Chase the Tiger is a popular game in the Art of Natural Dressage (AND) community, designed to encourage horses to chase a moving object rather than flee from it. This reverses traditional training methods, which often use whips or ropes to pressure horses into movement.
How to Play
• Introduce the horse to a plastic bag, piece of clothing, or another object, rewarding any interest.
• Gradually increase the distance the horse follows the object.
• Attach the object to a whip or pole and move away, encouraging the horse to chase.
• The goal is for the horse to engage freely, enjoying the chase as a form of play rather than reacting out of fear.
Benefits
• Boosts confidence: Horses experience being the hunter instead of the hunted.
• Helps overcome fears: Horses that initially fear an object gain control over it.
• Encourages movement: Even timid horses learn to move freely and at higher speeds.
• Develops self-carriage and collection: As horses chase, they naturally adopt better posture.
Advanced Applications
• Experienced horses can learn collected movements by adjusting the height and movement of the target object.
• Some horses may even offer movements like the Spanish trot, passage, or rearing as part of their chase.
Community Insights
• Some horses playfully attack or stomp the “tiger,” while others chase with enthusiasm.
• Clicker training can be integrated to reinforce desired behaviours. • While generally safe, the game should be introduced carefully, as it may awaken strong natural instincts.