trick training

caleb · 01-07-2008, 04:29 PM

Does anyone know how to train a horse to rear. i don't just want him to jump a little but i would like for him hold it. I heard you can spur him while tugging on the reins but that doesn't seem to make the horse hold his rare. (any suggestions)

BarnBum · 01-07-2008, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by caleb

I heard you can spur him while tugging on the reins

You do this to my horse and you will get a nice buck !!! That doesn't sound right. There are books out there, I would definatly read up on it b/4 you harm your horse.

rm185western · 01-07-2008, 05:01 PM

I'm sorry but questions like this scare me silly. Why the H*LL would any sane person teach a horse to rear, it's just dangerous, it may look cool on the TV or in films, but isn't something that anyone but a highly skilled trainer should attempt.

If you love your horse, and keeping your body whole, please think of other tricks to teach your horse

princesskristin · 01-07-2008, 05:04 PM

Very dangerous to teach a horse to rear, but if you feel the need to get a horse to rear on purpose, ask the horse to proceed forward then pull back on the reins. Keep doing this and the horse will get upset and rear. I have worked with and seen trick riders and this is what they do. They ask the horse to go forward then pull back hard, and when the horse rears they praise him.

tiFFykiSS · 01-07-2008, 05:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rm185western

I'm sorry but questions like this scare me silly. Why the H*LL would any sane person teach a horse to rear, it's just dangerous, it may look cool on the TV or in films, but isn't something that anyone but a highly skilled trainer should attempt.

If you love your horse, and keeping your body whole, please think of other tricks to teach your horse

In total agreement. I think it looks kool and I love trick horses but I never quite understood teaching them to rear. I'd be scared I'd accidently que them up for the rear without even knowing it. But thats just me.

jolene.fargo · 01-07-2008, 05:12 PM

Training a horse to rear is a tricky thing. The horse needs to be of a sane temperament (ie no kicking, biting, hyperness both under saddle or on ground, etc). Training the trick of rearing should be done professionally for it's not that simple. Bad accidents can happen as the horse is learning to rear in a controlled manner so it is best to research extensively on the pros and cons and have a trainer present that has experience in this area.

Rearing takes time for the horse to learn especially with the risks involved, the horse needs to be disiplined in all areas before this trick should be taught. Try the little stuff first like bowing, fetch, shake a hoof, etc. This will determine the control you have over your horses mind during these sessions.
Don't try to just spur and see what happens, this will surely cause the horse to react badly and out of hand when spurred to possibly just go forward.

It's also painful and you will be teaching your horse to react out of pain which will in turn backfire on you. Rearing isn't bad to teach but should be left for a professional to teach both the rider and horse.

jolene.fargo · 01-07-2008, 05:16 PM

One more thing, rearing was actually taught to war horses back in the day, it is a self defense for the rider when under a frontal attack. War horses were also taught to kick out backwards like you see the spanish horses do. This was trained for battle when attacked from behind. Opponent was kicked by the horse leaving the hands of the rider free to attack whatever else near him.

version1955 · 01-07-2008, 05:16 PM

Training is best when done in small steps. You aren't going for the full blown "Hi Ho, Trigger" right off the bat. Teach one foot to raise on command, then the other, then both, etc. Little by little. And I'd do this from the ground first, not the saddle.

princesskristin · 01-07-2008, 05:17 PM

I totally agree, do this from the ground first.

caleb · 01-07-2008, 08:12 PM

you guys say i need to do the other easier tricks. Do you have any ideas for me to teach my 4 year old Morgan other than sit, lay down, bow, roll over and stand on a trick stand (since i taught my horse this already)

Pixiefly · 01-07-2008, 08:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by caleb

I heard you can spur him while tugging on the reins but that doesn't seem to make the horse hold his rare. (any suggestions)

all you teach the horse in this situation is that if he is upset and doesnt know what you want, rear, and you will be pleased.

can you imagine the ill effects that will have?? what if you try to cross say, a stream and he doesnt want to. you keep trying to make him go and he thinks, well, I know what makes him happy, and he rears, you being unprepared, fall off.

not good.

I know how to teach the rear, but can I ask first how it is you taught him sit, lay down, bow, roll over and stand on a trick stand?

Knightrider · 01-08-2008, 05:01 AM

Johnnie Berguson has a terrific set of audio tapes for teaching horses. He has 3 tapes on teaching tricks. I have taught all my horses to rear from his tapes with no ill effects, but it must be done very carefully. There is a 3 part command and the horse must not rear unless all 3 commands are given. Johnny Berguson suggests something like "Ready . . . set . . . rear." You start out on the ground tapping the horse under the chin with a stick. If the horse raises its head, you are done. Next day, raise the head a little higher. And so on, until the horse raises the front legs a tiny bit in the air. For some of my horses, it took 2 days, my very best horse took me a year and a half of working with her every day. I agree, your horse needs to know other tricks before you attempt the rear (and the kick on command). Since my children now ride my horses, I do not teach the new ones to rear anymore. Once the kids are grown, maybe I'll teach them, as it is a fun trick. But, like everyone said, you must be VERY careful. I always was, and never had a moment's problem, but I was NOT stupid, all VERY under control at all times. No reward unless the rear came after the THIRD word command "rear" (In my case, it was HUP). If you do it right, your horse will not rear when afraid or angry. For them, it is just one of the many tricks they do. But, like the others said, you don't just run and gun. It takes time. Knightrider

caleb · 01-08-2008, 06:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pixiefly

