Below, meet Peanut, TWH. He is a trimming client of mine and a clicker wonder. These photos were taken in the early spring of 2007 when this naturally-boarded horse was still wearing his winter coat. Here Peanut demonstrates two behaviors.
Can You Lower Your Head? is a Foundation Exercise. He lowers from the slightest poll pressure. You can see what a wonderful stretch this is for the top line. We teach the head lowering from a variety of cues, some that transfer nicely to riding. Why? Because a horse with his head down, is a calm horse.
Secondly Peanut has learned to put all four feet on a small stand. What trust he must have in his trainer!
Below, Can you touch the target is another Foundation Exercise. Here Peanut offers to touch the “dressage wand” when it is placed above his head. This is an advancement from touch it right around and below his head. Extensions of this exercise are: Can you walk while touching the target (TTT)? Can you back while TTT? Can you stretch to the side and TTT? Can you reach between your front legs and TTT (one way to teach the bow)? See Alex’s books for more suggestions.
A horse who can touch and follow a target can also touch a Scary Objects while on the trail. These exercises form a basis for desensitizing work: walk over water, walk over tarp, touch flapping tarp, walk through a wall of moving plastic flaps, etc.
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My twh was Parelli trained “to the max”. It did not address that he could be nervous around people. He would do what was asked but never relaxed. I introduced TTT, working maybe 5 min. at a time 2 or 3 times a day for only a few days. The flies were bad and he needed to be sprayed. I sprayed the ground beside his hoof and he bolted (he was at liberty in a large pen). I waited while he tho’t the situation over, clicked and rewarded when he came back to me. He then allowed me to spray him all over. When I was done, another click and reward. The farrer came a week later and was amazed at how relaxed he was. She could always feel the tension in his legs. I was equating the TTT with reward for responding to requested actions but it goes much deeper than that.
Joan…Honestly I have not found anything close to clicker training that gives the horse and me a mutual language. I haven’t done Parelli but I have integrate TTT in my body work. I was working with a hypersensitive TB the other day. And if I rewarded him for a minimal, acceptable touch, he took his reward and wanted to get into the game. Just last night I was playing with a friend’s mini while she rode. This little guy was essentially feral when she got him and still doesn’t care for strangers. But by the end he followed me around, touched my hand (the target) and finally let me pet his neck and withers. I just did whatever he could handle.
I would encourage you to check out Alex Kurland’s information as its critical to get the mechanics of clicker down. People can really frustrate the horse if their timing is not correct. I image she has a great DVD. She is Thorough!
Have fun!
Dawn
How wonderful to find a site combining clicker training with hoof care.
Hertha…thanks for stopping by. I am all about living with my horse in a companionship that works for both of us. Lately I am into body work, which lead me to energy work. I was already communicating as a novice and that has improved. One thing leads to another!
BTW I have been negligent in transferring my Blog Posts from the Easy Care site to my site. If you are interested they are under the title, Notes From the Field. I even slipped one in on clicker training!!!
Have a great winter,
Dawn
Hi and nice to see you here! I need to add a lot on my clicker work! My own boy is quite the genius. Most folks think he is more dog than horse as he LOVES running through his repertoire..include giving me Big Slobbery Kisses.
Stop Back,
Dawn!