{"id":14515,"date":"2023-01-14T15:47:36","date_gmt":"2023-01-14T19:47:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/equestrianbootsandbridles.com\/?p=14515"},"modified":"2023-01-14T15:47:38","modified_gmt":"2023-01-14T19:47:38","slug":"clicker-training-for-horses","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/equestrianbootsandbridles.com\/clicker-training-for-horses\/","title":{"rendered":"Clicker Training for Horses 101 (+ Pros & Cons)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Clicker training is a training technique that’s used to teach a horse to respond to a stimulus (the clicker<\/a>) and perform a movement or display an expected behavior. It’s based on classical conditioning where the horse is encouraged to do something in return for a reward of some kind. This type of training\u00a0is great for teaching a horse to perform an action on command, helping a horse bond<\/a> more closely with their handler, and giving a horse\u00a0mental stimulation.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Clicker training for horses can be done anywhere, at any time, and requires little in the way of equipment. You can use it to reduce a horse’s boredom as they recover from an injury, have them perform tricks for an audience, or get them to stretch after a workout. The technique can also be used to refocus a horse that’s been poorly handled or just needs a refresher for good manners. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Horses pick up clicker training quickly, and it’s easy to teach basic movements that you can build upon for more complex actions over time. Clicker training for horses is fun, rewarding for both horse and rider, and gives you another activity to work on with your horse outside of riding. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Read on to learn more about the basics of clicker training for horses, along with its pros and cons.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n This article contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you’ve ever heard or read about Ivan Pavlov’s behavioral studies with his dogs, you’re already aware of the basics of clicker training. The underlying premise is to get a horse to perform a certain movement in return for a click, similar to Pavlov’s tests to get a dog to salivate at the sound of a bell. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Clicker training begins with the use of small treats and a clicker to encourage the horse to work for its reward.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n The goal of clicker training is to get the horse to associate the sound of the click as a reward for engaging in a desired behavior.<\/strong> For example, you may want your horse to perform carrot stretches, but you want to reduce the use of carrots as a temptation and reward. You begin by keeping bits of carrot in one hand, the clicker in the other, and give a bit of carrot with a click for a successful stretch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At some point, you reduce the number of carrot bits you give, but keep using the clicker. Over time, your horse learns to associate the click with the movement instead of a carrot bit. You can then use the clicker to stimulate the behavior (in this case a stretch), and know that your horse will respond appropriately. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You’ll always want to have a treat<\/a> handy to reinforce the behavior, but you don’t need to give the treat for each and every stretch\u2014a couple of treats will do.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Horses are individuals just like any other mammal. Part of their basic nature is to please their handler, but some have a stubborn or independent streak that makes them difficult to manage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Still others have had improper handling during their formative years, turning them into, well, a jerk! Then there are horses who will practically roll over for a positive response and go too far in their efforts. Clicker training works well for these types of personalities and just about all horses, regardless of temperament.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Clicker training provides you and your horse with a mental floor for physical and behavioral response. The technique can be used for simple reinforcement for behaving properly on a lead rope, or for more complex movements such as bowing and kicking a ball. Using a clicker also reassures the horse that they’re doing the right thing, enabling them to relax and deepen the trust between the two of you.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Last but not least, clicker training acts as a kind of communicative shortcut. Essentially, you don’t have to keep repeating yourself to get your horse to engage and respond. You\u00a0give the visual cue for the desired behavior, snap the clicker, and your horse will do what’s been asked of them without confusion or hesitation. It’s a great way to stimulate your horse’s mind and for the two of you to have fun.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Conditioning a horse to respond to a click is relatively easy. Once your horse has established the sound of the click with a treat, you can begin introducing more complex moves. The clicker<\/a> is then used to build upon each movement and also impress upon your horse the visual cue you give to perform a specific movement.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Clicker training for horses involves introducing a basic response, then building upon that response to achieve more advanced movements. Over time, your horse learns to perform a specific movement on demand. It’s important that you remain consistent in your efforts to reduce confusion and avoid rewarding poor behavior. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/ol><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
What is Clicker Training for Horses?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Why Should I Clicker Train My Horse?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How to Clicker Train Your Horse<\/h2>\n\n\n\n