INTRODUCTION

For this routine we lay the rags out in a line. Only the horse weaves the rags while the handler walks parallel to the rags. Each request for sidestepping is followed by walking a circle, to give variety and vary the flexion throughout the routine.

AIM

To link weaving, standing together quietly, walking circles together and sidestepping.

PREREQUISITES

1. We have stepping on a mat strongly ‘on cue’ or ‘on signal’ or ‘under stimulus control’. #9 HorseGym with Boots: Putting Targets ‘On Cue’: Click here. More info about putting targets ‘on cue’: #5 HorseGym with Boots: Putting Nose Targeting ‘On Cue’. Click here.
2. Smooth transitions staying shoulder-to-shoulder. Smooth ‘Walk On’ and ‘Halt’ Transitions. Click here.
3. While walking shoulder-to-shoulder, the horse changes direction in response to handler moving his/her body axis toward the horse or away from the horse. #170 HorseGym with Boots: Body Axis Orientation Signals. Click here.
4. Weaving. #70 HorseGym with Boots: Only Horse Weaves. Click here.
5. Horse understands a signal for sidestepping. Sidestepping. Click here.
6. Handler has developed a clear ‘Zero Intent’ signal so the horse knows when standing quietly is what is wanted. ‘Zero Intent’ and ‘Intent’. Click here.

ENVIRONMENT AND MATERIALS

• A work area where the horse is relaxed and confident.
• Ideally, the horse can see his buddies, but they can’t interfere.
• The horse is not hungry.
• Halter and relatively short lead (~8′) when not working at liberty.
• Six rags (or any even number) laid out in a straight line with enough space between them so the horse can easily weave the rags.

VIDEO CLIP

NOTES

1. Only the horse weaves the rags. The handler walks a line parallel to the rags.
2. Click&treat as often as appropriate to keep the horse continually successful.
3. This is concentrated work, so after doing the routine on one side of the horse, it’s best to do something relaxing before working on the other side.
4. For the sidestepping tasks, you could be in front of the horse as I am in the video clip, or on the side asking the horse to either move away from you or toward you.

TASKS

1. On the left side of the horse, weave the rags in both directions. Put in a halt and a few seconds of ‘wait together’ at each end of the weave.
2. Walk a circle to line the horse up with his belly beside the first rag.
3. Ask the horse to sidestep so the first two rags pass under his belly.
4. Walk a circle to line up the horse’s belly with the third rag.
5. Repeat the sidestepping across two rags followed by a circle to line up for the next two rags until you reach the end of the rags.
6. Use a jackpot or Triple Treat to indicate the end of the routine on the left side of the horse.
7. Repeat on the horse’s right side.

GENERALIZATIONS

• If you can run with your horse, trot the weaves.
• If the horse understands sidestepping with various signals, mix up the way you ask for it.
• Work on a slope if you have one handy.
• Do the routine with imaginary rags. I do this often and if I’m careful to keep my signals consistent, it’s amazing how well it works once the horse knows the routine.