| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| shah |
Posted - 14 Feb 2011 : 4:06:40 PM
How are all you guys doing with your clicker training?
I'm really chuffed today after sitting on Mush for the first time in over nine months  He's got mounting issues and I've been using the clicker to train him to line up to the mounting block and stand still while I get on until I tell him to move off. After three sessions he's got it and he stands like a rock!! It really works as today when we were training the gardner was nearby working with ladders and being rather noisy and Mush didn't flinch, just listened to me the whole time. I can even jump up/down on the mounting block while he just stands there!!
I've also taught him lots of groundwork stuff like turn on forehand, turn on haunches, rein back, umbrella targeting, and we've started on leg yielding. Sometimes it clicks on the first lesson, sometimes it takes two or three sessions for him to get it but he always does. The more I use the clicker the more impressed I get 
Oh, and we've done the 'you can't mug me lesson' as well so no problems with him begging or mugging, I walk around with smelly treats and he doesn't ask me for them until we start 'playtime' |
| 22 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Honeyb060674 |
Posted - 02 Mar 2011 : 10:09:24 AM
"Clicker Training for Your Horse" by Alexandra Kurland Geena |
| Geena |
Posted - 02 Mar 2011 : 08:41:16 AM
I have just searched for clicker books on Tesco and three came up any recommendations which book is best? As I am keen to get started but to know what I am doing  |
| josiereanna |
Posted - 21 Feb 2011 : 3:31:34 PM
Right you have persuaded me! Ive bought the book! just waiting for delivery! |
| Cate |
Posted - 21 Feb 2011 : 11:18:15 AM
It's really super and they just seem to enjoy the lessons and are so keen once it all clicks. |
| shah |
Posted - 20 Feb 2011 : 5:03:54 PM
I have two of Alexandra's books and am working through various exercises in them, planning to buy the 'Riding with the clicker' next. I also keep in touch with Amanda at smaart horse training (based in Scotland) who helps me out when I'm stuck. She's coming down south for some clinics later this year - I will try and get to the one in Guildford on 15 April if anyone else down here want to join??
You don't have to use a school to do the training. I started in the yard and now do some training in the indoor school and some around the yard. Mush is getting faster and faster on picking things up and I need to start incorporating the big bad world in our training so will take the clicker out and about eventually.
Last week after the mounting lessons we then moved on to move forwards cues and I'm now riding properly again (well, only ten minutes in walk but that's better than anything!!)
I'm also teaching retrieving things - I've managed to get Mush to hold something in his mouth, now need to move on to lift and pass... And I taught him to stand on a mat today - took all of 5 minutes 
There really is no end to what you can teach them  |
| mazey |
Posted - 20 Feb 2011 : 1:16:35 PM
Josiereanna, I don't have access to anywhere to train either. I just use the stable, or the area in front of it. Today I did some clicker training as I was leading the horses up the lane to the field they are grazing-practised stopping with me, back up and setting off the instant I moved my feet. I'm trying to get my horses to follow my body language, without any verbal or cues from the lead rope. It's all good fun and keeps the horses on their toes as they are not being ridden.
I'm just reading Alxandra Kurland's book too-really well written and easy to follow.
Trudi |
| Honeyb060674 |
Posted - 20 Feb 2011 : 10:29:04 AM
You're welcome Geena...you think I'm  you should meet Sunny!! 
Keep us posted how you get on, its really nice to have somewhere to come & chew the fat with people in the know (and I'm not referring to myself here..more the knowledgeable ones ) |
| Geena |
Posted - 19 Feb 2011 : 8:18:13 PM
Thank you for pointing in the right direction.
Yet again Honeyb060674 you makeme |
| Cate |
Posted - 16 Feb 2011 : 11:03:08 PM
Clicker training is great. I have just started doing it in earnest. I've dabbled for a few years and when I had my black stallion Jaffa, well he just loved to work with the clicker. He was real sharp. Think my colt is going to be the same. |
| Honeyb060674 |
Posted - 16 Feb 2011 : 10:10:55 PM
LOL Debs! Sunny has the same selective hearing defect as Ali
So far we've only worked in the stable...out in the arena he heads off under his own steam showing me his  as he goes!! No amount of coercion works  Working in a more confined space is ideal to start off, minimising distractions (which in Sunnys case is everything!)