I know how to teach the rear, but can I ask first how it is you taught him sit, lay down, bow, roll over and stand on a trick stand?

first of all you need to teach to pick his foot up and hold it there once you have that you can make him kneel by tugging the right rein while the horse is lifting up his left leg. once he kneels on voice command ask him to lay down by tugging on the right rein again. the trick stand was really easy just get him used to two feet on it then three and then all four legs

P.S. The main part in training a horse to do tricks is patience and not asking to much of the horse.

Pixiefly · 01-08-2008, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by caleb

first of all you need to teach to pick his foot up and hold it there once you have that you can make him kneel by tugging the right rein while the horse is lifting up his left leg. once he kneels on voice command ask him to lay down by tugging on the right rein again. the trick stand was really easy just get him used to two feet on it then three and then all four legs

P.S. The main part in training a horse to do tricks is patience and not asking to much of the horse.

I do know how to do these tricks, I'm just asking your methods on it. see if it goes with the same methods that I teach.

and it's not, so I dont know if I could help you.

southtexasstudscowgirl · 01-12-2008, 09:41 AM

how would you train him to lay down, sit, kneel, from the ground?

NHIceGSD · 01-12-2008, 09:55 AM

What about training the Spanish Walk? It's beautiful to watch... and people seem to get a real kick out of it!

I did it with both my Haflinger and Icelandic, and it was always a crowd pleaser!

If you're into trick training, I would also teach him how to pick stuff up and hand it to you! It's cute and very handy when you drop your crop on the trail! One word of warning... DON'T let your horse pick up your cell phone...

caleb · 01-12-2008, 08:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by southtexasstudscowgirl

how would you train him to lay down, sit, kneel, from the ground?

i used a dvd made by tommie turvey "Trick Horse Training" it gives a detailed way of training your horse to do some tricks. this dvd is highly recomended if you are serious about trick training.

Mav2007 · 01-12-2008, 08:51 PM

I can't imagine you'd want your horse to sit, roll over and all those other dog like commands while you are riding him so why would you be using reins when cueing the horse to perform these tricks?

I'd like to train my horse to do some tricks this summer. I think working on the ground with the horse is more fun than riding!

Bandit · 01-12-2008, 08:59 PM

I've started trick training my boy. So far he gives kisses, rests his head on my shoulder, gives hugs, and acts ashamed. He's best at giving kisses though. I use the book "Tricknomotry", but I'm stuck at the shaking head yes and no. Problem is if I do what she says my horse automatically backs or yeilds his shoulder - moves away from pressure. I don't want to untrain that because its really good for riding so I need to figure out a different way to train "yes" and "no" - any ideas?

As to the rearing - personally I wouldn't train my horse to do it, but I do agree with those that say start on the ground and train in small steps.

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01-07-2008, 04:29 PM
caleb Newborn Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Gordonville, Pennsylvania Posts: 16	trick training Does anyone know how to train a horse to rear. i don't just want him to jump a little but i would like for him hold it. I heard you can spur him while tugging on the reins but that doesn't seem to make the horse hold his rare. (any suggestions)

01-07-2008, 05:01 PM
rm185western Greenbroke Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Saskatchewan,Canada Posts: 3,990	I'm sorry but questions like this scare me silly. Why the H*LL would any sane person teach a horse to rear, it's just dangerous, it may look cool on the TV or in films, but isn't something that anyone but a highly skilled trainer should attempt. If you love your horse, and keeping your body whole, please think of other tricks to teach your horse

01-07-2008, 05:04 PM
princesskristin Coming two Join Date: May 2006 Location: Maryland Posts: 1,596	Very dangerous to teach a horse to rear, but if you feel the need to get a horse to rear on purpose, ask the horse to proceed forward then pull back on the reins. Keep doing this and the horse will get upset and rear. I have worked with and seen trick riders and this is what they do. They ask the horse to go forward then pull back hard, and when the horse rears they praise him. __________________ Sometimes you just got to take a ride of faith.

01-07-2008, 05:12 PM
jolene.fargo Weanling Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Kelowna, BC, Canada Posts: 300	Training a horse to rear is a tricky thing. The horse needs to be of a sane temperament (ie no kicking, biting, hyperness both under saddle or on ground, etc). Training the trick of rearing should be done professionally for it's not that simple. Bad accidents can happen as the horse is learning to rear in a controlled manner so it is best to research extensively on the pros and cons and have a trainer present that has experience in this area. Rearing takes time for the horse to learn especially with the risks involved, the horse needs to be disiplined in all areas before this trick should be taught. Try the little stuff first like bowing, fetch, shake a hoof, etc. This will determine the control you have over your horses mind during these sessions. Don't try to just spur and see what happens, this will surely cause the horse to react badly and out of hand when spurred to possibly just go forward. It's also painful and you will be teaching your horse to react out of pain which will in turn backfire on you. Rearing isn't bad to teach but should be left for a professional to teach both the rider and horse. __________________ 'It's only when you look at an ant through a magnifying glass on a sunny day that you realise how often they burst into flames.' http://photojoe.webs.com - Photography at its finest! Last edited by jolene.fargo : 01-07-2008 at 05:17 PM.

