Posts Tagged ‘Apples’

Really all you need is enough ammo and apples for you horse and you would be ok right?

Clicker training has over the years become a very popular and widespread training method for horses, however like all methods it has its benefits and shortcomings. We took a look at clicker training and what you would need to know before undertaking this type of training with your horse.

What is clicker training?
Clicker training originates from animal actor training and trainers. It is used to train animals to hit their marks and to combine required movements, gestures and actions as required by the director. It is a very powerful training tool when used correctly and can cause numerous complications if applied incorrectly.

Uses for clicker training
Clicker training for the owner is useful for encouraging the horse to perform and focus better. The clicker is used to notify the horse that it has done well, or has done what is needed. Thus building confidence in the horse, strengthening the relationship between horse and owner, both of these resulting in a more willing horse. (And hopefully a happier owner)

Clicker training from a horses’ point of few is clearer than most other methods. Horses are very compliant in nature and will willingly work hard for praise and reward. With clicker training there is a definite conformation (clicker clicking) when the horse has done correctly. It then understands that it has done well and develops confidence in its abilities to do things correctly.

In most instances clicker training has proved useful in correcting problems or fears that a horse may experience, or have acquired whilst in training.

How does it work?
The clicker is a little handheld box containing a metal clicker that when pushed down makes a clicking sound. To start off the trainer is armed with this clicker, a touching rod and treats (carrots, cut up apples, whatever the horse likes). At the starting phase the horse is trained to touch the rod, on touching the clicker is clicked and the horse given a treat, thus the reward for good or desired behaviour is installed. Most horses catch on very quick, and learn to look for the rod as finding it and touching it brings rewards. Initially the food is associated as the reward, later only the clicker is required.

Is my horse suitable?
Most horses are suited to clicker training, as most horses are willing to work on this system, some horses even excel. These horses are considered natural animal actors, being able to pick up a queue and to progressively work through a series of steps with minimal time spent on training.

However there are some horses that should not be clicker trained. Of these, horses with bullying natures are at the top of the list. And by bullying we don’t mean biting and kicking, we’re talking about a horse that has little respect for ones space or that is willing to walk over you if needed.

Because clicker training is done on a reward system it is important that your horse be willing to comply before getting a treat. Horses with bullying natures do little and want everything, so for your own safety and sanity do not attempt to do clicker training with one of these.

The benefits for your horse
It allows for the development of a trusting relationship between horse and owner or trainer,
Horse will become more confidant and be more willing to work,
Horse will become more attentive and focused as its confidence grows,
Horse will become more willing as the training is progressive,
Horse will be capable of overcoming its fears as it focuses more on what is asked.

The benefits to you the owner
You will become a more confidant handler,
You will understand the use of progressive training and that things are done in steps and stages, you will also learn how to break training stages up into these steps,
The communication with your horse will become clearer and less frustrated,
You will have more fun with your horse.

Clicker training is a great way to play and have fun with your horse whilst training, it allows for the development of deeper bonds. It is one of the few training systems around that encourages the trainer and handler to think of what is required, then break it down into simpler steps before building those steps up into the required result.

Or as a movie director would say “I need him to gallop up to his mark, rear up then turn and run off again” and you the clicker trainer will hear, gallop to mark and halt “Click” Rear “Click” turn and gallop off “Click.” The three steps needed to complete the movement.

Simple isn’t it?

Kate Hinton is CEO of ThatHorse.com which is a one stop shop for everything equine. She is also the author of ‘The Essential Guide to Selling Your Horse’ which is a must have if you are looking to sell a horse. Visit http://www.horse-selling-guide.com to purchase your copy today!

Author: Kate Hinton
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Guest blogger

I’m just curious. We all know they love apples, carrots, grain, peppermints, etc, but what are some strange things your horse(s) like to eat?
My horse particularly loves a good piece of baclava but really any baked good she smells she goes crazy for. She tried a hamburger once at a show but didn’t like it much, haha

I also know my friend’s horse enjoys a good chicken sandwich if it’s available.

