Teaching tricks

sophie550

sophie550

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23 August 2012
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Right so I have to make an "educational" video that shows me showing some one else how to do something, its only some small project for 6th form but I didn't have a clue what to do it on!

Then I thought I could teach my 2 year old to "bow" and show how I did it.

All I want to know is whether it'll put strain on any of her joints or her back etc?

please no nasty comments! The reason I have asked is because I was other opinions. If you think I shouldn't do it just tell me. I, more than anyone else, do not want to put unnecessary stress on her or her joints and want to give her the best start in life.
 
What about trying for a simpler trick first? Like lifting a leg or smiling.. from what I understand, teaching to bow is quite difficult mentally and physically for a horse so probably not ideal for a 2yo :)
 
Aaah that's a good idea! Yeah I did think that but its the first thing that came to mind. But thankyou! I shall try that instead! Much less stressful for the both of us hahah :)
 
Send a pm to JFTD, she's one of our resident trick trainers :D The main thing is to make sure they have their leg back behind them so they're not putting the weight straight down on their knee joint. Her 2 year old does them beautifully and safely :)
 
You need to be very careful on angles with joints. Also I only teach bow with the leg tucked under as this rounds the back. My pony naturally 'bows' with both forelegs straight as a stretch but I wouldn't teach this type as it has no benefit to the horses musculature and risks overstretching the abdominals. It takes some strength so not sure I'd teach it to a baby.
 
Ah yeah I'd only teach with the leg tucked under, in my personal opinion I prefer how that looks to both legs out. Think im going to just teach her to raise her leg, much more simple and much less stressful, both mentally and physically! But thankyou for the replies! :D
 
Another thing to remember is cues to bone/large muscle only. I've seen some people tapping relentlessly on the tendons in the forelegs which is not good for them. My Spanish walk cue is point of shoulder in hand and shoulder muscle from saddle. Be aware that once you have created a 'button' you may not be able to lose it...my physio occasionally gets leg lifts and Spanish walk cos she presses the button without knowing whilst treating him!
 
KatPT said:
Be aware that once you have created a 'button' you may not be able to lose it...my physio occasionally gets leg lifts and Spanish walk cos she presses the button without knowing whilst treating him!
Click to expand...

Agree with this, when we were tacking up the other day a horse my friend has borrowed went to lay down when all she wanted was to pick it's foot up! He's a stunt horse and she accidentally pressed a button!
 
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