Clicker training - how to start

[New2this]

I have a thoroughbred. We ve had a rocky start. But I THINK I am getting on top of it. Chiropractor plus physio plus dentist helped. Decided to get saddler out again and waiting on that.

In the meantime I think clicker training might suit him. He’s not very well schooled. And I’m not very experienced. But he is very very clever. And food motivated.

Any pointers for how to start? A good book to introduce me? What clicker should I buy? What treats? How about a pointer (if that’s what it’s called)? Any general advice?!

Thanks as always. Really finding this place helpful as I try and help out this horse!

 

[Suncat]

I'd start by googling Shawna Karrasch's Clicker 101. She's also got a long running podcast that takes you right through the basics and then on to lots of specific users, etc. Each one is a walk thorugh the theory and then on to a short practical session to follow with your horse. Its super, and if you've got it on your phone designed to listen to on the yard as you practise.

Here's a link to the first one:
Equine Clicker 101 Lesson #1 – A New Way of Communicating and Bridge Signals – by Jeffers Pet – Shawna Karrasch

 

[Suncat]

...should have added - the easiest way to access the podcast on the move is via the horse Radio Network App

 

[littleshetland]

Another vote for Shawna Karrasch....she's very good.

 

[New2this]

I'd start by googling Shawna Karrasch's Clicker 101. She's also got a long running podcast that takes you right through the basics and then on to lots of specific users, etc. Each one is a walk thorugh the theory and then on to a short practical session to follow with your horse. Its super, and if you've got it on your phone designed to listen to on the yard as you practise.

Here's a link to the first one:
Equine Clicker 101 Lesson #1 – A New Way of Communicating and Bridge Signals – by Jeffers Pet – Shawna Karrasch

Listening to this right now. Perfect!!!!!

 

[New2this]

What treats should I use?

 

[coblets]

Here's a great page of resources to find out more: https://www.jetequitheory.com/positive-reinforcement

General advice would be:
- make sure from the get-go that you're giving treats with an outstretched arm. Feeding treats right next to your body is how you start getting mugged for them.
- No need for a pointer. You can had some bright fabric to the end of a stick, or even use a pool noodle and cut it shorter.
- Treats depend on what you're doing. Usually people have 'high value' and 'low value' treats. High value treats would be used for something the horse finds very stressful or may need more motivation for, e.g. loading. A good example would be bits of carrot or polos. Low value treats include sugar-free pony nuts or chaff.

 

[New2this]

Here's a great page of resources to find out more: https://www.jetequitheory.com/positive-reinforcement

General advice would be:
- make sure from the get-go that you're giving treats with an outstretched arm. Feeding treats right next to your body is how you start getting mugged for them.
- No need for a pointer. You can had some bright fabric to the end of a stick, or even use a pool noodle and cut it shorter.
- Treats depend on what you're doing. Usually people have 'high value' and 'low value' treats. High value treats would be used for something the horse finds very stressful or may need more motivation for, e.g. loading. A good example would be bits of carrot or polos. Low value treats include sugar-free pony nuts or chaff.

Fantastic. Thanks!