Here are the Horse Clicker Training supplies that every trainer should have in their toolkit, no matter their level of experience.
Horse Clicker Training supplies are a great way to make the communication between you and your horse even more clear, and way more fun. Horses like games, who knew?!
As someone who is just starting their clicker journey, all the new information and techniques may seem overwhelming.
However, the right tools can make all the difference in your training sessions!
In this article, we’re going to explore the five essential horse clicker training supplies that every trainer, no matter their level of experience, should have in their toolkit. And the best news is: it’s REALLY affordable!
Paws & Manes is dedicated to promoting force-free, positive reinforcement training and the overall well-being of our horses.
We’re here to empower you with the knowledge and tools you need to create a harmonious bond and a horse that’s more than happy to work with you. So, I’m not going to gatekeep!
This post is all about the essential horse clicker training supplies, which enhance the effectiveness of your training sessions.
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The Five Essential Clicker Training Supplies
1. The Clicker
At the core of clicker training is, of course, the clicker itself. This simple device is essential for the shaping of behavior. There are various clickers on the market. Personally, I like these ones with a wristband and round buttons the most!
In short: the clicker is a bridge that links your horse’s action with the impending reward. It provides clear, immediate feedback, allowing your horse to discern the precise behavior you are reinforcing.
2. A Target Stick
Something I carry with me every training session. The target stick is a versatile tool that aids in shaping your horse’s behavior. It can be used for lots of things, from shaping movement, hip targets, lunging, to shaping a completely unrelated behavior like jumping a parcour. The uses are endless! And the best part, it can be anything. A stick with a tennis ball on top, a fly swatter or a duster like the ones above, pool noodle… I prefer telescopic ones like the examples though. It’s a very nice feature for when you need a shorter or longer target. These are all in one!
Purpose of a Target Stick
The target stick can be seen as a guidance tool. By presenting the target to your horse, you can direct their movement, encourage them to reach specific positions, or guide them through intricate maneuvers. It acts as a non-invasive, clear communication tool. Quite the opposite of forcing them to go in a direction by using a whip or your “energy”.
Fun Fact: Horses only see the colors blue and yellow. They see the rest in hues of gray. So, by choosing mainly yellow or blue tools, they are much more clear for your horse!
3. A BIG Treat Pouch!
The significance of a treat pouch in clicker training cannot be overstated. Believe me, the pockets of your jacket and jeans, are not enough!
Why a “BIG” treat pouch, you might wonder? Because you will need a lot of room for the amount of food you’ll be using! It’s also a huge plus to have different compartments for different values of rewards. Keep in mind to use rewards that suit your horse. For most horses, hay pellets or even loose hay, are already rewarding.
A treat pouch needs to be efficient. It provides quick access to your horse’s rewards, which is important. Additionally, it promotes seamless training without the hassle of fumbling for treats. Not a fan of the one above? Give this spacious treat pouch a look!
4. The Plufsig Mat (or Any Yoga Mat)
Another important piece of equipment: the IKEA Plufsig mat, or any similar mat, is a multifunctional gem in the world of clicker training. It can be used for many different things.
Proprioception Exercises
Mats are exceptional tools for proprioception exercises. These exercises help improve your horse’s spatial awareness, balance, and overall body control. Placing the mat in different positions or asking your horse to step on and off it challenges their body in positive ways, promoting physical development.
The Mat as an End Station/Stationary Target
This is what most trainers buy the mat for. In clicker training, clear and visual cues are key. Mats can serve as an end station of a series of behaviors, or a stationary target, where your horse is expected to remain until given a cue to move. Most horses love the mat!
5. A Stationary Target
Purpose of a Stationary Target
Whereas a target stick is handheld, a stationary target is unmoving. It holds the same advantages as a target stick, but without the need for you to move with them. This can create a sense of independence and confidence in horses.
In the picture above, the orange cone is the stationary target, and the end point of this exercise. This creates the motivation to move forwards with a clear goal!
Using a stationary target (standing or a mat) as start button
Stationary targets can also be used as a start/stop button. In cooperative care or riding for example, clicker trainers want to create a way to give the horse freedom of choice. By teaching them a start and stop button for certain behaviors, the trainer only goes through when the horse touches the “button”, and immediately stops when they use the stop button.
This is very effective and even helped solve a lot of trauma in horses.
FAQs
A. Do You Need to Use a Physical Clicker?
The answer is short: no! Although, it is recommend to use a physical clicker when you’re first starting out. This way, you’ll learn the art of timing better.
Verbal markers are just as effective, but you need to make sure it’s short, clear and you don’t use them as often when you’re just talking.
Examples are: “Ex!”, “Yes!”, or a tongue click (this is what I use the most). When you’re more experienced, you can even add a marker like “Yassss Queen” if you would like 😉
C. Do I Have to Carry Food Forever?
Well, you don’t have to. But I do highly encourage you to always use food when training. It’s a vital element in positive reinforcement training.
Before I switched to this way of training, I used to carry a lot of other things. Wips, carrot sticks, a halter and rope etc.
When you look at it that way, I now only have a treat pouch on me and nothing else I actually need to hold on to. Win win, in my opinion 🙂
READ MORE: Clicker Training Horses: The Reasons Why It Outshines Conventional Methods
Conclusion
In this article, we’ve delved into the essential horse clicker training supplies that can make all the difference in your R+ training journey.
The five essential clicker training supplies, including the clicker itself, the versatile target stick, the spacious treat pouch, the invaluable mat, and the reliable stationary target, are the foundation of clicker training tools. These empower you to communicate effectively with your horse, creating a clear setup and a happy-to-work horse.
In conclusion, by incorporating these essential tools into your training kit, you are taking a significant step toward becoming a confident and skilled horse clicker trainer. We encourage you to explore the use and theory behind horse clicker training, and we’re here to support you every step of the way! It’s an incredibly fun and rewarding journey.
Thank you for joining, and I hope to be a part of your continued success in the world of horse clicker training.
If you have any questions, please let me now by leaving a comment and I’m happy to answer it!
This post was all about the 5 essential horse clicker training supplies every trainer should have!
Elke
Got the treat pouch! Thanks for the recommendation, I was looking for something exactly like this 🙂