See our Horse TOYS and PROPS below. For online Training see Courses and Bundles  

Almost any horse can do it!

You may already have a Trick or Liberty candidate in your yard-

Does your horse-

•  Offer inquisitive behaviors?

•  Attempt to manipulate world or circumstances?

•  Use objects to get attention?

•  Look at you with both eyes?

•  Have a sense of humor?

•  Attempt Houdini like behavior?

Don't try to cure these behaviors-EXPAND on them.

Visit our "Everything you need to know" section and an area that interests you or you believe may interest your horse- 

You may want to learn in a linear pattern or decide to work several  Trick categories at once. Mostly it will depend on your preference. We have trained Tricks in different order with different horses’ learning styles. Some horses learn in a linear fashion and some don't; that really makes teaching fun!

We utilize utilize incremental steps and gradual approximations with a variable reward system.

Tricks of Trust                Obeisance, Bow, Kneel, Lie Down, Sit Up and Sit Down. 

Liberty Schooling           Patterns simple to complex with one horse or a troupe. 

Tricks of Engagement    Herding the big ball, retrieving objects such as a cap or frisbee, salute, smile

Tricks of Gait.                 Spanish walk and marching steps

Pedestal Training           THE most beneficial element of all is pedestal training  

Tricks of Agility             Salute or Jambette, Crossing the front legs, the Rear, Hind Leg Walk, Sit Up and Sit Down

Visit the Photo Gallery of Student Horses for some examples of what is possible if you just Imagine!

Here is what you will need-

Horses!

Most important is a horse or even a few. It does not matter where the horse is in training or what problems he is believed to have. Almost any horse can learn Tricks and Liberty.

Teaching Area

Consider your area of “influence”. If you can easily influence the horse’s movement with your body or a whip, great. If not, your area will be too large to easily gain the horse’s full attention. Approximately 16 feet from a horse is our usual preference.
A round pen will work, and we prefer a small one, 45 feet diameter. But the smaller the better. Having said that, use what you have available.

A square pen or corral, again, the smaller the better. A square pen is our preference to begin Liberty Training as it is the best place to teach inside turns. This means the horse makes a turn and does not turn his butt toward you but turns toward you with his eyes on you with each turn.

Pedestal or mat

It is most efficient and conducive to learning for the horse if you have a pedestal. If you cannot build or purchase one, a stall mat can be substituted to use as a “mark” or a “place.”

Horse treats and treat pouch

We use a variable reward system that is effective and motivational to the horse and is designed to prevent and even cure mugging. 

The smaller the treat, the more effective it will be. Breaking or cutting large treats including carrots or apples may work for you. It is the EXPECTATION of a treat that keeps your horse engaged. 

Use a treat pouch instead of your pockets. This will prevent other horses from smelling treats on you and possible mugging situations.

When a horse sees your designated treat pouch he knows there is a reason to pay attention…he may earn a reward!

Head gear

Use whatever you prefer for handling your horse on the ground. We like to have 2 leads available a 12 foot and a longer one, up to 22 feet.

Horse Friendly Guider Whips

It is often required to touch a horse to help him understand the move or action you have asked for. Learning is expedited with a Guider as it gives a gentle and understandable cue. It cannot sting him even if you try!

Horse Toys and props

As you progress you may want to teach the Retrieve and even the Sit Down. In our store, you will find Horse Tuff props such as Bean Bags, Big Balls and Frisbees with pick up tabs.

Learning Courses

We have many learning options for you and your horse(s). Video downloads, E Books, The Trick Horse Companion book which is our course guide for Trick Training Camps.

Support

We are happy to support you with individual coaching as well if you will contact us. We welcome you phone calls, emails and texts.

We hope to inspire you to IMAGINE what is possible with your horse!

 See online courses and bundles for training and we think you will enjoy reading Everything you need to know including FREE downloads.