Training Tip: The Dummy Hand

Do you have a horse that is overly sensitive to touch?  Maybe just touching certain areas causes them to bolt or kick.  A dummy hand is a safer way to desensitize these types of horses while keeping the handler in a safer position.  Dummy hands can be especially useful for desensitizing the hindquarters and hind legs.

Making one is super simple, and you probably already have all of the materials!  Here's how to do it:

MATERIALS:

• Sturdy pole, like a broom handle
• Glove
• Plastic bags
• Ductape

PUTTING IT TOGETHER:

Stuff the plastic bags into the glove.  Make sure to get the bags into the finger tips.  Keep stuffing the glove until it is stiff.  Tape the glove securely onto one end of the broom handle.  That's it! Your dummy hand is complete.

HOW TO USE IT:

Allow your horse to sniff the dummy hand first.  Then, stroke your horse with the dummy hand on a spot they are comfortable with (typically the shoulder is a good place to start).  Hold on to your horse's lead rope as you work, but allow some slack in the lead.  Make sure your lead is short enough, however, that they are not able to swing their hindquarters towards you to kick.  Gradually move across their body to new areas, stroking until they are relaxed and comfortable.  Make sure to use the dummy hand on both sides!