How do you teach a horse to park out?

[iheartasb]

Just wondering.Any good ideas? Mine does not seem to know and I was wondering if anyone had an idea how to teach him to do that.

[wstrngrl]

http://www.trot.org/forum/showthread.php?t=2341

http://www.trot.org/forum/showthread.php?t=6212

http://www.trot.org/forum/showthread.php?t=5777

[rider]

You know, a few horses just never seem to get it. The slowest learner I had was low backed and I always wondered if his conformation made it uncomfortable when he parked out. The way I teach is to do it from the ground first and this is easy because you can practice several times while grooming, hand walking or going to and from the ring. Simply hold the head a little higher by the halter or bridle and use your foot to encourage the horse to move it forward while saying your cue word. You might actually have to pick up the foot so he gets the idea. If he's still a bit dense, you can press on his heels until he moves the foot. Then of course lots of praise and rewards. Switch to the other foot and repeat. Alternate this until your horse is doing something close to parking out. They usually won't go as far as you'd like for the finished result right away, whether through unused muscles or it's just an unnatural way for them to stand, but once they get the general idea, you can start finessing. When your horse starts acting like he knows what is expected, you can use your hand on his knee as a signal, then to his elbow. Now he'll be read to park out for the rider since you can use your whip or toe to touch his elbows.