How to Train a Horse Using the Clicker Technique

Just think of how good it would be if your horse did anything that you wanted at the "click" of a button. You can learn that with some time and patience.



Steps

1. Find something that makes a "click".
2. Collect some treats and put them hidden in a bag or pocket.
3. Bring your horse into an enclosed arena or paddock clear of other horses.
4. Take off the horse's halter and tell it to stay where it is. With some horses you may need to leave the halter on for this step.
5. "Click" the clicker and give the horse a treat, then repeat about 5-15 times when the horse should recognise a click means a treat.
6. Stand in front of the horse and hold up an object (like an orange cone). As soon as the horse touches it with his/her nose, click, then feed them a treat. This technique is called the target game and is the very first thing you should teach your horse with clicking.
7. Repeat the target game a few times, moving the cone around once they have got the idea.


Tips

* When feeding treats, make sure that you keep your hand closed over the treat until you have reached your arm out completely, don't let the horse mug you.
* Only reward the horse with the click.
* The "click" is a positive reinforcement and it means "good job, you have done what I asked for so here is a reward".
* Only reach for the treats once you have clicked the clicker.
* Go to the external link for more information and always remember, if in doubt, leave it out.


Warnings

* Do not feed the horse any treats if they mugs you for them, only feed the horse treats once the horse is standing and waiting patiently.
* If the horse gets dangerous and starts charging at you for the food, get out of the area and try not to keep the treats with you or don't use treats at all until he/she settles down.


Things You'll Need

* A clicker
* Treats
* Cone, or other object
* Lead rope and halter
* Patience