I’m just curious. We all know they love apples, carrots, grain, peppermints, etc, but what are some strange things your horse(s) like to eat?
My horse particularly loves a good piece of baclava but really any baked good she smells she goes crazy for. She tried a hamburger once at a show but didn’t like it much, haha

I also know my friend’s horse enjoys a good chicken sandwich if it’s available.

One of the joys of happy horse relationships is offering your four-hoofed friend a tasty morsel. However, there is as much difference of opinion about whether or not one should feed horses treats as any other aspect of horse training. If you would like to share cookies, carrots, and other equine delicacies with your horse, here are a few basic rules and concepts to consider.

Treats Are Not Rewards

Unless you are teaching your horse to do tricks, and small bits of feed are used as reinforcement for teaching specific cues, horse cookies are best used only on special occasions. The main objection lodged against feeding horses carrots and apples is that it teaches horses to bite and may cause horses to get pushy as they search for another cookie.

Don’t Associate Treats With Work

Horses work to earn their living, just like the rest of us. If your boss started giving you a bonus every time you showed up to work you would get pretty upset the next time you clocked in and there was no bonus. Horses are no different. A treat is just that, something special. Bring your horse’s favorite snack out when they are thinking of nothing other than you. Not getting tacked up, not getting a bath, not getting into the trailer… but when there’s nothing on their little equine mind but you. You are presenting your horse with a gift, not a paycheck.

Safety First

Offer treats with your hand open, fingers together, and palm up. Provide a little support as you let the horse’s lips take the treat from you. Sure, some folks have their horse take a carrot from between their own teeth – that’s a trick. Some people can also do a full reining pattern bareback and bridleless. If your experience doesn’t measure up to the experts, choose the safer road.

Be aware of your horse’s expression and body language. If you even get a whiff of pushiness or impatience, walk away. You always get more of what you reward. If your horse begins to demand that cookie, and you give it to him, you have just taught him to be more demanding the next time. Treats are a gift, not dinner.

Unless your horse is soft and obedient, no treat.

Three’s A Crowd When There Are Treats

If there are other horses around at cookie time, be careful to note their reactions in addition to those of your horse. Feeding cookies to more than one horse at a time requires you to stay in control of where all the hooves are. If you don’t have the leadership established to direct who gets the first cookie, etc, then don’t take a chance. Horses can get rough with each other and with you if there’s a cookie to be had.

Best Horse Treats

Horses are not all born knowing that carrots and apples make good treats. There are many commercially prepared treats available. Some horses like peppermints, some prefer gingersnaps. Many horse cookies have nutritional supplements in them. How many and how often you feed treats, as well as how big your cookie budget is, will determine what will be on your horse’s cookie menu. The best horse treat is the one your horse likes most. You won’t have any trouble figuring out which treats your horse prefers.

Carrots as Hydration

There are good reasons to use carrots as a source of hydration rather than as a treat. When trailering long distances or for horses who don’t drink well tied to a trailer, you can use carrots as a way to supplement your horse’s water intake.

The easiest way to teach young horses to eat carrots and apples is by feeding them to their mother before they’re weaned. If Mama loves carrots, Baby will learn to as well. For older horses, break carrots into one-inch pieces and mix in their grain or pellets during their regular feeding time. Start with just a few pieces at a time. Most horses will eventually learn to eat carrots, and then you can feed larger pieces when you are concerned about maintaining hydration.

Treats Are Special Gifts

Whenever you’re confused about whether or not to feed your horse treats, just think about what is appropriate for children. We don’t give special presents to a kid having a tantrum. We don’t reward a child who is sulky or stubborn. Horse treats are special gifts, that’s why they are called ‘treats.’

Just use your common sense – make that ‘horse’ sense, and both you and your horse will enjoy sharing treats.

Whether the topic is personal success or training stallions, Lynn Baber brings years of experience to readers and audiences. Highly credentialed in issues of leadership, relationship, and most things equine, Lynn has a unique perspective not found elsewhere. Read excerpts from Lynn’s latest book, “AMAZING GRAYS-AMAZING GRACE: Pursuing relationship with God, horses, and one another” at http://www.AmazingGrays.us. It may also be found on Amazon.com. Lynn is a retired equine professional and is a director of Amazing Grays Ministry.

Author: Lynn Baber
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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