How to Train a Horse to Shake Its Head No

Horses are born performers.

Teaching a horse tricks can help keep the horse's mind alert and encourage better communication between horse and handler. One of the easiest tricks to teach a horse is to shake his head as if saying no. This can be easily incorporated into equine clicker training but the use of a clicker is not necessary.

Things You'll Need

• Whip or stick Bag of small treats Confined space Clicker (optional)

Instructions

1. Chop up carrots if you do not have commercially made horse training treats. The treat should be half the size of your thumb.

2. Place the horse in a stall or in cross ties. Being in a confined area means fewer distractions for the horse and that he will pay more attention to you. Make sure the horse is relaxed.

3. Tickle the horse's ear or chin whiskers with the whip or stick, just enough to mimic the sensation of an irritating fly. Some horses will shake their heads if you tickle their withers. The horse will shake his head as if trying to dislodge the fly. If using clicker training, click and reward. If not using a clicker, praise verbally and reward.

4. Repeat for a couple of minutes and then put the horse away. The next day, repeat the process and when the horse shakes his head when you just point the whip or stick at him, give several treats.

5. Repeat every few days so the horse remembers the trick.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep the training sessions only a few minutes long. After grooming is a good time, when the horse is usually relaxed. If using clicker training, remember to give a treat whenever you click--even if you accidentally click. This reinforces the idea that a click will equal a treat. A horse will not pay attention to a click if only given a treat sometimes. Soon, you can add a silly question to the horse before giving the cue, such as "Do you want me to sell you?"

• Do not use the whip or stick for punishment. Do not try to train the horse when he or she is ill. Do not use sugar cubes as a treat. Sugar not only harms the horse's teeth but can also make them jittery.

References

• Teach Your Horse to Shake His Head "No"
• Premium Horse Treats
• Clicker Training for Horses

Resources

• Tricks for Horses by Carole Fletcher