Clicker training horses

[Supertrooper]

I'm going to do this with my horse over the winter while he's not being ridden. I think I understand it and I've got clicker training for horses book but can anyone just go through the steps from the very basics for me I definately want to use it to train him to put his head down and also would like to do it to build his confidence and improve his leading skills xx

 

[Laura1812]

Read don't shoot the dog by Karen prior and also anything by Ben hart and Alexandra kurland. Timing is everything and once the basics are there you can be as creative as you like

 

[tazzle]

but can anyone just go through the steps from the very basics for me

lovely you are going to CT, its a great tool to have in your training box

not sure exactly what you wanted here though if you already have a book because it should explain the first steps ( ie charging the clicker) ... are you asking for an explanation of the first steps ( I am not sure what you mean when you say from the very basics .... that could be a looooooooooooong post

are you looking for ideas other than the ones you have ?

the most important thing I think when you start is to think, be clear and plan ..... and break down things into small chunks which will help ypu both get the basics right. Spend a lot of time realy realy establishing the basice because they are the bulding blocks for everything else

 

[Trish C]

There'll be someone better to go through the basics than me, but just wanted to give you some encouragement! I used it with Monty when he couldn't be ridden (huge swollen fly bite right under where his girth would go) and he really took to it... trained him to pick up a foot when I point and say 'up' - very valuable as he could be a prick at times for picking feet up Have started other little 'tricks' with him as well e.g. flexing his neck to each side on the commands of right and left, to aid the flexing exercises we do on the ground, clicker did good work enforcing his 'stand' for grooming/lunging.... interestingly the only thing it didn't work on with him was his standing beside the mounting block (we got around by making a deal that when I'm on, he gets a carrot )

He now knows what jacket & pocket the clicker lives in and as soon as he sees the clicker come out he turns into a dog and tries to go through his routine of tricks... very cute! He really seems to enjoy the work and it's a good break for him - gives his brain something to do as he gets bored quite easily. I think it's been good for our relationship as well

Let us know how you get on, please!