Standing Square

AutumnAttic · 10-17-2004, 06:36 PM

I want to do showmanship with my mare , just for experience. How do you teach a horse to stand square?

thanks

DefinitelyADreamer · 10-18-2004, 11:00 AM

I start with setting the back legs first, using your lead rope push the horse back or pull the horse forward until you get the legs fairly even to each other (this to start and eventually you will get more precise). I then apply a little pressure on the left shoulder and put my foot on the cornet band of the front leg that I want moved. If you get no response then apply more pressure with your foot and keep doing so until it's set where you want it. Then do the same with the other front leg, I always set in the following order, the right rear, left rear, right front, left front. Eventually you won't have to apply pressure, just point your toe and the horse will start searching for the proper spot. That's why I like this method, it looks neat and professional in the show ring, you aren't out there walking around having to pick up each leg.

mustang_dodger · 10-18-2004, 11:45 AM

i start with a diagle pair of feet. the is how my trainer taught me. get those set up first the do the others. or you can pick the front or the back ones to do first. i always pick one leg to start with i go on from there. it takes a lot of practice get the horse to stand square. i usally work on it once a day or more, but don't over do it. good luck and have fun with it.

AutumnAttic · 10-18-2004, 12:01 PM

thanks guys

Abbie22057 · 10-18-2004, 12:05 PM

I just back them up, pull them forward, until they are set up reasonably square, then make a big deal of it like they hung the moon. Then when they are standing still, feet messed up, pick each foot up and place it where you want it, and again, make a big deal out of it. Always say a cue word while you do these. I use "stack it." (From the dog world, a "squared" dog is considered stacked.) I've also heard "square". Eventually the horse will learn to square up automatically whenever you say the cue word. Always make sure you use the same word and praise her consistently. She'll get it in no time!!

10-17-2004, 06:36 PM	#1
AutumnAttic Senior Member+ Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Michigan U.S.A. Posts: 5,597 Images: 108	Standing Square I want to do showmanship with my mare , just for experience. How do you teach a horse to stand square? thanks __________________ Amber I've been snowballed.

10-18-2004, 11:45 AM	#3
mustang_dodger Senior Member+ Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Illinios Posts: 17,297 Images: 469	i start with a diagle pair of feet. the is how my trainer taught me. get those set up first the do the others. or you can pick the front or the back ones to do first. i always pick one leg to start with i go on from there. it takes a lot of practice get the horse to stand square. i usally work on it once a day or more, but don't over do it. good luck and have fun with it. __________________ Proud owner of Smart Devil a registered appendix, registered paint mare Eye's White Feather, and a breeding stock paint filly Firefly. I HAVE BEEN SPLATTED TWICE!

10-18-2004, 12:01 PM	#4
AutumnAttic Senior Member+ Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Michigan U.S.A. Posts: 5,597 Images: 108	thanks guys __________________ Amber I've been snowballed.

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10-18-2004, 11:00 AM	#2
DefinitelyADreamer Senior Member+ Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Canada Posts: 729 Images: 36	I start with setting the back legs first, using your lead rope push the horse back or pull the horse forward until you get the legs fairly even to each other (this to start and eventually you will get more precise). I then apply a little pressure on the left shoulder and put my foot on the cornet band of the front leg that I want moved. If you get no response then apply more pressure with your foot and keep doing so until it's set where you want it. Then do the same with the other front leg, I always set in the following order, the right rear, left rear, right front, left front. Eventually you won't have to apply pressure, just point your toe and the horse will start searching for the proper spot. That's why I like this method, it looks neat and professional in the show ring, you aren't out there walking around having to pick up each leg.

10-18-2004, 12:05 PM	#5
Abbie22057 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: GR, Michigan Posts: 1,252 Images: 2	I just back them up, pull them forward, until they are set up reasonably square, then make a big deal of it like they hung the moon. Then when they are standing still, feet messed up, pick each foot up and place it where you want it, and again, make a big deal out of it. Always say a cue word while you do these. I use "stack it." (From the dog world, a "squared" dog is considered stacked.) I've also heard "square". Eventually the horse will learn to square up automatically whenever you say the cue word. Always make sure you use the same word and praise her consistently. She'll get it in no time!!