You Can Train Your Horse to Do Anything!

The "On Target" method of training combines the basics of clicker training with a step-by-step target system that assures training success for horses of any breed or any age - the emphasis of which is on giving a positive reward rather than simply removing a negative stimulus.

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Everyone involved with horses wants them to consistently behave well and perform to the best of their ability and knowldge. But, as is all too well known, many horses simply do not cooperate, and this is because they are not motivated to do so. The "On Target" training system aims to change their attitude. The "On Target" method of training combines the basics of clicker training with a step-by-step target system that assures training success for horses of any breed or any age. Clicker training initially motivates a horse to perform correctly because the handler rewards him every single time he does what is required. Later the horse will come to associate the sound of the clicker with an upcoming reward, so the rider can "tell" the horse that he has performed correctly without having to stop and immediately give him a treat. This frees the rider to continue the movement he/she is performing while communicating to the horse that he is doing it right.Target-training takes reinforcement of correct behaviour a s tage further. The "target" is a tool - either fixed to a stationary object such as a fence or held in the trainer's hand - that the horse learns to focus on completely. Because the horse is motivated to perform well to gain his reward, he can be trained to happily follow the person holding the target.