Carrot stretches are the only (well, okay maybe I cheat on my own rules sometimes) way Junior gets fed treats by hand. When I first acquired him, he was extremely impolite and would not keep his mouth out of my personal space. Remember this video? He's a LOT better now after a long period without ANY treats by hand. Showmanship training was also helpful in teaching him to keep his nose to himself. But even though he's better about his manners, I still only give him treats as incentive to do his stretching, or I'll toss one in his feed tub or if he's been particularly wonderful he'll get a treat by hand, but only if he obeys a verbal "Back up!" and steps back from me rather than mauling me.
Stretching is good for him as he, like most horses I suppose, tends to be stiff and resistant to bending.
It's also amusing for anyone watching, and you know how he likes to be the center of attention!
He's really good at those! Lilly doesn't go nice and slow like Junior does and sometimes I worry she'll hurt herself trying so desperately to get the carrot. She needs to take some lessons from him. :)
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