(Re)teaching an Old Dog an Old Trick

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The old saying goes that you can’t teach an old dog a new trick. While I think that many would agree that old dogs really can learn new tricks, re-teaching an old dogÑor an old horse, as the case may beÑcan be just as challenging. More than once, Dorado has very kindly reminded me that even if an “old dog” knows a trick like the back of his hand, he might need a refresher course from time to time.

When I first brought Dorado home, he had no idea how to longe. This foreign concept was incredibly confusing for him, and it took several weeks for him to feel comfortable walking, trotting, and cantering both directions on the circle. But once he grasped the concept, he continued willingly.

Dorado is a great at longeing now but recently forgot how to trot over ground poles…something he’s known how to do for years

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Erica Larson, former news editor for The Horse, holds a degree in journalism with an external specialty in equine science from Michigan State University in East Lansing. A Massachusetts native, she grew up in the saddle and has dabbled in a variety of disciplines including foxhunting, saddle seat, and mounted games. Currently, Erica competes in eventing with her OTTB, Dorado.

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