training horse to come

[Minouri]

Ok, I have never had trouble getting my Paso, Scooter, out of a field but he tends to just stand there, though, and wait for me to come to him. Most of the barns I've boarded at have kept him in a small paddock so that wasn't a problem. However, we're moving both of our horses into our backyard soon and I want to train him to come when I call.

I can get him to come with a treat. But he's a smart one....no treat no movement.

When I call his name he turns and looks at me...like, yes, come on over and get me. I've tried waiting and calling longer.....but he just smles at me from across the paddock.

Interestingly enough, our other horse is an Appy who comes immediately when you call his name. If I call the Appy's name Scooter comes running to my side. Should I just change their names? :roll

When we boarded at a barn that had a huge one acre paddock he used to follow me around but still never came when I called. In a big area, he likes to grab my brushes or brush bag and take off with them. If I walk to him he stands still and let's me hang all over him.

Any good ideas on how to teach him to come to me?

Maybe it will be easy enough once he's home and begins to associate me with getting his grain?

[CarolU]

I think the answer is in your post. When you get them home, call Scooter and give him a chance to come, and then call your Appy. Make a big fuss over the Appy and give him treats. I am sure that within 3 times of this happening, Scooter will come when you call him. And YES, give him a reward!

Also, once he's home this should be easier, but call him in many times for just rewards and do nothing else with them - like work. Can't really blame a horse for not coming if all you do then is ride them.

I'm not sure how big your pasture is, but a whistle is a good cue to come to. Or a dinner bell or pail.

I remember many years ago when I was broke and boarding my horses at a cowboy's place, he'd scoff at me giving my horses treats. But you know, my horses would come running, get their treats, be brushed, saddled and ready to go...and he was still out trying to catch one of his! LOL

[appyday]

Yep if he comes up he gets fed...if he does not sorry bout his luck..nothing..Mine fly to the gate when called...

[Privatetreaty]

I purchased an 8 year old mare a little over a year ago, that required
chasing for about 20 mins every single time she was let out. I fixed
the problem within 3 days and no treats or tricks. I wish you could
have seen her prior to.

Today, she's let her out of her stall only 3 or 4 times a week, for a just
over an hour (that's how often I go to the barn lately). She runs loose
outside of the ring, in an area about 2 acres big.

She spends the whole time eating grass around me. All the Columbian
trainers at the barn ride by and they can't believe it. Sometimes, she
wonders too far, I call her and she runs back to me at a gallop.

I've never seen a Paso trainer start with the fundamental ABC's.
I encourage you to try it. I left a post describing, as best as I could,
how to "Join Up" (please see link below). Your entire relationship with
your horse will change.

If you need some help, please feel free to e-mail me.

http://americanpasofinos.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3159&start=15
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[cowboy ed]

my andalusian stallion will come running when i call his name. i didnt have to use treats to train him. i guess he figures i have another mare ready for him. oh wait! never mind that part about not using treats...... ;-)

[halfmoonfino]

Let him to talk to Pitty ;-) Getting Pitty to NOT come is the issue!

What I've found is that the more I grow in relationship with my horse, the more he wants to be with me. After years of taking walks together, playing in the roundpen, staring at each other in the barn on rainy days, and exploring in the woods together, we've gotten to know each other in that special, unexplainable way. Like, if Pitty was a person, we'd finish each others' sentences. Yes, I take food out to the pasture with me when I catch him. But I also give him treats on the way down the driveway and when I leave. Even if I don't have food and Pitty's in the roundpen or wandering around in the pasture, he comes to his name. For one thing, I think his name couldn't fit him more perfectly, and for another, I think he really looks forward to our companionship. I know trainers like Parelli say to play with your horse and encourage relationship growth with him; I agree. The more you have that, the more your horse will want to be with you for reasons other than "he feels like it" or he wants food. You can start by taking him the roundpen (or a small paddock) and seeing if you can roundpen him and get joinup. Joinup is the first step towards getting your horse to come to you. I used to work with Pitty in the roundpen a lot when I first got him. It taught him to be sent away, change direction, and come when I let him. It's a great way to start. I like Kelly Marks' stuff (she's a student of Monty Roberts). Great information there. Her first book is "Teach Your Horse Perfect Manners: How you Should Behave So Your Horse Does Too!". There's a sequel too, but I forget the name.

Don't rush the coming thing. It takes time and effort. He'll get there when you two are ready.

[Privatetreaty]

You can't ask for more from this horsewoman.
Way to go Lana (Halfmoonfino) :D

I sincerely hope you inspire others that just wish to jump on and ride.
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