05/01/2026
Chin target can be a great way to build posture. This is a young horse. Ari will be two years old this month. She is new to positive reinforcement training. She is also going through significant growth spurts which tend to get her "butt high." So posture is a great activity for us to develop as she gros.
Work on posture is great for any horse as it is the beginning of more challenging collected positions and carrying the weight of a rider
Using hands for targets can be a great way to create movement in the body. I used my hand here but I could also use an object, target on a stick, pool noodle, feather duster, etc. I chose my hand because it is always available to me and I could transition to point my finger at her chin for this cue as she learns and
develops understanding of this activity.
Ari did very well here. We were contending with a lot in the environment. We were in the pasture with a loose horse who keeps distance, but would like to be involved. Cars going by, neighbors, dogs etc. It's all great and a good challenge for focus. It also builds her confidence in the environment. The more times she gets the "right answer," the more her confidence will grow.
This chin target can start as a brush of their chin hairs on your hand or target. Then shift the chin back to reach hand/ target. Then lower hand/target to encourage lift of belly and core and withers. Then lower head, tuck chin, lift belly, core, and withers, and shift weight onto hind end.
So that's the progression I have in mind as I work with baby steps. One tiny move at a time so they know what is being asked, clarity builds, and confidence grows, along with healthy posture!
What do you think? Let me know in the comments.