01-07-2008, 05:16 PM
jolene.fargo Weanling Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Kelowna, BC, Canada Posts: 300	One more thing, rearing was actually taught to war horses back in the day, it is a self defense for the rider when under a frontal attack. War horses were also taught to kick out backwards like you see the spanish horses do. This was trained for battle when attacked from behind. Opponent was kicked by the horse leaving the hands of the rider free to attack whatever else near him. __________________ 'It's only when you look at an ant through a magnifying glass on a sunny day that you realise how often they burst into flames.' http://photojoe.webs.com - Photography at its finest!

01-07-2008, 05:16 PM
version1955 Kid Safe Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Minnesnowdah Posts: 6,937	Training is best when done in small steps. You aren't going for the full blown "Hi Ho, Trigger" right off the bat. Teach one foot to raise on command, then the other, then both, etc. Little by little. And I'd do this from the ground first, not the saddle. __________________ gonna do what I can instead of complain and fret about what I can't Joanie

01-07-2008, 05:17 PM
princesskristin Coming two Join Date: May 2006 Location: Maryland Posts: 1,596	I totally agree, do this from the ground first. __________________ Sometimes you just got to take a ride of faith.

01-07-2008, 08:12 PM
caleb Newborn Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Gordonville, Pennsylvania Posts: 16	you guys say i need to do the other easier tricks. Do you have any ideas for me to teach my 4 year old Morgan other than sit, lay down, bow, roll over and stand on a trick stand (since i taught my horse this already)

01-08-2008, 05:01 AM
Knightrider Weanling Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Hildreth, Florida Posts: 364	Johnnie Berguson has a terrific set of audio tapes for teaching horses. He has 3 tapes on teaching tricks. I have taught all my horses to rear from his tapes with no ill effects, but it must be done very carefully. There is a 3 part command and the horse must not rear unless all 3 commands are given. Johnny Berguson suggests something like "Ready . . . set . . . rear." You start out on the ground tapping the horse under the chin with a stick. If the horse raises its head, you are done. Next day, raise the head a little higher. And so on, until the horse raises the front legs a tiny bit in the air. For some of my horses, it took 2 days, my very best horse took me a year and a half of working with her every day. I agree, your horse needs to know other tricks before you attempt the rear (and the kick on command). Since my children now ride my horses, I do not teach the new ones to rear anymore. Once the kids are grown, maybe I'll teach them, as it is a fun trick. But, like everyone said, you must be VERY careful. I always was, and never had a moment's problem, but I was NOT stupid, all VERY under control at all times. No reward unless the rear came after the THIRD word command "rear" (In my case, it was HUP). If you do it right, your horse will not rear when afraid or angry. For them, it is just one of the many tricks they do. But, like the others said, you don't just run and gun. It takes time. Knightrider __________________ Before each ride, I think to myself, "I hope no one tells me I am 'a heck of a rider.'."

01-12-2008, 09:41 AM
southtexasstudscowgirl Halter broke Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: San Antonio/Helotes, TX Posts: 107	how would you train him to lay down, sit, kneel, from the ground? __________________ -=(Senorita Margarita)=-

01-12-2008, 09:55 AM
NHIceGSD Yearling Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: New Hampshire Posts: 819	What about training the Spanish Walk? It's beautiful to watch... and people seem to get a real kick out of it! I did it with both my Haflinger and Icelandic, and it was always a crowd pleaser! If you're into trick training, I would also teach him how to pick stuff up and hand it to you! It's cute and very handy when you drop your crop on the trail! One word of warning... DON'T let your horse pick up your cell phone... __________________ Be Something You Love and Understand~ Lynard Skynard

01-12-2008, 08:51 PM
Mav2007 Coming two Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 1,666	I can't imagine you'd want your horse to sit, roll over and all those other dog like commands while you are riding him so why would you be using reins when cueing the horse to perform these tricks? I'd like to train my horse to do some tricks this summer. I think working on the ground with the horse is more fun than riding!

01-12-2008, 08:59 PM
Bandit Coming two Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Central Kentucky Posts: 1,869	I've started trick training my boy. So far he gives kisses, rests his head on my shoulder, gives hugs, and acts ashamed. He's best at giving kisses though. I use the book "Tricknomotry", but I'm stuck at the shaking head yes and no. Problem is if I do what she says my horse automatically backs or yeilds his shoulder - moves away from pressure. I don't want to untrain that because its really good for riding so I need to figure out a different way to train "yes" and "no" - any ideas? As to the rearing - personally I wouldn't train my horse to do it, but I do agree with those that say start on the ground and train in small steps. __________________