By now you’re aware of the importance of liberty work, have an understanding of the basic foundation of shaping, are able to implement a program with proper amounts of pressure and give appropriate rewards. How does a simple touch warrant an article you might be wondering.

The underrated touch has a multitude of applications as you’ll see, and will be an indispensable tool in your training repertoire. Let’s examine the many uses for touching. Initially with Lukas, I employed it to de-spook him, and later I used it as a precursor to the discrimination tasks he’s so well known for. In addition, it’s the basis for improved focus and attention – a way for the horse to learn to watch and anticipate our movements.

To start, I use my hands; I always want to help the horse understand my requests as easily and logically as possible. In this case, my loose fist holds a carrot sliver and I ask him to "Touch." Even a slight movement in the direction of the carrot-holding hand is rewarded; that hand opens and offers the treat. During subsequent lessons, I move less and less until the horse is able to decisively and immediately move to whatever hand is outstretched with his muzzle. Now, it gets even more interesting. However, allow me to interject a caution here: the horse must be safeguarded at all times and his well-being and trust must never be disturbed. Every lesson needs to be planned with the utmost regard for the horse’s comfort and welfare.

Teaching the touch entails a responsibility that we don’t ask the horse to touch or carry anything sharp, dirty, hot, etc. The mouth is a sensitive area and care should be taken not to frighten or harm our trusting friend.

Once the horse has mastered the hand touch, I use a towel next. Not just any towel though, as you probably expected. Knowing what, when and how I want to teach, gives me the perspective to lead into other areas to make it smoother and easier to build on ensuing lessons. So, green being Lukas’ color, I have chosen a green towel. One that’s been in his carrot bag overnight to be more exact, and one that’s large enough for him not to swallow (and that I don’t mind if it gets ruined!). The towel lessons pick up close to where my hands left off. Remember to expect a bit of confusion and/or delay when adding new components to lessons. Just allow any slight lapse or regression and things will move right along as before.

Lukas’ desk is a small fold-up picnic table. On top I’ve glued gripping shelf lining so it’s smooth but somewhat tacky in feel. During the on-going concurrent lessons, I put carrots on the table and gave Lukas the request "Touch." In this way, he learned to gauge the distance and movement necessary to reach the desk top, and he developed a positive association with it. He also learned to adjust himself in order to reach carrots in the distant corners without having to take a step, and how to see things under his nose ("the blind spot") by turning his head somewhat to the side to get a better view.

The next step is placing the towel on the table with a carrot on top of it. The horse should go right to it and pick up the carrot. Waiting will be your best bet to assure that this happens. Allow the horse time to figure out the task. Training tip: If necessary, use your hand to guide the horse’s attention to the towel – this is already a recognizable cue.

I like to make a fuss over Lukas when he excels at something, and he now expects an ovation for figuring out complex assignments. Spontaneous appreciation has been one of Lukas’ biggest motivators. However, depending on your style, it should feel like natural and automatic praise. Try various compliments and determine what your horse responds to most.

From this simple lesson, you can now expand to new skills and explore many abilities. Lukas and I went from the touch to carrying items, the kiss, going to a mark, fetching and catching, and discrimination tasks including colors, shapes and letters. Your time, energy and goals are the only limits to what your imagination and determination can accomplish.