Imagine A True Companion Horse By Suzanne De Laurentis and Allen Pogue (C) 2006

What is your picture of a True Companion Horse? Imagine an equine who not only gives his best effort to the under saddle discipline of your choice, but also an individual that will interact and actually play with you when riding isn't possible.

Many of today's packaged training programs put horse and handler through what we call cookie cutter exercises. That's great for the vast majority. What about knowledgeable owners who already understand horse nature and have well behaved and obedient animals? Imagine A Horse can take you to the next and elite level of Horsemanship, a level not attained by most.

"Trick Training" is a term that falls far short of accurately describing Imagine A Horse methods and training. IAH methods enable an astute handler to reach into the fun-loving heart of the horse and find all sorts of ways to engage him and foster his self-expression. The methods are unique in that they revolve around keeping the horse secure emotionally, using techniques that are common in other forms of animal training, but in our opinion, oddly absent in horse training.

Some of the principles that IAH is founded on include creating boldness with obedience in a horse by shaping a horse's instincts and inquisitive nature into predictable behaviors. Practice RIF (Rapid Intelligent Failure), when something you are doing is not working, be quick to realize it and change strategies. Soothe and support your horse in his efforts to please you. You see, tricks are the by-product of Trick Training, not the end goal. The end goal is to create a true companion horse with an increased attention span and sterling work ethic. A horse that loves his job!

Most folks ask us "what trick can I start with at home?" We suggest the obeisance.

The Obeisance (o bay sans)- You CAN teach this trick to your horse. The Obeisance or Circus Bow is an extreme pose with extreme benefits to the horse, both psychological and physical. The stretching required helps to build strength and flexibility in the legs and shoulders and involves virtually every muscle in a horse's body from nose to tail. This is evident in the rounded curves of the top line during the exercise. A horse's front legs are stretched out in front of his body and are more or less straight in the stretch. The nose is tucked back and between the front legs and the entire front end is lowered. In the advanced stages the horse will learn to stretch his back legs out a bit behind his body.

The act of the horse lowering his body and eye to that of the handler puts the horse in a position of supreme submission and trust. The Obeisance is also the foundational pose from which a horse can go on to learn the Kneel, Bow, and Lay Down.

Steps - If your horse parks out, a semi extension of this move is a good place to start the Obeisance. Stand next to your horse, facing the same way as he is standing. Place your hand on the horse's withers and lean a bit to help him remove the weight from the near side (left) leg. Put your foot behind his pastern to position his front foot slightly forward and to the side to make room for his head to fit between his legs. Use a treat and ask him to follow it toward his chest before giving it to him. After a few repetitions, gradually reposition the treat so that he follows it down and also back between his front legs. As his ability to reach and stretch grows, lower the treat farther down and back. Encourage him to hold the pose for incrementally longer periods of time. Put a cue on the move by tapping his belly with the handle of a short whip as you place your hand on his withers to begin the sequence. Progress to the point that he will execute the pose and take a treat after he rises from the lowered pose.

Tips - Wear gloves. A horse can't see your fingers with his head lowered and between his legs. Use long skinny pieces of carrots or pieces black licorice sticks to reduce the chances of a horse biting your fingers as he lowers his head. Some horses learn the Obeisance in just a few days and others take weeks, even months to learn it, don't give up. After the pose is confirmed using a treat, ask for it before offering a horse his regular daily grain.

If you need help in teaching the Obeisance or any other tricks, you may contact us through either of our web sites www.imagineahorse.com or www.redhorseranch.net A complete set of instructional dvd s are available also from the web site of Imagine A Horse.