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.

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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

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