Clicker training – Another tool

For quite some time, I had difficulty imagining how clicker training would be useful with horses. Like many horse owners, I was resistant (stubborn) to the idea primarily because I had no experience with clicker training. The only knowledge I did have was its use in dog training, or in the case of horses, only used to teach tricks. Now, after understanding the underlying principles and having practiced with my own horses, I have realized how effective clicker training is and how well it builds a positive relationship with my horses.

Why does it make sense?

• The horses love it when their efforts are rewarded (just like people do). They begin to search for the “right answers” because they better understand our requests.
• It creates a clearer form of communication which facilitates more effective learning.
• Knowledge of the underlying principles of clicker training, gives trainers/horse owners a better understanding of the cause/effect relationship. In other words, understanding how the trainer's behavior (cause) influences the horse (effect) and the results they are getting from their horse.
• It is very effective with problem behaviors because it is a hands off, non confrontational approach. Horses understand that they have choices and learn to make more correct choices thus resulting in stronger behaviors.

We invite you to join us for the next Clicker Basics workshop to see for yourself how effective clicker training is.