[smeebee101]

I've seen people who train there horses to nod there heads or do a little spin or something like that and I've tryed for many days to get my horse to nod his head, but all he wants are treats the whole time and I just dont know what to do. He's really willing but wants treats all the time. What do you guys think I should do?

[Peaches_n_Tally]

There is a great book out called Trickonometry...you can find it on Amazon.com or in your local tack shop. It has great ideas to teach tricks, I have the book, but have not read it as of yet....lol, too lazy I suppose.
Noele

[riding_reaper]

One time I read this article thing on getting your horse to nod. This is what I remember because it was about a year or so ago. Get something dull like a spoon handle or something and apply firm but steady pressure to the area right above the breast and under the neck. When your horse lowers its head release pressure and praise it. Do this until you can use your thumb. Then eventually you can ask a question and just move your hand towards that area and they will nod. I dont know if thats more that 1 nod but thats just what I read.
Good luck!!!

[Comet]

I had fun teaching a half Percheron mare a few tricks. I used part of the Trickonometry tapes to help on a few of them. I didn't use treats when I did that training. I actually didn't teach her to shake her head so I don't have any tips there. I believe what reaper said is somewhat similar to how Carole Fletcher (Trickonometry) taught it.

[mustang_dodger]

try clicker training. that might help you out. then he won't always be looking for that treat, until he does it right do you give him a treat, or other wise he will be thinking oh i do this i get a treat. treats are only for when he does it right.

[Dawn]

I think 'trick' training is excellent. You can develop some really good trust and bases for further training as well. But teaching a horse to nod, I have yet to see any value in. It is considered a vice, and as much as you think not, the horse will start doing it when not cued to if you reward him for the behaviour. If you want to teach him to do 'tricks', I would suggest looking into some of the tricks that are more useful, such as bowing, obeisance, sitting, laying down, etc...even carrot stretches can be cute tricks if you can get your horse to do them without the carrot.

[Moostang]

The trickonometry (sp) book says to poke them with something like a thumb tack LIGHTLY to irritate them into putting their nose to their chest(like their were bumping off a pesty horsefly), then reward them when they do, eventually you move from poking them to touching them.. to voice or hand command.