Would definately suggest getting the book, you do need to 'get' the thinking behind the training & the book explains this well. |
| debs |
Posted - 16 Feb 2011 : 9:09:33 PM
We dont have a menage, I use the stable or the yard, Ali goes deaf in the field!!!!!!!!!!!! |
| josiereanna |
Posted - 16 Feb 2011 : 8:13:17 PM
So pleased for you! I bought a clicker the other day....just got to get clicking! May get that book then Honeyb060674!
Is it still easy enough to do if you havent got a private space like a menage? |
| Honeyb060674 |
Posted - 16 Feb 2011 : 7:58:25 PM
I heard about it a number of times on here & thought we'd give it a whirl. There are numerous sources with I'm sure others will fill you in on. I went out & bought the much recommended "Clicker Training for Your Horse" by Alexandra Kurland. It explains the principles & methods very clearly...even for an eejut like me |
| Geena |
Posted - 16 Feb 2011 : 7:50:14 PM
Where did you guys learn this from, How do I find out more? |
| Fee |
Posted - 14 Feb 2011 : 8:39:29 PM
Great news Hope there is more to come.
Fee |
| Cinnypony |
Posted - 14 Feb 2011 : 8:30:03 PM
Glad to hear Mush doing so well - clicker training is so useful. Just found out that Becky Holden runs monthly courses near me -so need to sort out going on one.
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| Honeyb060674 |
Posted - 14 Feb 2011 : 8:28:31 PM
That's fantastic Shah, so pleased Mush is making progress
Sunny loves his clicker training While we didn't;t do much ground work over the past couple of months because of the horrid weather, dark nights etc We knuckled down to a few simple lessons. We seem to have almost banished the ear demons, making bridling so much simpler. He backs up with a touch, moves over, head lowers, and picks up all four feet on command & holds them. Considering he used to throw himself round the stable rather than have his ears touched, would look at you daft if you just touched him to move away & happily wave his feet about & hop around from the blacksmith...I'd say clicker training really does work!
I have to admit though, he has a stubborn/cheeky streak a mile wide. And if he's that way inclined will happily play dumb until he 'deems' it ok to perform said task!
I also thought treating could be an issue, but it isn't at all. He only gets treats during this time & is more than happy to fore go a food treat for a good scratch, so I opt for itchy scratchy treats more
He knows when its "Clicker Time" and waits eager for his "work headcollar" to go on
How do you guys go on with clicker training at liberty? Sunnys idea of at liberty is...to bog off and play totally ignoring any suggestions that we should be doing anything constructive!! |
| xsara |
Posted - 14 Feb 2011 : 8:02:36 PM
sounds great may look into it for xsara as she is quite the cheecky character |
| Callisto |
Posted - 14 Feb 2011 : 5:52:43 PM
So glad to hear of Mush's progress Shah - must be great to have something positive after all you've been through with him |
| mazey |
Posted - 14 Feb 2011 : 5:42:13 PM
That sounds great Shah. I'm currently teaching my gelding to fetch. So far he will stand next to me and pick a target up off the floor and give it to me, just got to work on him actually going away from me to pick the target up and coming back with it in his mouth. Then he can tidy the yard up!!
I've just signed on for the online clicker training course with Amanda Martin (second part) the first part before Christmas was really interesting and motivated me to actually do stuff with my horses in this cold winter weather. I love it- my boy responds really well to positive reinforcement. I have found him quite domineering and it has given me a method of training where I'm not constantly telling him off or "punishing"him.
Happy clicking. Trudi |
| nikki83 |
Posted - 14 Feb 2011 : 4:22:18 PM
Great stuff! Glad it's working for you. I too am impressed with clicker training.
I have just started doing it with my boy, so far he can pick all his feet up sensibly, I tell him to go back and he will, and the other night he got out the gate when I was getting another pony in, he's done this before and legged it when I've tried to get him! I just said 'wait' and he stood and waited for me to fetch him! Very pleased
Nikki x |
| Pasha |
Posted - 14 Feb 2011 : 4:19:30 PM
Sounds fab! Well done |
