How to train a horse to recognize commands

Horses want to please their riders and they generally try to be obedient. Most often, a horse that doesn't respond to commands simply doesn't understand what his rider wants, which is why it is important for every horse owner to effectively teach his or horse to recognize different kinds of commands, including rein, leg and voice.

Things You'll Need

• Bridle
• Snaffle Bit
• Saddle

Instructions

Rein Commands

1. Decide whether you want to use direct rein or neck rein when teaching your horse to recognize commands. If you teach him one way, then switch suddenly, he'll simply be confused.

2. Drive your horse in a round pen using two lunge lines that run through the stirrups. Stand behind your horse and ask him to move by gently putting pressure on one line. When he moves, relinquish pressure and click your tongue to drive him forward. Change direction several times by alternating pressure on each line.

3. Mount your horse and hold your reins firmly--but not tightly--in your hands. Ask your horse to move forward, then immediately give him a direction by putting more pressure on one of the reins.

4. Reward your horse for responding to your commands by relinquishing pressure when he does what you want. You can also give his neck a rub when he responds the way you want.

5. Establish proper response to your commands at the walk, then gradually move up to the trot and the canter. If your horse gets confused, go back to the basics at the walk.

Leg Commands

1. Realize that horses are pressure animals, and will instinctively move in the opposite direction of which pressure is applied. This goes for both rein commands and leg commands.

2. Associate leg commands with their corresponding rein commands by asking for both at the same time. When you put pressure on your left rein to turn your horse left, nudge him gently with your right calf.

3. Decide in advance which commands should mean what. If you want your horse to stop when you apply pressure with your heels (as is common in many western disciplines), do this consistently to avoid confusion.

4. Remove pressure in your leg when your horse starts to recognize commands. If you give him leg and he walks forward, immediately remove the leg pressure to communicate that he's done what you asked.

Voice Commands

1. Determine what voice commands you want your horse to learn. For example, if he starts to move in the cross-ties, you might want to correct him with the word "Stand!" The same goes for "Whoa!" when you want him to halt.

2. Begin training your horse to recognize voice commands by calling out the appropriate command in the round pen while you exercise him. When you ask him to walk, say "Walk" in a loud, clear voice; the same goes for trot, canter and halt.

3. Give your voice commands at the same time you administer rein and leg commands. This will associate the two in your horse's mind.

Tips & Warnings

• Never kick your horse or jerk on his reins to emphasize a command. Training takes time, and won't be accomplished through fear.

• If someone else wants to ride your horse, make sure they know the commands you've been using.