It's Showtime: Circus Tricks; Learning Fun for Horses and Rider

First-time author Czarnecki has trick-trained horses for many years. This title clearly explains her system, as different breeds learn in different ways. For example, a Thoroughbred is likely to be more reactive and perform actions such as rearing or Spanish walk more quickly than a calmer type horse with draft breeding. Warmbloods, a combination of hot- and cold-blood breeds, such as Swedish Warmbloods, will learn faster but may be over motivated. An animal less than two years of age is too young to train; the ideal age is two to six, when they are still playful. However, it is possible to teach tricks to an older horse. The author explains how horses process instruction and how rewarding them with treats is the most efficient way to keep them on task. Several methods of introducing each gesture are offered. The trainer is cautioned to take safety measures such as not standing directly in front of the horse when teaching to bow, not standing too close when teaching to lie down, etc. Patience is a must.