Teaching a horse to pick up rider from a raised mounting platform - progress - 18 Aug 2022

In this video you can see progress made in teaching Hank the Missouri Fox Trotter to pick up his rider from a raised platform. When Hank is focused on the task at hand Hank is now responding to the vocal command "Come Over" and now the reinforcer if he doesn't instantly respond is finger snapping (dressage whip lightly tapping his hip is no longer needed). From this point the main emphasis of this portion of his training will be to clarify that once he moves into position to pick up his rider then he stands there UNTIL he is told specifically to move - even if that is a very long time - even if the rider gets up and down from the raised mounting platform, etc.. And that part of the training does take time to accomplish - to get the horse to reason out that portion of his responsibility.

Teaching a horse to pick up his/her rider is a very helpful skill any time the rider cannot mount from the ground via the stirrups. This could be a small child, a disabled rider, an elderly rider, etc.. I am including links to the two "how to" videos if you wish to teach your horse.

Teaching a horse to pick up his rider from a raised mounting platform - Session One
https://rumble.com/v1g0oft-teaching-a-horse-to-pick-up-his-rider-from-a-raised-mounting-platform.html

Teaching a horse to pick up his rider from a raised mounting platform - Session Two
https://rumble.com/v1g3mw3-teaching-a-horse-to-pick-up-his-rider-from-a-raised-mounting-platform-sessi.html

Training horses always involves some risk of injury (or even death) to the horse, the trainer, any spectators, equipment used, etc. - this risk is totally your own as you will be making your own judgements on what to do. As with any suggestions on any subject you must weigh them out for yourself and proceed accordingly - at your own risk.

Remember to read, study, and ponder upon God's word each day and also pray each day to find out what God needs you to do today and then do it. And have a blessed day!!

Jack Griffes
Certified Farrier - Colt Starting Trainer https://griffes.tripod.com/farrier.html
Be part of the solution - Learn Founding Principles https://griffes.tripod.com/Learn-Founding-Principles.html