| Clicker training has over the years become a very | | | | even excel. These horses are considered natural |
| popular and widespread training method for horses, | | | | animal actors, being able to pick up a queue and to |
| however like all methods it has its benefits and | | | | progressively work through a series of steps with |
| shortcomings. We took a look at clicker training and | | | | minimal time spent on training. |
| what you would need to know before undertaking this | | | | However there are some horses that should not be |
| type of training with your horse. | | | | clicker trained. Of these, horses with bullying natures |
| What is clicker training? | | | | are at the top of the list. And by bullying we don't |
| Clicker training originates from animal actor training and | | | | mean biting and kicking, we're talking about a horse |
| trainers. It is used to train animals to hit their marks and | | | | that has little respect for ones space or that is willing to |
| to combine required movements, gestures and actions | | | | walk over you if needed. |
| as required by the director. It is a very powerful training | | | | Because clicker training is done on a reward system it |
| tool when used correctly and can cause numerous | | | | is important that your horse be willing to comply before |
| complications if applied incorrectly. | | | | getting a treat. Horses with bullying natures do little and |
| Uses for clicker training | | | | want everything, so for your own safety and sanity do |
| Clicker training for the owner is useful for encouraging | | | | not attempt to do clicker training with one of these. |
| the horse to perform and focus better. The clicker is | | | | The benefits for your horse |
| used to notify the horse that it has done well, or has | | | | It allows for the development of a trusting |
| done what is needed. Thus building confidence in the | | | | relationship between horse and owner or trainer, |
| horse, strengthening the relationship between horse | | | | Horse will become more confidant and be more |
| and owner, both of these resulting in a more willing | | | | willing to work, |
| horse. (And hopefully a happier owner) | | | | Horse will become more attentive and focused as |
| Clicker training from a horses' point of few is clearer | | | | its confidence grows, |
| than most other methods. Horses are very compliant in | | | | Horse will become more willing as the training is |
| nature and will willingly work hard for praise and | | | | progressive, |
| reward. With clicker training there is a definite | | | | Horse will be capable of overcoming its fears as it |
| conformation (clicker clicking) when the horse has | | | | focuses more on what is asked. |
| done correctly. It then understands that it has done well | | | | The benefits to you the owner |
| and develops confidence in its abilities to do things | | | | You will become a more confidant handler, |
| correctly. | | | | You will understand the use of progressive training |
| In most instances clicker training has proved useful in | | | | and that things are done in steps and stages, you will |
| correcting problems or fears that a horse may | | | | also learn how to break training stages up into these |
| experience, or have acquired whilst in training. | | | | steps, |
| How does it work? | | | | The communication with your horse will become |
| The clicker is a little handheld box containing a metal | | | | clearer and less frustrated, |
| clicker that when pushed down makes a clicking | | | | You will have more fun with your horse. |
| sound. To start off the trainer is armed with this clicker, | | | | Clicker training is a great way to play and have fun |
| a touching rod and treats (carrots, cut up apples, | | | | with your horse whilst training, it allows for the |
| whatever the horse likes). At the starting phase the | | | | development of deeper bonds. It is one of the few |
| horse is trained to touch the rod, on touching the clicker | | | | training systems around that encourages the trainer |
| is clicked and the horse given a treat, thus the reward | | | | and handler to think of what is required, then break it |
| for good or desired behaviour is installed. Most horses | | | | down into simpler steps before building those steps up |
| catch on very quick, and learn to look for the rod as | | | | into the required result. |
| finding it and touching it brings rewards. Initially the food | | | | Or as a movie director would say "I need him to gallop |
| is associated as the reward, later only the clicker is | | | | up to his mark, rear up then turn and run off again" and |
| required. | | | | you the clicker trainer will hear, gallop to mark and halt |
| Is my horse suitable? | | | | "Click" Rear "Click" turn and gallop off "Click." The three |
| Most horses are suited to clicker training, as most | | | | steps needed to complete the movement. |
| horses are willing to work on this system, some horses | | | | Simple isn't it? |