Teaching the Smile

So the first trick I am going over is the Smile. I am working on this trick with Merrylegs  but it is currently a work in progress as you will see from the pictures and short video. This is good though, because it's realistic and will not be perfect right away when you're teaching it.

This is fairly simple trick to teach and it is a favorite for people. So are you wanting to turn your horse into the next Mr. Ed?

Here is what you need:

• Your hands
• Treats of your choice
• Don't forget patience! ;)

That's it!  

Steps:

1. It will probably be best to outfit your horse with a halter and leadrope.
2. Stand in front of your horse and take a treat in your hand.
3. Get your horse's attention and give him the verbal preparatory cue. (Ex. "Ready")
4. Hold you hand up with your index finger pointed up and the treat hidden in rest of your hand.
5. Give the command, "Smile" and you will place your hand at your horse's mouth. Often times the horse will smell the treat and try to grab for it. This is a good start.
6. Reward him for it by opening your hand and allowing him to take the treat from your opened up palm.
7. Repeat steps #5 and #6  a couple of times and you can call that a session unless you feel like your horse can do more.
8. You develop the trick as you encourage your horse to lift his lip up higher and longer before giving the treat.

It is important to remember to say the verbal cue each time you ask for the Smile so that your horse can learn to associate the command with the trick. Also don't let the him quit until you have put your finger down: that is your release cue.

If you are having trouble getting your horse to nibble for the treat then you can very carefully try to tickle the underside of their top lip with your finger. You can put a little bit of peanut butter or something that smells, as this can trigger their fleming response.

Once they get good at responding just keep adding to it until they will eventually do it just by your finger and verbal command.

It is important to make sure your horse does not crowd your space while you are teaching this trick and retains his manners. Watch your fingers and if you want to wear gloves for extra safety you can . This is not a trick I would suggest teaching to nippy ponies and or allowing unsupervised children to do unless they prove to have the discipline and coordination. Understand though an accidental nibble on the fingers it can still happen to anyone.  If the horse gets to pushy, correct him and come back to the trick. Practice in moderation and have fun with this trick!

Any questions feel free to ask through my Google+ profile which provides my email!