Teaching your horse new tricks goes far beyond mere entertainment; it’s a powerful way to forge a stronger partnership and enhance their overall responsiveness. “The Trick Horse Companion” by Allen Pogue and Suzanne De Laurentis offers a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to “Enlightened Trick Training,” demystifying the process with over 300 full-color photographs and insights into the “why” behind each exercise. This method is designed to cultivate a horse that is not only skilled but also intelligent, adaptable, and a true companion.
Understanding Enlightened Trick Training
The core philosophy behind this training approach is to honor the horse’s intelligence and individuality. Instead of just teaching mechanics, it focuses on building trust and engagement, leading to a horse that willingly participates in training. The program is structured into six key categories, each designed to develop different aspects of the horse-handler relationship:
Pedestal Training: Establishing a Foundation of Trust
Pedestal training is the first step, providing the horse with a designated safe space. This “base” is where the horse learns to await further instruction, building a sense of security and readiness for learning. This foundational step is crucial for all subsequent training.
Tricks of Trust: Cultivating Confidence and Reliability
This category includes classic behaviors like the Circus Bow, Bow, Kneel, and Lie Down. These tricks are not just about obedience; they are designed to foster complete trust between the horse and their handler. Successfully performing these commands demonstrates a deep level of confidence in the handler’s guidance.
Tricks of Engagement: Fostering a Willing Partner
Tricks such as retrieving objects like a Frisbee, flag, or cap fall under “Tricks of Engagement.” These activities encourage the horse to interact willingly with the handler, developing a positive attitude towards training. This “can-do” attitude translates into a strong work ethic, making the horse eager to please.
Tricks of Agility: Enhancing Physical Capabilities
The “Tricks of Agility” category includes commands like the Salute (Jambette), Rear, Hind Leg Walk, Sit Up, and Sit Down. These not only showcase the horse’s physical abilities but also improve their coordination and body awareness.
Tricks of Gait: Refining Natural Movements
This section focuses on amplifying the horse’s natural gaits. It ranges from simple enhancements like an extended trot to more advanced maneuvers such as the Spanish Walk. These tricks help refine the horse’s control over its own movements.
Liberty Training: The Pinnacle of Partnership
Liberty training represents the ultimate achievement in Enlightened Trick Horse Training. In this stage, horses respond to their handler’s cues without any physical restraints, demonstrating a profound level of understanding and connection. It is the purest expression of the bond built through consistent, trust-based training.
Author Expertise and Philosophy
Allen Pogue developed the “Imagine a Horse” methods nearly 40 years ago, with “Trick Horse Companion” serving as a comprehensive course guide. Their training philosophy centers on enhancing the intelligence, adaptability, and predictability of horses, transforming them into truly interactive companions. This approach has been recognized in leading equine publications, and Allen and Sue have shared their expertise as clinicians at major horse expos for over a decade. Their work is highly recommended by professionals like Wayne Williams of “Speaking of Horses” TV and Radio, who notes their professional approach and the efficacy of their methods. Susana Gibson, Founder and Publisher of trailBLAZER magazine, praises their training as one that honors both the horse’s intelligence and individuality.
“The Trick Horse Companion” is considered the definitive resource for mastering trick and liberty training, offering a path to a deeper, more fulfilling relationship with your equine partner. For those interested in further developing their horsemanship, exploring resources on understanding horse behavior and training techniques can be highly beneficial.
