You Can Train Your Horse to Do Anything! : On Target Training - Clicker Training and Beyond

Author: Karrasch, Shawna

Computing & information technology

Published on 1 January 1800 by * (N/A) as part of 'the Unknown' series.

Everyone involved with horses wants them to consistently behave well and perform to the best of their ability and knowldge. But, as is all too well known, many horses simply do not cooperate, and this is because they are not motivated to do so. The 'On Target' training system aims to change their attitude. The 'On Target' method of training combines the basics of clicker training with a step-by-step target system that assures training success for horses of any breed or any age. Clicker training initially motivates a horse to perform correctly because the handler rewards him every single time he does what is required. Later the horse will come to associate the sound of the clicker with an upcoming reward, so the rider can 'tell' the horse that he has performed correctly without having to stop and immediately give him a treat. This frees the rider to continue the movement he/she is performing while communicating to the horse that he is doing it right.Target-training takes reinforcement of correct behaviour a s tage further. The 'target' is a tool - either fixed to a stationary object such as a fence or held in the trainer's hand - that the horse learns to focus on completely.

Because the horse is motivated to perform well to gain his reward, he can be trained to happily follow the person holding the target.