[aBreeze]

I was just wondering what you think would be the best way to train Stella[7yr Shetland mare] to work off voice cues on the ground and in the saddle. She knows "whoa" and clicking but Id like to get her a better "whoa" + "back" "walk" "trot" and possibly "canter". Thanks!

[freedom32]

Teach 'back' in hand, and the gait commands on the lunge, repetition is the key........Mine all know them, just takes a bit of repeating

[Mutrok]

Just start using voice commands all the time. Use them when you are leading and lunging. Repetation. Make sure you reward her when she does it right.

[Jenje!]

If she's sure of the cues without voice, start with adding the voice command while still giving the physical cue. Give her plenty of time to absorb the new addition, and then slowly remove the physical cue... ask verbally first, and if she doesn't respond accurately wait a beat, then ask verbally and give the physical cue at the same time. Eventually you should be able to just ask her!

[Blistering Winds]

I use actual words.

"WALK"

"TROT"

"CANTER" or "HEYUP" for a full out run



BACK for back.


I then add clicking and kissing to the mix after they have those words down.

Just Do "NEW" cue first, then old cue. It teaches them that the "NEW" cue is associated with the old cue, and they learn it better.

Don't jsut do the new cue and expect performance.

[aBreeze]

ok thanks!!! Im thinking this could be something fun for Chlo to do with Stell

[nd deb]

I teach voice on the loungline first and then carry it over to the ground driving.

[PressForTime]

I don't want to sound as if I were bragging about this, but I can say with extreme confidence that Dakota is unbelievably great at voice commands. However, I spent ALOT of time working on her it. Basically, and I'm sure there's a zillion ways to teach a horse voice commands, but I taught Dakota through a TON of repetition. First, while I was riding, I'd say "walk" and ask her to do so. Then "trot" and ask her to do that. Then I'd say "walk" and give her a second, if she didn't slow down, I'd say "walk" again and put a little pressure on the reins. Then I'd say "trot" and urge her into it, if she didn't already.

It can be a long process, but actually horses are smart and they catch on fast. However, it took ALOT of patience, however the end result is very rewarding. Now, I say any command and she picks it right up.. no leg pressure, no clucking, nothing. She can go from a stand-still into a canter then back from a canter to a stand-still only using my voice. It's a wonderful thing once they know voice commands. Although mind you, there were days where all we did was walking and trotting (going from a walk to a trot and vice versa many many many times) then the next day from a canter to a trot and vice versa. Your Horse will catch on... good luck!

-Chris

[dockeramb]

I've always started voice commands in hand, and on loung-line. I dedicate alot of work with voice on ground, and then in saddle. Horses pick up on them quick! And Stella ought to do well. I had gotten a pair of 6 mo. old Mini's that never had a hand on them. When I got them leading, I started using voice commands, and these little guys picked up on it quick!!! Walk, trot, whoa, and back. They were too little to ask them to canter just yet, but I'm sure they would have picked up on that really quick. I did all this training in 2 mos. That's with getting them use to humans, and being handled. What joys little horses and ponies can be!!!!