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April Nickelson
Clickryder list March 22, 2002
I was struggling with a abused thoroughbred cross, trying to develop the communication skills necessary for trust to develop. I researched clicker theory, asked friends and family where I got mixed reactions, and in the end I followed my heart and gave it a try.
It has been instrumental in the development of proper communication, and ultimately the development of trust. I trust him and he trusts me because we finally understand one another. It has moved us to a new level of performance, and I am so grateful to have these doors opened for me and my horse.
I don’t know of a more humane, easy to understand method of communication than the clicker. After working with it for a few weeks, you begin to understand the amazing capacity your horse has for learning. They are truly proud of themselves for giving the right answer, especially when THEY know it is right. I am amazed as well, at the fun things that can be done during a lesson rather than all work, and the impact it has on their work under saddle just from taking time to play.
I cannot thank you enough for your work and enlightenment on this subject that is very close to my heart.
Darcy Donahue
Clickryder list March 22, 2002
I got started clicker training as I am physically disabled and could not do a lot of training with my horses any longer. While I am still very limited in what I can do, it has opened doors for me that once were shut.
I also used it for rehabbing my EPm mare. She was terrified of backing for fear of falling and had trouble “feeling” where her legs were. She even had to be taught how to use her mouth to eat again. With clicker training - she seemed to foget about her own disabilities and concentrate on her abilities instead. Today I have a lovely, fairly well-balanced mare that you would hardly know as an EPM horse. Not sure she would have come so far without the motivation it gave her. I have my beloved Sadie back.
(Darcy has organized several clicker clinics for me at her home in Bruington VA. She has been a wonderful ambassador for clicker traing. Her Morgan colt, Jake, is featured on the “Introduction to Clicker Training” video.)
Suzanne Bassinger
Clickryder list March 22, 2002
What got me started? A four year old thoroughbred gelding that was aggressive . . . I was not a novice handler, but being charged and bitten was a new one to me. I needed new skills to deal with this horse, and I wound up experimenting with new techniques: Parelli, Dorrance/Desmond techniques, “natural horsemanship” . . . they all have their positives and negatives, but none of them opened any new avenues of communication between this horse and myself - and his aggression and resentfulness continued. In my search for information, I came across your (Alexandra’s) website, and the rest is history.
The simple act of teaching this particular horse to back away from someone, on cue, gave him a new behavior that was comfortable to him, and safe for humans, and his aggressiveness began to recede. clicker training also taught ME the importance of timing, timing, timing, timing, and timing! Especially with a bright and eager, but easily frustrated horse. It really drove home the truth that it is 99.9% of the time the TRAINERS fault (or responsibility) when something doesn’t turn out right.
*** One very important aspect of clicker training - I believe it is one of the very few training methods that is capable of really changing the trainer’s attitiude . . . and thereafter the subject’s (in this case the horse). Instead of waiting for the “wrong” response, or the “wrong” behavior, we are always watching for the “right” thing, EXPECTING the right thing. I believe that shift in expectation is extremely powerful - the positive expectation ITSELF leads the subject to positive behavior.
Paula Carter
Dolphin Ecology Project
Clickryder list March 22, 2002
I am a retired marine mammal trainer, and have used clicker training with dolphins, seals, sea lions, dogs, horses, ducks, my husband. Clicker training makes communication between human and animal so much more clear. It builds a relationship based on trust, as the animal eventually learns to trust that the trainer will not ask for more than the animal is capable of doing and encouraging confidence.
One of the best things about this type of training is this: when watching a trainer work with an animal, an observer should be able to follow what the trainer is reinforcing and shaping, without narration. If you can’t figure out what the trainer wants, then most likely neither can the animal. On the other hand, it is a joy to see a trainer work effectively with an animal, and see the animal offering behavior that indicates he understands the game. And it IS fun for both!
Part Five: What's New/Special Events/Articles
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