How to Teach a Horse to Bow

Horses are smart animals and can be taught to do many things. Apart from many useful jobs, they can be taught tricks for your enjoyment. Teaching a horse to bow is a simple trick that can be taught with a few commands. Learn how to teach a horse to bow by following these steps.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Halter
• Lead Rope
• Treats

1. Lead your horse to an open, quiet area, like a round pen or arena, where there is no grass to distract the horse.
2. Show the horse a command for picking up his hoof and then pick it up. Hold up the hoof while you give him a treat.
3. Repeat this step until the horse picks up his hoof when you give the command. This may take a week or more of practicing every day, depending on your horse.
4. Create a signal or command for your horse to lower his head and then offer him a treat. Hold the treat low so your horse will have to lower his head to reach it. Repeat this lowering of the treat each time until your horse has to bend his knee to reach the treat.
5. Put the two commands together, asking your horse to pick up his hoof and then immediately ask him to lower his head. Repeat these steps until your horse understands that you want him to do it in one motion.
6. Reward your horse for any attempt made until he is bowing to the ground.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't practice too much, or your horse will get bored and restless.