The Trick Horse Companion

The Higher education for your horse! Trick training is one of the best-and most enjoyable-ways to enhance the intelligence, adaptability, predictability and desire of today's companion horse. In the process of teaching your horse many new skills you will discover - a safer, more confident equine companion-a "thinking" horse a horse with a "can-do" and "want-to-do" attitude a horse who displays willing compliance a better performance horse, whether in the show ring or on the trail And you will improve your horse's desire to interact and engage with you move beyond mechanical, rote learning to a new level of intelligence and self expression give your young horse a curriculum of learning that will send him to the head of the class improve everyday skills such as trailer loading, veterinary treatment, working with the farrier and hoof trimmer interact with your horse on a reciprocal level beyond your wildest dreams "Sue and Allen's Enlightened Trick Horse Training is, to my knowledge, the first trick-training method that honors the horse's intelligence and individuality." - Susana Gibson Founder and Publisher trailBLAZER magazine The Trick Horse Companion brings Trick Horse Training into the modern age of animal behavioral science. It bridges the human desire to be as one with the horse and develops a lasting and functional bond with the horse. Today's more enlightened horse enthusiasts want to know how to forge a closer relationship that includes the happiness of the horse. The Trick Horse Companion clearly explains how and why horses think and act as they do which is elementary to creating a mutually satisfying and sustainable horse/human bond. Most animal behaviorists agree horses are among the smartest of all domesticated animals, and the authors believe they are capable of much more than is ever asked of them. Horses make strong associations between objects and actions which is why we utilize plenty of props, including pedestals to mount, large balls to herd, small balls to retrieve, beanbags to sit upon, Frisbees to retrieve and cleat boards for targeting. Enlightened Trick Training is not an end point but rather a bonding and educational journey. It encourages communication and desire for interaction from the horse which promotes willing obedience as he learns to engage and respond on a higher level. All categories of Tricks are presented seamlessly and build upon each other to result in a highly- educated and responsive horse. A horse who is truly a companion, an individual that will enrich your life. "Companion" signifies the horse is elevated in his relationship with us and is a pleasure to spend time with. A companion horse may be a performance horse of any discipline or sport, a saddle or trail horse or a rescue horse-and he is a safer horse. Horses make powerful associations between objects (props) and actions, and by adding positive reinforcement including food treats, you can expect to see rapid results. Horses love this education because it is easy for them to understand and it's fun-not like work, but more like play. In all elements, the trick quickly becomes the reward rather than the work."

Horseplay and Harmony focuses on safe and responsible trick horse training methods using positive reinforcement. No ropes, no whips and non-force methods. If you were wondering how to do it, look no further! Years in the making and it's finally here! A book full of easy to follow, step-by-step instructions and full color photographs demonstrating each of the tricks you want to learn. Trick horse training is not only fun, it is extremely beneficial in bonding with your horse, shaping behaviour and building trust. Each of the photographs in this book are of 100% Morgan horses that Caylyn has personally worked with and trained using the methods illustrated in this book.

Groundwork and trick training specialist Sigrid Schope has found that diversifying her training techniques leads to happier, more engaged horses, not just on the ground, but even when practicing their regular under-saddle schooling routines. Here she shares her techniques, using positive, conscientious methods that are easy to follow and a whole lot of fun!

Rediscover some of the magic of your childhood and how it can change the way you work with horses. Trick training is one of the best ways to make your horse your friends. It includes Bowing, Kneeling, Sitting, Lying Down, Carrying Objects, Crossing the Forelegs, Unrolling Carpet, Standing on a Pedestal, Walking on a Balance Beam, Jumping through Streamers and more.

Step-by-step instructions for over 25 tricks that can be performed by horses such as smile, count, act "drunk," wave a flag, bow, lie down and pray, sit up, and pedestal poses.

Includes music.

This fourth edition of "The Mule Companion" is a comprehensive book on mules with new photos of many real people and mules doing real mule activities. "The Mule Companion" has been called an excellent 'mule primer' for those people just getting into mules. However, the book also hosts an in-depth study of why mules do what they do, their idiosyncrasies, training, and problem solving. Also, the book is rich with 'how to' information on: caring for, breeding for, fitting tack on, buying, and mule activities, past and present.

Have you ever wished you knew the secrets of training a horse to do virtually any trick or movement? To Have that magical special connection with your horse that could take a lifetime to accomplish without the know how. Trick and natural horsemanship trainer Suzanne Fargher demonstrates how anyone can develop these skills through this unique step by step manual. This is the ultimate training book to nurture communication, respect, and a happy, confident, content, bright, well behaved and very special horse! Learn the secrets of teaching simple tricks like teaching your horse how to smile and count, to amazing performance worthy movements such as the bow, rear, spanish walk, pedestal work, sit and lie down on command!