What is a good item to train a horse with?

Posted on 20 October 2009 at 7:07 pm in Horse Training Aids.

I know this might sound strange to some. But I am looking for a way to train my horse to come on command. When close he easily listens. But if we are in the back pasture area and I get far away. Being 3 he likes to run and play and most of the time not listen. Giving me that face of… ha ha you can’t catch me.

So after thinking, I thought a simple dog whistle might work. But asking around the stables no one could tell me if a horse could hear that tone or not.

So I ask this of you all. Can a horse hear that high in tone? Do you think it would work as a training aid or do you think it might freak him out? Or even worse, damage his ears.

I need that 1 tone or sound that I can get him to respond too. I thought about a clicker but figured others would consider me annoying in time due to the sound.
edp: I get get 40 horses to stand at attention in the stables due to 1 crinkle of that same wrapper LOL. I give them all a treat each time I am there and they all know that sound all too well.

Call him at the same click a dog clicker when you reward him for coming, a carrot or something small. After a while he will associate the clicker with rewards and should come when called.

I would prefer the sound of a clicker to that of a whistle, any day!

Whatever sound it is, it is the association that horses learn with.

8 Comments

  1. Mariah V - October 20, 2009 at 6:46 pm

    they can usually hear a whistle
    try teaching him when hes hungry,
    and have a hand full of hay in your hand.
    so when you whislte she him the hay and he’ll come for food.
    praise hiim give him some hay then hide it in a bag and walk down the other end of the paddock
    then do the same.
    References :

  2. Love Canada - October 20, 2009 at 7:10 pm

    whistle and a lump of sugar?
    References :

  3. Jillian K - October 20, 2009 at 7:57 pm

    Wouldn’t use a dog whistle. Just take some grain out there and maybe whistle (like with your lips, lol) and soon he’ll probably associate your whistle with a treat.
    References :

  4. zakiit - October 20, 2009 at 8:43 pm

    Call him at the same click a dog clicker when you reward him for coming, a carrot or something small. After a while he will associate the clicker with rewards and should come when called.

    I would prefer the sound of a clicker to that of a whistle, any day!

    Whatever sound it is, it is the association that horses learn with.
    References :

  5. 1,024 Lusitano Epiphanies - October 20, 2009 at 9:01 pm

    I don’t see why you’d need to use a dog whistle, if you intent is to simply train the horse to come at an audible command. you could use anything – your voice, that kisy/smacking sound people make at dogs, whatever.

    I would stay away from the dog whistle. The frequency hurts dogs’ ears which is why they react to it. Use a regular whistle – or your good ol’ voice.

    Keep in mind that your horse needs a reason to come in away from his buddies and the nice green grass. Bring him in to groom him with his favorite brush, or to graze on a lead rope, just as often as you bring him in to put him to bed or to have a training session. Treats help but avoid them if you can, as your horse will resent not getting them from you every time (and will become greedy and mug you if he does get them every time.)
    References :

  6. anna g - October 20, 2009 at 9:37 pm

    Contrary to what everyone else said, food isn’t a very good training tool for horses. Horses are herbivores, which means they don’t have to work for their food. Food is only a good tool for carnivores and predator animals. A good scratch on their withers or forehead would be a good way to tell them they did something good.
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  7. edpcreations - October 20, 2009 at 10:24 pm

    anything would work..i would recommend your voice since it is something you will always have…..and always reward with a treat…..my horses come to a pepermint wrapper crinkle…hahha
    References :

  8. Cody F - October 20, 2009 at 11:10 pm

    if you can whistle prety loud then let your horse arround in the closed barn and whistle the same whistle and when the horse comes give it a treat and eventualy it will come on that spacific whistle
    References :

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