ONCE YOU HAVE covered the basics of liberty and the beginnings of some of the movements with your horse, you can introduce him to some simple tricks.
“Liberty and tricks don't live in the same house, but they live on the same street,” says Ben Atkinson. “Trick work can be a fantastic way to enrich a horse's working life because it is something a bit different from his normal exercise routine, and it's a brilliant way to help a horse respond better to your cues, therefore developing your communication and bond.”
Ben explains that the Spanish walk and the bow are two basic tricks that are good to start with.
“These two tricks are yin and yang movements,” says Ben. “Tricks are split into two categories—submissive (bow, lay down and sit) and aggressive (Spanish walk, rear, capriole). Each one tends to suit certain horses better; for example, those who learn to bow very easily and quickly tend to be coltish or young horses who still like to play.”
Walk this way
The Spanish walk is brilliant for horses who are nervous as it encourages them to be more confident. You can use it to help
