How will clicker training fit into my existing training program?

26 Jul How will clicker training fit into my existing training program?

How will clicker training fit into my existing training program?
Perfectly! Most natural, traditional and classical horse training methods are based on negative reinforcement. Negative reinforcement is about removing a pressure when the horse responds correctly. For example, when riding we ask a horse to go forwards by applying a light pressure to the horse’s belly with our legs. We squeeze the horse with our legs and gradually increase the pressure with our legs until the horse steps forwards. When the horse steps forwards we release the pressure of our legs.

The addition of Clicker Training will enhance the results of most horse training systems. So you can still follow the exercises that your favourite trainer gives you. Just add the marker signal of the clicker to let your horse know when it gets the exercise right, then give your horse s a treat. Your trainer will be amazed how much more quickly your horse learns each exercise compared to other horses learning the same exercises without clicker training. We can learn something from everyone, it is good to keep an open mind and never stop learning. Having lessons with different instructors and trainers is a great way to improve your skills and learn new techniques. If the instructor doesn’t use clicker training it would be polite not to try and use a clicker during the lesson. When you get home you can apply what you learned in your lesson and add in  the clicker to  fast track your results.

Clicker Training will increase the horse’s motivation and willingness to perform. It is great for helping the horse through “sticky spots” in training, such as training flying changes or piaffe. The clicker makes it so much clearer to the horse what we are asking for, which makes training easier and more effective.