Tips on Training Horses With Clickers

Clicker training can be remarkably effective for teaching animals of all kinds, including horses, what you want them to do. Positive reinforcement is at the heart of clicker training, and consistent training and kindness allows you to teach your horse all kinds of behaviors, from good ground manners to advanced movements under saddle.

  1. Small Food Rewards

    • Most horses are motivated by food, and that makes it easy to pair clicker training with small rewards of food. Thinly sliced carrot slices work great, since they are easy to keep in your pocket and easy to feed to your horse. Small slices of apple work well also, as do bite-sized commercial horse treats. Use the food reward in conjunction with the clicker to reward the horse when it does what you want. The horse soon learns to associate this expected behavior with a positive experience in the form of a treat.

    Make a Plan

    • Horse training is all about having a plan, and clicker training is certainly no exception. To get the most out of your clicker training, you need to map out exactly what you are trying to achieve. Make specific goals before you start each training session, then use the clicker and your food rewards to accomplish that behavior. Be as specific as you can about your goals -- for example, "I want the horse to side pass three steps to the right and three steps to the left." or "I want the horse to walk calmly and without lugging on the lead shank." Reward those positive behaviors with a food treat, or with a pat on the neck or a scratch behind the ears.

    Reward Anticipation

    • In the mind of your horse, hearing the clicker is an indication that a reward of some kind is on its way. Whether that reward is a sliver of carrot, a slice of apple or a scratch on the neck, the horse associates the sound of the clicker with a reward. You should not use the clicker until your horse has performed the behavior you want. Always use the clicker to indicate that your horse has done something well, then follow up on that sound with a reward.

    Consistency is Key

    • Consistency is the key to success when training animals, horses included. Your horse will quickly become frustrated if you reward a particular behavior sometimes but not always. To be successful as a trainer you need to read the subtle cues your horse gives you and use those cues to make your training as consistent as possible. Reward the horse when it tries to do what you want, even if the result is less than perfect. Over time the horse will get better, especially if you provide consistent rewards and guidance through the use of the clicker and your rewards.