Teaching your horse tricks is likely to make him happier during training sessions because of the variety and challenge it provides. “Consistency in a training program is key to getting a well-broke horse,” Clinton says. “I often tell people, ‘Consistency is your greatest ally; inconsistency is your greatest enemy.’ While that tried-and-true formula is essential to a well-broke horse, it’s equally important to include variety. Variety keeps training sessions fresh and interesting for your horse, which in turn keeps him happy and looking forward to training. If you think training a horse is hard, try keeping a trained horse happy in his job. That’s a real challenge! That’s why I introduced tricks to my finished horses – to add variety to training sessions. And the result has been incredible – my horses are happier and enjoy their jobs more.”
Every horse is capable of learning tricks – no matter his age, breed or athletic ability. That’s unlike many equine activities where the horse must possess some amount of natural talent or ability for the discipline. “Anytime you can have fun with your horse, strengthen your partnership and challenge yourself, it’s a good thing,” Clinton says.
Clinton explains the process of preparing your horse for trick training and teaching him specific maneuvers in his Trick Training Series. You’ll learn how to take your horsemanship beyond groundwork and riding exercises into a whole new arena of excitement.
