trick training

Question
Do you have any advice on teahing my horse to rear, lay down, sit, shake, and bow? I am trying to teach my horse trick training. Any help would be great!

Answer
Hi Beth!

My first bit of advice is that you make sure you basic horsemanship is spot on.  To accomplish any of these maneuvers you have to have complete control the the horses feet and body.  Also, it is important that your horse be soft and willing so as not to create trouble by doing these things with force.

I don't advise you teach your horse to rear.  Rearing comes from braced feet and resistance in the horse.  However, levade looks similar but comes from a very different place.

Levade is a movement where the horse is balanced on it's haunches at a 45 degree angle.  The horse is asked to  enter the levade form the piaffe.  At the beginning of the movement the hind feet must step under the horse's center of gravity and the hocks move closer to the ground.  The levade (pesade) done properly the horse appears to sink down in back and rise in front.  This position is held gently with the horse quietly putting his front feet back on the ground.  This movement is the pinnacle of collection and quite beautiful to watch.  Levade is taught first in hand and then mounted.  There is also courbette which involves a hop forward with more extension.  

Levade is a very advanced movement.  Pulling a horse up to rear is dangerous.  Rearing leads to flipping over and is something I would never encourage for your safety and the safety of the horse.  If your horse is going well enough to consider these movements, check into finding a wonderful dressage master to work with.  Google Thomas Ritter and Ritter dressage.  My daughter has ridden with Thomas for years and he is classically trained at the Spanish Riding School.  The vaquero style of horsemanship and classical dressage is hand in glove training!  Small world!

Laying down, bow and shake come from the same place.  You start by lifting the leg (shake) and then the hoof comes up and under the body almost touching the girth first (bow)and then moving back toward the middle belly.  Hold and the horse will step up and under with the hind feet and then sink softly into the ground.  Do this in an area that is not hard and will be comfortable for the horse.  

All of these movements should come from softness.  If you are having to use force, go back to your basic horsemanship.  Do these things with respect to the horse and as advanced movements in your horsemanship, not as a party trick...please.

Respect your horse!  Have Fun!
Smiles!  Denise