The simple solution to this problem is to just practice, practice, practice in different situations and places, with people around. Try and invite a friend / partner / husband / mother /sister to be there when you practice your tricks.

However, before you add a new ‘distraction’ make sure your horse is very good at the trick. They need to understand exactly what is required before you add this extra pressure.

Also remember that your horse doesn’t have to (and won’t) be perfect every time. Trick training is meant to be fun. Save the serious stuff for when you are competing or showing your horse.

You will find that as your horse gets used to performing in different situations and with spectators they will be less distracted. Your relationship with your horse will improve, trust will grow and no matter what is going on around you both, your horse will look to you for guidance. If you ask them to perform a trick they will.

I read an old book recently and it talks about horse personalities and how a different style of training is required for each type.  I think it is important to find out what type of horse you are working with so you can adjust the way you train to suit the horse personality.

Looks like a Type 1

The book talked about how all horses could be classified under one or a combination of two or more of the following types:

Type 1. Teachable, docile, kind
Type 2. Stubborn, wilful
Type 3. Nervous, ambitious, determined
Type 4. Treacherous, ill-tempered, resentful

I think I have owned, or worked with several of all these types.  I think Type 4’s are made that way (badly treated) rather than born that way.

The book recommends Type 1. as being the perfect Trick Training horse.  My horse Trigger is definitely a Type 1. horse.  He is very dependable, docile and nothing much bothers him.  He is very trusting and trustworthy and I can present him with all sorts of new things and it doesn’t take him long to accept them.  He can be a bit lazy and prefers tricks that don’t take much effort or moving around, for example lying down

I also remember a Type 2. with fondness.  She was a really good horse to work with - while she was happy doing what she was doing - but ask her to do something that she didn’t want to do and she would plant all 4 feet and just wouldn’t move.  No rearing, bucking, kicking or fuss…..she would just stand stock still and that was that.  I hate whacking horses but even a good tap on her backside wouldn’t move her, in fact she just planted her feet further into the ground.  The only way to get round her was to convince her that she really did want to do what I was asking her and then we got somewhere.

I’ve come across quite a few Type 4. while working in various racing stables.   Horses that don’t want to be there and this can bring out some nasty habits and behaviours.   Luckily I’ve never owned one of these.

I’ve also met or owned some that are a combination of two types.   Some traits don’t show themselves until a horse is put under pressure or into a particular situation.

Does your horse fit into one of these types?