We did a short session of mounting block practice with Charm today.

Since I have to do "step" work as physical therapy for my leg, might as well combine it with horse training :-).

First we did:

[] Stand by the mounting block, click and treat.

[] Stand when the mounting block is moved, click and treat.

[] Stand when handler gets up on one step, click, step down one step, and treat.

[] Stand when the handler gets up on two steps, click, step down two steps, deliver treat.

[] Stand when the handler steps up two steps and leans on horse...

[] Stand when the handler steps up two steps and leans over horse putting upper body on horse....

One thing that the horse has to learn in this process is that the treat will be delivered to him, and not to move to get the treat (i.e. back up, turn sideways, etc.).

These videos will show you some of the steps to clicker training your horse to the mounting block. (Remember that I have just gotten out of the cast from a broken leg, in these videos, so I'm still limping and stiff. Since I had to do step therapy anyway, might as well combine it with horse training :-))