Teach Your Horse to Give a Hug

 You can work several times a day if you have time, but smaller amounts of time over several days will work better than spending an hour now and them. When the horse makes a small step towards success, it's time to give a reward and stop.

Teach Your Horse to Give a Hug

If your horse is target trained, stand with your back to your horse, hold the target over one shoulder, and move it down towards the opposite hip. Encourage the horse to step forward and reach downwards over your shoulder to touch the target. You may have to back up a bit and position yourself to make it easier for him at first.

Alternately, you could hold a treat in one hand, and as the horse nuzzles your hand for the treat, bring that hand down towards your opposite hip.

When the horse is in the position you want him in, click and treat, or give the treat. If the horse doesn't quite 'get it' reward good tries and work towards getting his head in the right position in increments. Eventually, you won't need the treat each time you need a hug.

Be patient; some horses will learn faster than others and always keep safety in mind. If you're using 'high value' treats and your horse starts to get pushy, use something less yummy or just uses the neck or tummy scratches as rewards. Remember to keep your training sessions brief, 10 minutes or so at a time. If you are working in the stable, go clean a stall, come back and work again for a few minutes. Then go and do another chore before working with the horse again.