At 06:36:55 on 26.02.11, EventingArab4Ever wrote:
Does anyone have tips on teaching your horse to bow?? I don't do perelli with my horse or anything, but I do free lunge and such.... anyway, I am hesitant to use a lot of treats becuase he can get mouthy. He has gotten better at lowering his head and putting it between his legs, but he doesn't seem to grasp the fact that he is supposed to kneel! So, any tips on things we can do to improve are appreciated! xxCheers!xx

At 00:54:48 on 02.03.11, JessAndGrenville123 wrote:
I use two different methods to teach a horse to bow cos some horses prefer being taught certain ways, the one i find works the best is first you teach your horse to say 'please' by putting a front leg forward in a pawing motion and once that command is learned you can lower a carrot between the front legs (with one leg in the 'please' position) and you horse will come back and probably drop the other leg automatically. Another way which works with smarter and more tollerant horses is picking up one front leg in your hand and doing the same thing with the carrot until the leg you're holding is kneeling on the floor and the horse is bowing. Good luck :) oh and don't forget to treat aften for doing the movement but don't give your horse a treat every time or mouthing may start occuring when you don't actually have a treat - keep your horse guessing lol

At 00:56:42 on 02.03.11, JessAndGrenville123 wrote:
oh also i find that gren found it easier to bow and flex when i gave him a treat ball to work his neck and back muscles also stretch the neck and head to either side of the body a few times before bowing to warm your horses muscles up