Train a horse to stand still by himself

[Elaine]

Train a horse to ground tie (stand still by himself)

Good for all horses, inc those with tying issues......

Give the cue (in this case, rein or lead rope on the ground) - give it a couple of tugs to draw attention to it, then step back for a second or two - return and reinforce with fuss, rubs, praise etc for standing still.

Build gradually from a step or two to walking around behind, reinforcing each time.

I tend to give a verbal cue "Wait there" as well, in case of confusion, and it gets to be interchangeable - I use the verbal one at the mounting block.

If the horse moves, go back postion it and say 'stand' or 'wait there' It doesn't take them long to work it out.

Not on grass when teaching, as the temptation is too much and in a safe enclosed place. Teach it either with a lead rope, or split reins, not english ones, for obvious reasons.

Don't do it with with a bit in as well. that could be very sore if the horse stood on its reins.

And also it takes lots of time and ultimately trust. Small lessons every day. But its lots of fun and great to have a horse who can ground tie

Anyone any more ideas?

[cooper69]

is this possible with older horses or is there an age that its not possible once passed

[Elaine]

I'd see no reason why you couldn't try it and see how you go. My mare was in her mid twenies before I started actually 'training her.' In any of the clinics and lessons I go to, horses are of various ages.

[bella]

I've been doing this with my mare for the last couple of weeks as she likes to stand right next to you all the time.

We've got to the stage where it's about 2 - 4 minutes where she can stand on her own.

It's funny though, I always put my hand up with a firm stay and she just cannot look at me until I approach her. Its as if when she looks at me she has to then come to me. Anyone else found this?

[amanda1066]

Feb 23, 2009 22:52:24 GMT cooper69 said:

is this possible with older horses or is there an age that its not possible once passed

Yes!! Sophie got very good up to 10 mins when I originally trained her but I've found with her if I don't practise regularly she slips back to moving off.
She can pull back when tied at times so I always have her loose for foot care etc. she stands well for this but the standing alone doing nothing is what has slipped!