Clicking with Charlie

Well I am still working through my Ben Hart book printed matter is not my favourite as my eye condition makes printed text challenging to read unless the light is perfect. That said I like the man and what he is saying so that's a good start.

My initial training I attempted on the yard and it would appear that the mere act of tying my horse up and getting ready to click reward brings every flipping horse noise and distraction onto the yard. I was sticking to a rule that he only got a click and reward if he had done something and chose step forward. I was purposely tying him up where he is shod as the ultimate is to get him farrier savvy. Then it appeared to me he was getting a little snatchy. He wasn't understanding the point and tried 'When you tie up here I get sweeties.'

Today I read the page on target training where Ben commented on the error of using the same hand as the target for treats so is the horse sniffing your target or the treat smell. I read on and made my plan to move location and get stuck in to using a  stick target instead.

Using a school as recommended would not be ideal as we are in the hysterical land of winter school use particularly as the dreaded yard board had the statement ALL HORSES IN UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. I can't say I am surprised the fields are dire and they all line up at the gate waiting to come back in.

Stable it is then. I planned ahead. 

1. Remove hay 

2. Bum bag with ickle bits of apple

3. Clicker

4. Homemade target - Stick with half litre plastic milk carton taped to it.

What else do I need that's everything isn't it? Oops no I also needed my victim Charlie the Poshcob.

Charlie stood gazing at me with a resigned look of 'Need Hay Now' on his face.

I introduced the milk carton.

'Good Grief what is that I want hay' he moved away snorted and then sniffed it. I decided that counted so did click reward. We repeated this twice and then he decided if I was going to keep making him sniff a milk carton he would sulk at the back of the stable instead.

We repeated it a little more and it appeared to make him think. Then he had a plan he decided he would just have the treats. I stood patiently with my elbow covering the bum bag and said NO.

Thank heavens I have a horse who understands English. I reiterated that in order to get a click and a treat he had to sniff the milk bottle. I think he was getting the idea. We will have to see.

So what have we gained today.

I have learnt to be very patient.

It does appear to make him think.

It's something else to do with him when they are grounded due to averse weather.

His gorgeously handsome next door neighbour Jake was intrigued and gazed adoringly through the bars. He had a look on his face that seemed to say 'I'll kiss a mIlk bottle for a treat.'

Charlie has learnt that I am just a little bit bonkers but I think he started to realise he had to earn his treats.