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The "Come Get Me" trick, also called the Statue of Liberty Mount, is a fun and practical training exercise that teaches your horse to come pick you up at a fence, gate, or mounting block. In this blog post, horse trainer Michael Gascon—known as The Horse Guru—demonstrates how to teach this useful maneuver using a calm, step-by-step process.
Why Teach This Trick?
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Helps with mounting in non-traditional environments
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Builds trust and responsiveness
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Reinforces yielding to pressure
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Increases rider safety during mounting
Whether you're training a young horse or refreshing an older one, this trick can come in handy on the trail, at clinics, or in everyday riding routines.
Meet Nick – A First-Time Learner
In this session from a Gascon Horsemanship Clinic in Wichita, Kansas, Michael works with Nick, an 8-year-old Quarter Horse who has never done this trick before. His owner confirmed Nick didn’t know the trick yet, making this the perfect opportunity to showcase the entire training process.
Step 1: Check for Hindquarter Control
Before attempting the "Come Get Me" trick, make sure your horse understands how to yield the hindquarters.
"The first thing that we have to check is that he can disengage his hindquarters," Michael says.
With your long lunge whip in hand, stand beside your horse and ask him to move his hind end away from light pressure. The goal is for him to take one step away. Once he does, stop and reward him. Repeat on both sides.
Key Skill: The horse must respond to pressure and understand how to move his hip away when asked.
Step 2: Position at a Fence or Gate
Find a sturdy fence, gate, or rail to stand on. This elevated position allows you to simulate mounting safely while introducing the new concept.
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Hold the lead rope in your left hand
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Raise your whip in your right hand
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Begin tapping the horse’s right hip gently
Michael refers to this posture as the Statue of Liberty—one hand holding the lead, the other raised like Lady Liberty with the whip.
Step 3: Reinforce and Reward the Movement
The moment your horse shifts his body to align with you, release the pressure and reward him.
Even if he’s sensitive or unsure, reward every try.
“It’s okay that he didn’t know exactly what we were asking,” Michael says. “But the moment that he gave, we release.”
Once the horse is positioned, rub on him and help him feel comfortable with you being above him.
Step 4: Practice Mounting – Then Dismount
Once the horse is confidently sidling up, it's time to mount. When you’re ready, commit to getting on. Avoid hesitation or lingering in “no man’s land,” as Michael calls it.
“That’s like the young boy with one foot on the dock and one foot on the canoe—you’re bound to move away.”
Mount up, allow your horse to stand calmly, and then walk off the fence.
Step 5: Remove the Whip – Let Him Offer the Behavior
Return to the fence and try again—this time without the whip. Give your horse a chance to offer the behavior using just the lead rope and voice cues. If he struggles, briefly reintroduce the whip for clarity.
Repeat until the horse consistently picks you up without needing the crop.
“I love a sensitive horse,” Michael says. “They’re always looking for the right answer.”
Step 6: Take It on the Road
Once your horse understands the trick at the fence, start generalizing it:
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Tailgates
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Trailer fenders
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Picnic tables
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Large rocks or stumps
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Mounting blocks
The goal is to make your horse comfortable coming to pick you up from any solid, safe surface.
Pro Tip: Use the Lead Rope Instead of Reins
Michael uses a lead rope rather than reins during this training to avoid giving the horse mixed signals.
“If some horses sit back or move away from the pressure, we don’t want to release at the wrong time.”
The lead rope gives clearer, more consistent communication while allowing for quick corrections.
Success in Under 5 Minutes!
In just under five minutes, Nick went from not knowing the trick at all to successfully picking up his rider at the fence.
“Four times a charm!” Michael jokes, praising Nick’s quick learning and willingness to try.
Final Thoughts: Keep Practicing and Build Confidence
With consistent practice over a few days, most horses can go from learning the basics at the fence to confidently picking you up anywhere. Be patient, reward the effort, and celebrate each win along the way.
