Train a Horse to Shake Its Head

Training a horse to learn tricks keeps the horse’s mental state active and alert. Horse training also promotes a healthier relationship between you and the horse. A simple trick is to train a horse to shake his head. When training a horse to do this you can either use a clicker, or not. To learn how to train a horse to shake its head, read on.

You Will Need:

•    Clicker
•    Small space
•    Treats
•    Whip/stick

Treats

To start to train a horse to shake his head you will need some incentives. If you do not have store bought horse training treats then you can simply cut up carrots into small pieces (2-3cm).

Space

Get your horse into the stall. When you train a horse in a small space it is much more beneficial as the horse will not be distracted and it will be easier for you to maintain control. When training a horse it is always important that you ensure the horse is in a relaxed state.

Tickle

Now, use your stick or whip to gently tickle the ear of your horse or his whiskers on the chin. This should hopefully simulate the feeling of an annoying fly. You could also try tickling the withers as this can work on certain horses. Either way you want the horse shaking his head in an attempt to get rid of this “fly”. Once he shakes his head, click and treat (if you are using a clicker) or simply praise and treat.

Repeat

Repeat this process for a few minutes and then do not try again until the following day. Keep doing this until your horse recognises that you only need to point the whip towards his head for him to shake it. Give him treats each time he is successful.

Remember to keep this horse training up every so often so that he does not forget how to do it.