Posts Tagged ‘Shortcomings’

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

Part 2 – Relaxation with Elasticity & Suppleness

In part 1, I described rhythm as the first step in the Training Pyramid of Dressage. I explained the hoof fall in the different gaits and how important rhythm is as the basis of the training of your horse.

The next building block is Suppleness & Relaxation. The same rule applies here; Practice Makes Perfect and a good coach on the ground will help you hind your shortcomings and work through them.

It is important to continually and gradually put a horse through a series of gymnastic exercises in his flatwork. This will not only quietly and gently supple the horse, but will increasingly engage the hind quarters as they build muscle, strength, and energy. This will result in bringing the horse more and more on the bit and ultimately result in collection.

This is not done overnight. A horse is an athlete. Just like you, when you start a sport or an exercise regime, you start slow. You jog 1 mile at first and work it up till you can run the marathon.  You stretch, a little at first, and become more limber when you keep it up. That is the same for the horse.

There are two types or suppleness for the horse: longitudinal and lateral.

1. Longitudinal suppleness is the looseness of the horse’s haunches, back, neck, poll, and jaw. The suppler a horse is longitudinal, the more adjustable he becomes in his length of stride while maintaining rhythm. We accomplish this through repeated changes in length of stride, forward and back while maintaining forward motion and rhythm.
2. Lateral suppleness is the degree to which a horse can ‘bend’ his body and neck around the circle. It really has more to do with balance than actual bend. A balanced horse learns to stay on a 20m circle without leaning his shoulder to the inside of the circle or swinging his haunches out. It is accomplished by lateral exercises including leg yields and shoulder-in. These types of exercises increase the flexibility and movement of the hocks, stifle, shoulder, back and neck.

There are many other exercises you can do to accomplish basic suppleness and balance. When done right, a rider can through repeated, appropriate work–accompanied by reward, never harshness and force–turn a stiff and uncooperative horse into a supple and obedient horse.

These exercises are simple, based on circles, turns, up- and down transitions, and lateral work. The more up- and down transitions you do, the more responsive your horse becomes, making him softer, more balanced on the hind quarters, obedient and energetic.

Ultimately we are looking for the horse to start using the big muscles that go over his back and through his neck so he can start engaging his hind legs more and carry the energy from his hind legs over his back and into your hands.

Most of the work and training in this stage is still done in the trot. The better the trot work – (1.) rhythm, (2.) suppleness & relaxation with balance-the better the canter will be. The trot can help you lay the foundation for the next levels in the Training Pyramid of Dressage.

And now I would like to invite you to find out more about Dressage and get your FREE eBook “What to Do In Time of Emergency – A Guide & Workbook for Families with Horses” at http://www.PerformingHorse.com.

Now Go Out And Ride!

Monique Myers for http://www.PerformingHorse.com.

Author: Monique Myers
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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