Why Teaching Your Horse Tricks Is the Best Thing You’ll Do This Year

Ever wondered if you could teach your horse to smile on cue, fetch a hat, or even give you a hug? Good news—you can! Trick training isn’t just for show horses. It’s an amazing way to build trust, improve communication, and stimulate your horse’s brain in a fun, rewarding way.

Why Teach Tricks?

• Strengthens Your Bond – Trick training builds trust and deepens your relationship.
• Improves Focus & Manners – A horse that learns to bow is often more respectful on the ground.
• Mental Enrichment – Horses need brain games just like we do!
• Confidence Booster – Timid horses gain courage by mastering small, achievable challenges.

 

What Tricks Can You Teach? Here are a few beginner-friendly favorites:

Touch a Target (Touch It)

Why: Great starter trick that teaches focus.

How: Hold out an object (like a cone or ball) and reward your horse with a treat or click when they touch it with their nose.

 

Smile

Why: Cute and crowd-pleasing!

How: Use a treat with a strong smell (like a peppermint) and hold it above their lip. When they lift their upper lip, mark the behavior and reward.

 

Back Up on Cue

Why: Practical and easy to build on.

How: Use light pressure on the chest or a rope cue, say “back,” and reward a step or two. Fade the physical cue over time.

 

Pick Up a Hoof

Why: Useful for grooming and hoof care.

How: Use a verbal cue like “hoof” while gently lifting the leg, then reward. Eventually, they’ll offer it on cue.

 

Head Down

Why: Helps with relaxation and control.

How: Apply gentle pressure on the poll or lead rope while saying “head down.” Reward when they lower their head.

 

Follow a Cone

Why: Builds engagement and foundation for liberty work.

How: Teach them to walk behind a cone or touch it, rewarding each step of progress.

 

Bonus Tips

Pick One Trick at a Time
Choose something simple, like “touch” or “smile,” and stick with it until your horse is confident.

Use Clear Cues
Whether it's a verbal word (“touch”) or a hand signal, be consistent and repeatable.

Reward Often
Use treats, clicks (clicker training works wonders), or voice praise to reinforce the moment your horse gets it right.

Break It Down
Split each trick into small steps. For a “bow,” start by encouraging your horse to shift weight or lower their head.

Be Patient & Positive
Your horse is trying to figure out what you want. Celebrate every tiny win!

Training tricks isn’t just cute—it’s connection. Try it, and you might just discover your horse loves learning as much as you do.