Clicker Training Method

'Clicker training' is an animal training method based on behavioral psychology that relies on marking desirable behavior and rewarding it.

Desirable behavior is usually marked by using a 'clicker', however you can use anything as simple as a noise with your voice or just a Good Boy which tells the animal exactly when they're doing the right thing. This clear form of communication, combined with positive reinforcement, is an effective, safe, and humane way to teach any animal any behavior that it is physically and mentally capable of doing.

During a session the horse will be conditioned so that it associated the word or sound with something good (food). Then the horse is slowly asked to do what is required for example picking up of feet. The activity is broken down into small chunks and rewarded with each desirable response. Putting hand on shoulder, shifting weight to opposite foot, running hand down leg, moving foot, holding foot.

It's Important to ensure that each step is repeatable and done confidently by the horse and that they understand how to do the step before moving onto the next step. Negative responses are ignored and if the horse is concerned the previous step is repeated until the horse feels confident again.

The use of food is kept to a minimum and only small amounts are used. Eventually the treats can be removed and replaced with the word or noise which is the reward. The food helps the horse remain calm and focused. Chewing is a sign that's desirable to help keep breathing and heart rate down, you can't eat if your nervous or worried!

Tam - this pony reacted when asked for her feet, she would rear up to get away. During the first session Tam was conditioned and was able to have her back feet trimmed. By the second session Tam was very confident if not cheeky and allowed us to trim the front feet with a basic trim. By session three Tam was happy for us to complete a full trim on all four feet with no problems .