Need a Hug?

Have you ever seen the heartwarming pictures of a little girl with her arms wrapped around a horse's neck with the horse appearing to hug her back? It's adorable right? Well that is my next trick to tell you about and that you can learn to teach your horse. It is very simple trick to teach and the next time you could use a extra cheering up, you need to look no farther than the barn. :)

What you need:

• Your best hugging arms
• Treats of choice
• And a big furry neck just dying to hugged on :)

This trick is so very simple to teach and does not have to be super specific in the way it is taught. Therefore you can test it out and see what works for you and your horse. I begin by just getting the horse to be okay with me putting my arms around them and being close. Now to get them to reciprocate, stand by them, take a treat(I suggest carrots or apple slices cut at a decent length) and get them to bend back towards you. Gradually increase the bend around you and the length of time that they hold it before they receive the treat. Eventually, you can turn to face them and give them a hug while encouraging with your outside hand to ask them to come around you. You can have fun with the verbal cue on this one if you wish, just remember to keep it fairly short and simple.  

Things to remember:

• This trick is best to be taught with the horse in a halter and lead rope first.
• Do not teach this to a horse that is not a respecter of your space already.
• Don't over do it and watch your fingers with treats.
• Enjoy this super sweet trick and the benefits of flexion that it gives your horse!

Because this trick is so simple, it allows you to add your own spin on the presentation of the hug and see what adorable picture moments you can create with your best buddy!