It might seem odd to practice giving treats without an actual horse, but trust me, it’s worth it. By rehearsing the little details—when to mark, when to pause, how to deliver the treat—you’ll reduce fumbles that could accidentally reinforce mugging. Even something as simple as reaching to get the treat out of your pocket or treat pouch too soon can teach a horse the wrong lesson.
Why Practice Beforehand?Use the top of a chair, a toy horse, or a cardboard cutout of a horse’s head as your “pretend horse.” Act out each step:
Mark (click or say “Yes!”).
Pause (“One banana”).
Reach for the treat in your pocket or treat bag (best)
Deliver the treat (in this case, just pretend).
Yes, it feels a bit silly, but it helps you build muscle memory and confidence. That way, when you’re with your real horse, you won’t be fumbling or guessing. Instead, you’ll be consistent and clear—exactly what your horse needs to understand how not to mug.
Mindful Mechanics
Mindful Mechanics Mindfulness is about staying present and fully aware of what you’re doing. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about noticing when you slip up so you can correct it next time. If you realize, “Oops, I clicked too late,” or “I moved my hand too soon,” that’s okay! The big win is catching yourself in the act and adjusting, rather than repeating the mistake. That’s how real progress happens.
Mark → Pause → Treat
Mark (click or say “Yes!”) at the precise moment your horse’s head is about 1-2 feet in front of their chest (not leaning into you).
Pause (“One banana”) so your horse doesn’t confuse the movement of your hand with the reward signal. If they start thinking your hand movement is the marker, they’ll crowd closer to your hand—leading straight back to mugging.
Deliver the treat calmly and deliberately, aiming for the front of their chest.
Recognizing Subtle Cues
Part of mindfulness is noticing the small signs that your horse might be about to mug. If their nose starts drifting toward you—no big drama, just a subtle tilt—that’s your cue to pause. You can even turn away slightly if they get pushy, then wait for that polite “head-forward” posture again before marking and treating. The more you reward the right moment, the clearer it becomes to your horse that waiting calmly up front is what earns the goodies.
Takeaways
Practice these mechanics without your horse first, so you’re less likely to accidentally reward mugging.
Mistakes happen—just keep an eye out for them and learn as you go.
Mindfulness means being in the moment and noticing when something is off. When you do, you can gently reset and continue.
This thoughtful, step-by-step approach helps both you and your horse stay relaxed and engaged. By refining your timing and awareness, you’ll be well on your way to a horse who respects your space and looks to you for quiet, enjoyable treat-giving sessions—no mugging involved.
© Mary Kay Hasseman
Copyright 2025
All Rights Reserved