TRICK TRAINING

Make the most of the off season while building a relationship with your horse.

- MEGAN ARSZMAN

Winter can be a boring time for horse lovers. For some, it really limits how much time you can get in the saddle, and you can only brush your horse so much. So, how can you make your barn time and groundwork fun, fresh and worthwhile?

TRY TRICKS

For Michael Gascon, a horse trainer based in Mississippi (also known as "The Horse Guru"), teaching horses different behaviors, or tricks, is the best way to build the relationship between rider and horse. For younger riders, it's a great way to learn patience and how you and your horse can learn to read each other. Here, he will share two tricks you can teach your horse to do this winter.

Keep in mind a few things: Have an adult near to watch and help if needed.

Keep small treats handy to give as a reward.

Have patience!

SMILING PRETTY

Ever wonder how horses on TV smile at the camera? Here's your chance to teach your horse or pony to "smile pretty!" For your safety, start with your horse standing tied to something sturdy. Remember to have a small bag of treats nearby, maybe in a fanny pack around your waist, to use for rewards.

"I like small treats like alfalfa pellets, so they're easy to eat and for you to hold in your hand," Michael advises.

The end goal of this trick is that you will stand to the front of your horse, hold your index finger in the air, and tell him "smile"-and he'll lift his upper lip.

I. The first step of this trick is to get your horse to look up. Take your index finger and place it at the front of his nose and rub your finger up from his lower nose to the top of his muzzle into the air.