Spanish Walk anyone??

Question

So, I've come up with some new tricks, and someone suggested the spanish walk. However, I can't come up with how to do it. Does anyone have any suggestions? My pony knows how to bow and shake hands (with both feet), and kiss, hug, smile, etc. The only trick I think would be helpful with this is 'shake'. Any suggestions? Thanks!

Answer 1

Basically the Spanish walk just puts pawing under control (which could be dangerous, but it sounds like you know what you are doing).

I taught my horse by tapping just behind his knee, lightly at first, getting firmer if no response, and when he stretched out his leg to put a stop to the irritation, I stopped and rewarded him. After a while he understood that when I tapped his knee, he had to lift his leg up.

Seeing as you can shake hands, you might be able to skip that.

Then I progressed to walking him. When I saw his left hind foot touch the ground, I would ask him to lift his left front leg, vice versa with the right side. Eventually I asked him him to lift the right and front legs in cadence.

This can take a while for horses to grasp (I get confused explaining it!), so make sure your horse doesn't get too burnt out. Much luck, have fun.

Answer 2

The Spanish Walk and the Liberty Pole DVD with Allen Pogue.     http://www.equibooks.com