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.

Hi, welcome to Jain & Trigger’s horse trick training site.

Trick training is fun for you and your horse

Teaching your horse tricks is an excellent way to build a special bond with your horse.

You will find that Horse Trick Training opens up communication between you and your horse and you will understand each other much better.  Your  horse will become very keen to learn and will really enjoy these training session.

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It’s simple, fun and only takes 10 minutes a day.

My current trick horse ‘Trigger’ and I are working on a series of ebooks that cover the basics of Horse Trick Training and includes a step by step guide to some of the simpler horse tricks, basic horse trick training equipment you will need, yummy recipes for trick treats and ideas to make trick training lots of fun.

If you would like a copy of the Horse Trick Training ebook just fill in the form up the top right and we will email you a free copy of Part 1 titled “How To Get Started”.

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Here is what you will find inside Part One of the ebook…..

1. Introduction

2. Why Teach Your Horse Tricks?

3. All Work and No Play (having fun with your horse)

4. Trust & Training  (the importance of trust)

5. When to Train (when & how often you should trick train)

6. Getting it right (teaching your horse to know when they do the right thing)

7. Getting it wrong (teaching your horse to know when they do the wrong thing)

8. Equipment (you probably have most of it already or it is cheap to buy)

9. Rewards & Treats (my horse’s favourite part – ideas & recipes for treats)

10. Homework (some things you need to do to make training easy)

If you have any issues you would like help with or any good ideas that you’d like to share then join us on the forum (click on the Forum link at the top of the page).

Have fun,

Jain & Trigger.