Mantra learns the first step of cart training using positive reinforcement. To purchase this video please visit us at TheBestWhisperIsAClick.com
Mantra learns the first step of cart training using positive reinforcement. To purchase this video please visit us at TheBestWhisperIsAClick.com
interesting
How long would it take to get the horse used to the cart, and harnesses etc?
I know this sounds basic, but really and truly it depends on the horse, the trainer and the skill level of both.
What would you reccomend for a horse that can’t have treats? Due to being prone to founder..
great question! There are many hay types that come in pelleted form. I use Timothy hay pellets to train because it is a part of their diet and I do NOT feed extra. In other words they are training and being paid with their daily ration of food. You could train with hay itself, but it takes too long for them to chew and so the training goes slower. Still, if it is your only option you can go with that. good luck!
that was really good! I new about clickers for dogs but never thought to use them with horses! When I end up training a horse I’ll think about using a clicker.
That’s great! You’ll be pleased with the results!
i dont get it..how com everytime something clicks u give him treat?? wats clicking and where is it??
Good question! The “clicks” happen every time he does something I like. I’m holding a little box that makes the sound. I made the sound louder for the video so you could tell when I’m clicking. The horse has learned that the CLICK means “good job–keep doing that.” After I click I give him a bite of food and so he keeps trying to get me to click/treat by doing things I like. Pretty cool way of training.
thanks for your comment
This has been a very valuable valuable lesson for me. I use a clicker with my dog but never thought of using it for my mini horses. How young can I start cart pulling training? I have a 6 month old and a 14 month (fillys), that I’m working with. Do you use verbal commands also?
I’m soooo glad you’re thinking about using the clicker with your minis. I have found it more rewarding than imaginable. I’ve started weanlings with the clicker, certainly your minis are of a great age to learn, just make the training sessions short (to match their attention span).
Many different opinions on age for pulling a cart, but I like them to be at least 3 before pulling the weight. Still, the training and prep can happen way before that!
best of luck!
What a day! Bathed 2 minis that have never had a bath before. I finally gave up on clicking for this exercise.. not enough hands for hose, treats, clicker and directing horses in right direction! Tomorrow I’ll resume training Buddy to be lead pony on my carousel. Thanks for the great videos.. I’m learning so much that I’ve fallen in love all over again with my minis!
LOL…yep…lots of things to negotiate. BTW….I use a popping sound with my tongue when I find I’ve got too much stuff and not enough hands. Works fine.
Glad you’ve found joy in your minis again! Thanks for sharing.
Where is part 2? Also – I am working on this stuff with my mini, but I am fairly new to clicker training and don’t really see anyone actually clicking once the horse gets going hitched up – I mean, do you really keep stopping and getting out to treat, and what motivation does the horse have if you don’t?
LOL…you know…that’s a darned good question!
Part 2 is partly filmed, partly trained. Lots of other training/projects on the table. In a nutshell, once a behavior is really trained, you don’t need to click as often. Part 1 really shows the beginning stages, so lots of clicking going on.
Once hooked up, I will continue to have support for the horse, and that person will click/treat until things are stable. Then I fade the treats. On occasion I will click/stop/get out and treat. But that’s me!
I’ve been clicker training my mini, she’s 1 1/2 years old. I’m finding that she’s getting mouthy, that most times when a hand nears her mouth, she expects food, even when there is no clic,k. Any suggestion to nip the mouthing in the bud? I’m training her in hopes to become a registered therapy team with Delta Society and mouthing is something that would get us marked Not Acceptable and that marking means we’d never be able to try being evaluated ever again.
There is a lot of info. on the web about handfeeding for your clicker trained horse. The biggest contributors I see to mouthy behavior are:
Broken clicks – people forget to treat sometimes.
Treating too close to your body; I advocate extending your arm so the horse’s head is forward (in most cases).
You also need to teach your horse the “Leave it alone” game. Please research carefully; I would hate to see her get marked Not Acceptable.
Great video and tons of information, thankyou for sharing it !
Thanks…for those checking out my videos, be sure to check out “abirdslife” videos as well. Good stuff!
I am so happy. I have ordered my clicker for my miniature and I can’t wait to get it!
Good on ya!
Come visit my facebook page called Clicker-Training-Horses and join in on the fun.
Is there any downside to clicking with the tongue, which leaves the hands free?
@glovie2 There is research to suggest that using a verbal marker for TRAINING a behavior is not quite as effective as the sound from the box clicker. Once the behavior is trained, then it doesn’t seem to matter what kind of marker you use.
I think they adapt really quickly to the tongue click….that’s my experience anyway.
Thanks for asking!
Be sure to watch Mantra in his newest video – Part Two of the series!
that was so cute, nice job! TY for posting and making this. Tooo Cooool!