Is there a support group for animal trainers like Trainers Anonymous? I need them! Yes, I have to admit it: I am addicted to the sound of the click. First of all: a click means \”Horse, you did the right thing\” and that means that I, the trainer, have booked a success, too. And I […]
Help, I am addicted to the Click Read More »
Work, this word has a negative association for a lot of people. \”Work\” has to be \”hard\”, \”long\” and involves \”no fun\” activities. If you are riding your horse or training him, do you refer to it as \”work\”? And what associations do you have with that word anyway? Think about it. If Kyra \”works\”
Does your horse have to \”work\” or does he have a \”job\” to do? Read More »
Years ago deworming meant stress for me and my first pony. Sholto was not really hard to deworm, but I had to be cautious. He could move his head down in a split second and sometimes that meant that I pinched the syringe in his palate. Or, I emptied the syringe while he was moving
Deworm your Horse in 6 Easy Steps Read More »
In clicker training you use the clicker to teach new behaviours and every once in a while to confirm established behaviours. Let your click always be followed by a reward, even if your timing was wrong. That\’s \’part of the deal\’. The receiver, the horse, determines the reward. Not the trainer. We can reward our
7 Tips for Clicker Trainers Read More »
When you are interested in trying clicker training one of the first questions is: what should I teach my horse? I suggest teaching a brand new behaviour which isn\’t dangerous. If you start experimenting with a new training method start with a simple lesson. There are 7 Key Lessons that are perfect building blocks to
Look at this perfect painting of Kyra made by Aafke Brouwer, talented artist! Thank you for the portrait, Aafke. I can recommend getting in touch with Aafke if you would like a perfect piece of Art of your own horse! Kyra is the reason I started this blog. I started blogging my training logbook here
Positive reinforcement training is all about giving a reward to reinforce the behaviour you want more of. The key word is giving. If you have never used a bridge signal before, you start with the simple act of giving. In return you will get your horses\’ attention. Then \’training\’ can begin. Introducing a bridge signal (click) When
Clicker training 101: Introducing and using cues Read More »
Many people think that clicker training means you have to reward with food. And that rewarding with food equals a \’mugging horses\’ or that food rewards will turn their horse into a biting disaster. To prevent mugging and biting behaviour we must teach the horse some rules. As I pointed out in my previous post
Clicker training 101: Rewards and Jackpots Read More »
I use reward-based training to teach horses what I want them to do. I must say it works like a charm and I don\’t need whips, carrot sticks, spurs, swinging or wiggling lead ropes or shouting \”Hey!\” in my horses face anymore! What a relief that is! And Kyra works more willingly than ever. Today
What is Equine Clicker Training Read More »
#1 Keep on breathing As instructor I often see that riders improve instantly if they start breathing again. If a rider is concentrating or \’doing her best\’ they hold their breath. What impact does that have on their body? If you hold your breath you get tense in a lot of places. If you flex your
5 Tips to improve your riding immediately Read More »
