GOAL: Our horse will reach up and give us a kiss on the mouth (Option 1) or cheek (Option 2). FOUNDATION MOVEMENT: Touch (Module 8) EQUIPMENT: The Item (target) used for touch in Module 8. VERBAL CUE: "Kiss" or “Give me a kiss” PHYSICAL CUE: Option 1 (Kiss on the mouth). Hands behind back and lean forward. Option 2 (Kiss on cheek) Turn cheek toward horse and touch your cheek. ISSUES: If your horse isn’t very gentle and quiet then I suggest you try Option 2 (Kiss on the cheek). If you are worried your horse may nip or knock your face, don’t try this.
PREPARATION Your horse should be very good at touching different items. If you are teaching your horse to kiss you on the cheek, then practice tapping different objects and asking your horse to touch them. OPTION 1 – KISS ON THE MOUTH Stand facing your horse’s head. Lean down and breathe in your horse’s nose. They will usually breathe back and touch your mouth. Give the Marker the instant that your horse touches your mouth. Then give them a reward. Over several sessions gradually move further away from your horse’s mouth until you only need to lean forward slightly and your horse will reach up and give you a kiss.
OPTION 2 – KISS ON THE CHEEK Practice asking your horse to touch lots of different items by tapping them with your finger. Stand facing your horse’s head. Lean down toward your horse’s nose and tap your cheek. Your horse should touch your cheek. Give the Marker the instant that horse touches your cheek. Then give them a reward. Gradually move further away from your horse’s mouth until you only need to lean forward and offer them your cheek and your horse will reach up and give you a kiss.
NOTES Make sure your horse is very good at touching a target before you try this trick. Only practice this trick for a maximum of 5 minutes at a time. Each step may take several sessions – don’t rush through them. Give your horse time to really learn each step. If you horse gets confused or isn’t reaching up to touch your face, then move closer to your horse. Practice for a while in this position and then start moving away again. Don’t forget to give the Marker and reward every time your horse does the right thing. Have fun! :)